3/7/2010 Critical Testimony/Letters Needed for SB 2441

Aloha Good People; We apologize for last minute notice but we are trying to get the information out as we receive it... Please try to do what you can!
Aloha Donna,
You are the most expedient means to get this information out. Sorry to get it to you so late. Sunday faxes are accepted for the Chairman.  I'm again in receipt at last minute of the need to send letters/testimony to get this bill passed. Here is the information.
Please fax to:
Chairman Ken Ito 586-8504. Outer Islands 1-800-535-3859
Feel free to use this letter and put your info and name. The hearing is scheduled for 11:00AM Monday. Anyone that can attend should attend.
If you want to send an email letter, not as effective I am told, here is the link:

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/emailtestimony

Whatever you are able to do will make a difference.
Mahalo, Dana
(copy of Dana's letter below - use this as a base.)

----------March 6, 2010


Honorable Chair Ken Ito
Vice Chair HAR & water, Land & Ocean
Resource Committee Members

RE: Support for SB2441

Aloha Honorable Ito,

As a volunteer and supporter for the Hawaiian Monk Seal Response Team of Oahu I am writing to you on behalf of the Hawaiian Monk Seal. We are a 501c3 established response team. We are trained and respond in conjunction with NOAA, DAR, and DLNR.

Our volunteers spend many hours of the day protecting and responding to haul outs and injuries to the Hawaiian Monk Seals here on the Main Hawaiian Islands.

Because of the recent shootings and killings of our most beloved mammals, we do feel it is imperative to saving the species that the SB2441 Bill is passed. Although protected under federal law, the misdemeanor status here in Hawaii to harm or kill a HMS seems to be viewed as a slap on the wrist for these killers of innocent animals.

Please please, do not let another year go by without stronger laws in force to circumvent the idea that is not a “big deal” to harm or kill one of these animals.

Losing just one animal adds to the decline and eventual extinction of this most important part of our history here in these beautiful Islands. The HMS is important to reef health and perhaps our future for fishing, life, and keeping the beauty of our islands safe. They offer so much to the environment and perhaps, like the Humpback Whales, can offer an added incentive to tourism and show the world how much Hawaii values and protects it’s special environment and endangered species.

The seals are in such a precipitous decline that delays in their protection is crucial to saving the species. As volunteers and protectors of the seals here in the Main Hawaiian Islands we need your support and help in passing this bill. The Main Hawaiian Islands are the only hope for these special Hawaiians and we ask that you support and pass this most important bill.

Mahalo nui loa,