UIPA.org

West Hawaii Open Areas

Request to:
Department of Land & Natural Resources
Law used:
State of Hawaii UIPA
Status of this request:
Request Successful
Summary of Request
Aloha, This request is directed at Kona DAR which drafted the reports mentioned below. Various reports in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2019 have included data on aquarium catch as a % of the open area population for most of the white list species. The 2010 report included the following explanation for how the amounts were determined: "Most aquarium collecting in West Hawai’i occurs primarily in mid-depth ranges. While abundance and conditions can and will alter collecting depths, Tissot and Stevenson (2010) reported that the majority of aquarium fishers collect between 41’- 59’. A population estimate was thus made based on a depth range of 30’-60’ (open area = 7.08 km2) which makes fixed transect data highly appropriate (Table 14). Added advantages are that survey sites span a considerable portion of the West Hawai’i coastline and include both open and closed areas.” “Mean densities for 34 species on the white list for which adequate data existed were calculated for the period 2007-2009 at open survey sites. A GIS was used to determine the total area of hard bottom reef in the 30’ -60’ depth range that was open to aquarium collecting. Open areas at the extreme north and south parts of the West Hawai’i coast were excluded due to the remoteness of the areas and the difficulty of operating and collecting there. Total populations were the product of open area density X open area (7.08 km2). This population was then related to the average catch of the species for the period 2005-2009.” For that 2010 report, the West Hawaii open area was 7.08 km2. (see Long-Term Monitoring of Coral Reefs of the Main Hawaiian Islands, Final Report, 2009 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, State of Hawai’i Monitoring Report, NA06NOS4260113, 10/01/2006 - 09/30/2010). In 2013, that number had changed to 10.55 km2, but no explanation for the change was provided (see Long-Term Monitoring of Coral Reefs of the Main Hawaiian Islands, Final Report, 2009 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, Hawaiʹi Island Monitoring Report, NA09NOS4260100, 10/01/2009 – 12/31/2012) In a 2014 report the open area size was not defined (see Report to the Thirtieth Legislature, 2015 Regular Session, Report on the Findings and Recommendations of Effectiveness of the West Hawai'i Regional Fishery Management Area) In a 2019 report referenced in the West Hawaii DEIS for aquarium collecting, the open area size was not defined. I am requesting the following: 1. An explanation (and any supporting evidence) for the differing open area sizes used in the 2010 and 2013 NOAA grant reports to estimate open area populations. 2. For each of the 4 reports mentioned above, the values that were used in the equation (open area density X open area) for estimating yellow tang populations.

Messages in this request

From Rene Umberger (For the Fishes)
Subject Records Request for Department of Land & Natural Resources: West Hawaii Open Areas [#286]
Date Dec. 10, 2019, 9:39 a.m.
To Department of Land & Natural Resources
Status Awaiting response
Attachments
Aloha, Pursuant to the public records law, I would like to request the following records in electronic format sent to my email address.
Aloha, This request is directed at Kona DAR which drafted the reports mentioned below. Various reports in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2019 have included data on aquarium catch as a % of the open area population for most of the white list species. The 2010 report included the following explanation for how the amounts were determined: "Most aquarium collecting in West Hawai’i occurs primarily in mid-depth ranges. While abundance and conditions can and will alter collecting depths, Tissot and Stevenson (2010) reported that the majority of aquarium fishers collect between 41’- 59’. A population estimate was thus made based on a depth range of 30’-60’ (open area = 7.08 km2) which makes fixed transect data highly appropriate (Table 14). Added advantages are that survey sites span a considerable portion of the West Hawai’i coastline and include both open and closed areas.” “Mean densities for 34 species on the white list for which adequate data existed were calculated for the period 2007-2009 at open survey sites. A GIS was used to determine the total area of hard bottom reef in the 30’ -60’ depth range that was open to aquarium collecting. Open areas at the extreme north and south parts of the West Hawai’i coast were excluded due to the remoteness of the areas and the difficulty of operating and collecting there. Total populations were the product of open area density X open area (7.08 km2). This population was then related to the average catch of the species for the period 2005-2009.” For that 2010 report, the West Hawaii open area was 7.08 km2. (see Long-Term Monitoring of Coral Reefs of the Main Hawaiian Islands, Final Report, 2009 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, State of Hawai’i Monitoring Report, NA06NOS4260113, 10/01/2006 - 09/30/2010). In 2013, that number had changed to 10.55 km2, but no explanation for the change was provided (see Long-Term Monitoring of Coral Reefs of the Main Hawaiian Islands, Final Report, 2009 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, Hawaiʹi Island Monitoring Report, NA09NOS4260100, 10/01/2009 – 12/31/2012) In a 2014 report the open area size was not defined (see Report to the Thirtieth Legislature, 2015 Regular Session, Report on the Findings and Recommendations of Effectiveness of the West Hawai'i Regional Fishery Management Area) In a 2019 report referenced in the West Hawaii DEIS for aquarium collecting, the open area size was not defined. I am requesting the following: 1. An explanation (and any supporting evidence) for the differing open area sizes used in the 2010 and 2013 NOAA grant reports to estimate open area populations. 2. For each of the 4 reports mentioned above, the values that were used in the equation (open area density X open area) for estimating yellow tang populations.
[... Show complete request text] Rene Umberger (For the Fishes)
  1. 4 years, 11 months agoDec. 10, 2019, 9:39 a.m.: Rene Umberger (For the Fishes) sent a message to Department of Land & Natural Resources.
From DLNR CO UIPA – Department of Land & Natural Resources
Subject RE: Records Request for Department of Land & Natural Resources: West Hawaii Open Areas [#286]
Date Dec. 17, 2019, 2:59 p.m.
Status Request resolved
Aloha Rene, Just to let you know that I had a discussion with Reginald Kokubun about your record requests. He informed me that he has a hard time to comply with the timeline now because of the workload and vacancies. He lost two staff members in the past few months, and another key member is retiring the end of the year. On top of that, he's preparing for the next WESPAC meeting and reports now. So there will be some substantial delay in handling your requests. He now looks forward to pick it up in February. Hope you understand. Mahalo! Bin C. Li Administrative Proceedings Coordinator Department of Land & Natural Resources 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 131 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Tel 808-587-1496, Fax 808-587-0390 <<email address>> …
-----Original Message----- From: Rene Umberger < <name and email address> > Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 9:40 AM To: DLNR CO UIPA < <name and email address> > Subject: Records Request for Department of Land & Natural Resources: West Hawaii Open Areas [#286] Aloha, Pursuant to the public records law, I would like to request the following records in electronic format sent to my email address. Aloha, This request is directed at Kona DAR which drafted the reports mentioned below. Various reports in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2019 have included data on aquarium catch as a % of the open area population for most of the white list species. The 2010 report included the following explanation for how the amounts were determined: "Most aquarium collecting in West Hawai’i occurs primarily in mid-depth ranges. While abundance and conditions can and will alter collecting depths, Tissot and Stevenson (2010) reported that the majority of aquarium fishers collect between 41’- 59’. A population estimate was thus made based on a depth range of 30’-60’ (open area = 7.08 km2) which makes fixed transect data highly appropriate (Table 14). Added advantages are that survey sites span a considerable portion of the West Hawai’i coastline and include both open and closed areas.” “Mean densities for 34 species on the white list for which adequate data existed were calculated for the period 2007-2009 at open survey sites. A GIS was used to determine the total area of hard bottom reef in the 30’ -60’ depth range that was open to aquarium collecting. Open areas at the extreme north and south parts of the West Hawai’i coast were excluded due to the remoteness of the areas and the difficulty of operating and collecting there. Total populations were the product of open area density X open area (7.08 km2). This population was then related to the average catch of the species for the period 2005-2009.” For that 2010 report, the West Hawaii open area was 7.08 km2. (see Long-Term Monitoring of Coral Reefs of the Main Hawaiian Islands, Final Report, 2009 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, State of Hawai’i Monitoring Report, NA06NOS4260113, 10/01/2006 - 09/30/2010). In 2013, that number had changed to 10.55 km2, but no explanation for the change was provided (see Long-Term Monitoring of Coral Reefs of the Main Hawaiian Islands, Final Report, 2009 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, Hawaiʹi Island Monitoring Report, NA09NOS4260100, 10/01/2009 – 12/31/2012) In a 2014 report the open area size was not defined (see Report to the Thirtieth Legislature, 2015 Regular Session, Report on the Findings and Recommendations of Effectiveness of the West Hawai'i Regional Fishery Management Area) In a 2019 report referenced in the West Hawaii DEIS for aquarium collecting, the open area size was not defined. I am requesting the following: 1. An explanation (and any supporting evidence) for the differing open area sizes used in the 2010 and 2013 NOAA grant reports to estimate open area populations. 2. For each of the 4 reports mentioned above, the values that were used in the equation (open area density X open area) for estimating yellow tang populations. IF SEEKING PUBLIC INTEREST WAIVER, PROVIDE PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT BELOW THIS LINE The information requested is needed to inform public comments on the West Hawaii DEIS for aquarium collecting. Mahalo, Rene Umberger For the Fishes
  1. 4 years, 11 months agoDec. 17, 2019, 2:59 p.m.: Received an email from Department of Land & Natural Resources.
From Rene Umberger (For the Fishes)
Subject RE: Records Request for Department of Land & Natural Resources: West Hawaii Open Areas [#286]
Date Dec. 17, 2019, 5:09 p.m.
To Department of Land & Natural Resources
Dear Bin, I understand. But... we need the other document I requested ASAP in order to meet the Jan. 7 comment deadline for the aquarium DEIS. That's just a matter of getting the document from Bill Walsh. Please advise. Mahalo. ... Sincerely yours Rene Umberger
  1. 4 years, 11 months agoDec. 17, 2019, 5:09 p.m.: Rene Umberger (For the Fishes) sent a message to Department of Land & Natural Resources.
From DLNR CO UIPA – Department of Land & Natural Resources
Subject RE: Records Request for Department of Land & Natural Resources: West Hawaii Open Areas [#286]
Date Dec. 23, 2019, 2:35 p.m.
Aloha Rene and Inga, We've sent you some answers to the record requests you sent us. Can you tell me if all your requests are covered at this time? If not, please let me know which parts are still outstanding. I'll push DAR to address all your request ASAP. Mahalo! Bin C. Li Administrative Proceedings Coordinator Department of Land & Natural Resources 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 131 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Tel 808-587-1496, Fax 808-587-0390 <<email address>> …
-----Original Message----- From: Rene Umberger < <name and email address> > Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 9:40 AM To: DLNR CO UIPA < <name and email address> > Subject: Records Request for Department of Land & Natural Resources: West Hawaii Open Areas [#286] Aloha, Pursuant to the public records law, I would like to request the following records in electronic format sent to my email address. Aloha, This request is directed at Kona DAR which drafted the reports mentioned below. Various reports in 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2019 have included data on aquarium catch as a % of the open area population for most of the white list species. The 2010 report included the following explanation for how the amounts were determined: "Most aquarium collecting in West Hawai’i occurs primarily in mid-depth ranges. While abundance and conditions can and will alter collecting depths, Tissot and Stevenson (2010) reported that the majority of aquarium fishers collect between 41’- 59’. A population estimate was thus made based on a depth range of 30’-60’ (open area = 7.08 km2) which makes fixed transect data highly appropriate (Table 14). Added advantages are that survey sites span a considerable portion of the West Hawai’i coastline and include both open and closed areas.” “Mean densities for 34 species on the white list for which adequate data existed were calculated for the period 2007-2009 at open survey sites. A GIS was used to determine the total area of hard bottom reef in the 30’ -60’ depth range that was open to aquarium collecting. Open areas at the extreme north and south parts of the West Hawai’i coast were excluded due to the remoteness of the areas and the difficulty of operating and collecting there. Total populations were the product of open area density X open area (7.08 km2). This population was then related to the average catch of the species for the period 2005-2009.” For that 2010 report, the West Hawaii open area was 7.08 km2. (see Long-Term Monitoring of Coral Reefs of the Main Hawaiian Islands, Final Report, 2009 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, State of Hawai’i Monitoring Report, NA06NOS4260113, 10/01/2006 - 09/30/2010). In 2013, that number had changed to 10.55 km2, but no explanation for the change was provided (see Long-Term Monitoring of Coral Reefs of the Main Hawaiian Islands, Final Report, 2009 NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, Hawaiʹi Island Monitoring Report, NA09NOS4260100, 10/01/2009 – 12/31/2012) In a 2014 report the open area size was not defined (see Report to the Thirtieth Legislature, 2015 Regular Session, Report on the Findings and Recommendations of Effectiveness of the West Hawai'i Regional Fishery Management Area) In a 2019 report referenced in the West Hawaii DEIS for aquarium collecting, the open area size was not defined. I am requesting the following: 1. An explanation (and any supporting evidence) for the differing open area sizes used in the 2010 and 2013 NOAA grant reports to estimate open area populations. 2. For each of the 4 reports mentioned above, the values that were used in the equation (open area density X open area) for estimating yellow tang populations. IF SEEKING PUBLIC INTEREST WAIVER, PROVIDE PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT BELOW THIS LINE The information requested is needed to inform public comments on the West Hawaii DEIS for aquarium collecting. Mahalo, Rene Umberger For the Fishes
  1. 4 years, 11 months agoDec. 23, 2019, 2:35 p.m.: Received an email from Department of Land & Natural Resources.
From Rene Umberger (For the Fishes)
Subject RE: Records Request for Department of Land & Natural Resources: West Hawaii Open Areas [#286]
Date Dec. 26, 2019, 10:41 a.m.
To Department of Land & Natural Resources
Thanks Bin, Just two more follow-up questions from me: Can you please have Bill Walsh or someone from Kona DAR confirm that there are no WHAP study sites in zone 100 A, and if so, how was white list abundance for that part of the coastline computed for the catch as % of population analysis? And, what was the yellow tang YOY density for 2019? Thanks so much. Rene Sincerely yours Rene Umberger
  1. 4 years, 11 months agoDec. 26, 2019, 10:41 a.m.: Rene Umberger (For the Fishes) sent a message to Department of Land & Natural Resources.
  2. 4 years, 10 months agoJan. 25, 2020, 7:18 a.m.: Rene Umberger (For the Fishes) set status to 'Request Successful'.