Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 7, 1 July 2016 — Mālama Papahānaumokuākea [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Mālama Papahānaumokuākea

During our May 26th Board of Trustees Meeting, we were faced with the debate of supporting the expansion of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. It had recently eome

to our team's attention that President Obama may be considering taking aehon to expand the existing boundaries of the monument in his final months in office. I also grew to understand that this was a very nuanced and complicated debate among our communities. While there is significant research highlighting the environmental and cultural significance of the area, there are also many others who fear intrusion on their fishing

practices. After hearing many hours of testimony from both those in support and in opposition, the OHA Board of Trustees approved conditional support of the expansion of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument with a provision that OHA is elevated to the status of Co-Tmstee. Furthermore, OHA urges viewing Papahānaumokuākea as a significant cultural area andalso encourages that the expansion does not include southem areas near Kaua'i and Ni'ihau. This conversation brought back many fond childhood memories to mind when I would go spearfishing with my Unele. It was my responsibility to be the "bag girl" - pulling the floater along with all the fish we had caught! Little did I know at the time, that this is what the manō would eome after! In all the times I was "bag girl," I was never harmed; I was probably protected by my 'aumakua. It was through experiences like these that I now continue to understand the importance of the oeean as a resource to sustainability. In times of over-fishing for commercial use, I recognize the importance of creating spaces where we ean ensure that these resources are not only available for our use today, but also for the future generations. I understand the eoneem for impeding on subsistence and commerical fishing needs.

What informed my vote on May 26th, however, was the fact that when asked, I learned that only 5 percent of long-line catch comes from Papahānaumokuākea. As supporters informed us, this preservation area will force many to re-evaluate the via-

bility of current fishing practices so that we ean fish in a sustainable manner - just as our kūpuna did i ka wā kahiko. We must preserve and create abundance in the area not only for Hawai'i, but as means to set an example for the world. Likewise, the expansion of Papahānaumokuākea will create the largest conservation area in the world. Supporters also point to several groundbreaking aspects of this

movement. For arguably the first time, natural and cultural resources are seen as one in the same, integrating traditional and contemporary sciences where Federal and Native Hawaiian researchers andpractitioners are working together. This partnership honors our 'ike as kānaka, carving out space for its inclusion in science. Currently, OHA sits on the Monument Management Board with Keola Lindsey as the head of OHA's Papahānaumokuākea Program. OHA's current official Board position highlights the elevation of OHA as the 4th Co-Trustee of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument; garnering support from the Governor and various other agencies. OHA's involvement in this eapaeity allows more oversight and contribution to the management of the area. While there will certainly be sacrifices to be made for the expansion of Papahānaumokuākea, the space will also undoubtedly preserve resources. This expansion also highlights the partnership of culture and science in a non-intrusive manner; urging both loeal and federal agencies to cooperate to fulfill a mission. I would like to take the time to mahalo all those who work tirelessly to research, protect, and advocate for our 'āiina and resources and engage in partnerships advocating for our people. My sincere mahalo to eaeh of you. ■

Carmen 'Hulu" Lindsey TrustEE, Maui