Posted at 2:01 a.m., Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Hearing set for rules on ballast water management
Advertiser Staff
A public hearing has been scheduled for tomorrow to establish new regulations for all oceanic vessels coming to Hawai'i with ballast water holds that may contain alien aquatic species which could pose a threat to Hawai'i's native species.The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is hosting the meeting.
"Alien aquatic species pose one of the greatest threats to Hawai'i's waters and coral reefs. They have the potential to harm our marine ecosystem, negatively impact Hawai'i's economy and pose serious public health problems,"Allan Smith, DLNR interim chairperson, stated in a news release.
"Every day, large ships and barges come to Hawai'i. These vessels carry ballast water to provide stability to ships. History has shown that ballast water has been one of the primary methods for alien aquatic species introductions throughout the world," Smith stated.
The 10 a.m. hearing is at the Kalanimoku state office building, 1151 Punchbowl St. in the DLNR Boardroom room 132.
All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing to present relevant information and individual opinion for the DLNR to consider. Persons unable to attend or wishing to present additional comments, may mail written testimony by Friday, July 13, 2007 to the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 330, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813.
The proposed draft rules in Hawai'i Administrative rule Chapter 13-76 can be viewed online at the Division of Aquatic Resources website at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/notices.htm
For further information, or to obtain a copy of the proposed rule changes, contact the Division of Aquatic Resources at 587-1000, or write to the above address.
