As part of our Malama I Ke Kai plan, we have developed our own application for the designation of Kipahulu Moku as a CBSFA, which we submitted in late 2019.

One of the reasons why Kipahulu Ohana chose to pursue a CBSFA designation for our moku, and why we support a CBSFA for Mo’omomi, is that of the various types of fisheries management areas available under state law, Hawaii’s CBSFA designation formally recognizes local communities as valued partners in protecting natural resources and is the only type that reaffirms and protects traditional and customary practices for subsistence and culture as part of the basic purpose of the fisheries area.

It isn’t just about the biology and healthy fish populations; it is about maintaining the resources so that they support the traditional lifestyle of the people.

Like our East Maui communities, we know that the ‘ohana of the Ho?olehua homestead and the surrounding areas have and continue to rely upon fishing and gathering of marine resources for their subsistence and well-being. The health and resilience of the fishery is integral to ensuring that subsistence, cultural and religious practices continue for current and future generations.

We encourage those who support the sustainable management and traditional Hawaiian practices on the north shore Molokai to submit a letter of support to CBSFA@hawaii.gov.

Scott Crawford

Executive Director

Hana