STATEMENT BY MAUI REPRESENTATIVE MCKELVEY ON VETO OF MOLOKINI CONSERVATION BILL

Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey (West Maui, Mā‘alaea, North Kīhei) released the following statement on Gov. David Ige's veto of his bill to limit commercial permits at Molokini.

"I am very disappointed that my bill to limit the number of commercial use permits for the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District has been vetoed. HB 1133 would not only have been good for the environment and business but would also benefit tourism by making a visit to the shoal a better experience for visitors.

"Policy should be set by the legislature to allow for public input and transparency and not by the DLNR which chooses to hold limited public hearings and arbitrarily decide what standards to use. We are not in the business of cutting off the public from government. While there are concerns about the size of boats under the current permit system, nothing in this measure prohibits the DLNR from addressing this issue in rules pursuant to the statute being passed, as it should be. 

"I do, however, agree with the Governor on his veto of HB 1032, which would have paved the way for private ownership of the state-run Manele Harbor. It is imperative that this public resource remains in the public's hands and that any private/public models be pursued in other areas where they have more support of the community through extensive dialogue."