THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	196
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP PROGRAMS TO RECAPTURE, RETAIN, AND SHARE THE CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL KNOWLEDGE OF LIMU KALA.

 

 

     WHEREAS, limu is an important component of a healthy and productive reef ecosystem; the base of the marine food chain; a key indicator of the health and resilience of an ahupuaa; and a critical part of many marine life habitats, especially limu kala; and

 

     WHEREAS, four endemic species of limu kala are found in Hawaii:  S. echniocarpum, S. hawaiiensis, S. obtusifolium, and S. polyphyllum; and

 

     WHEREAS, limu is used as a vitamin-, mineral-, and fiber-rich food source; in traditional medicine, especially as a treatment for minor cuts and scratches; and in cultural ceremonies, with limu kala specifically being used in the conflict resolution process of hooponopono and in the protection of ocean voyagers; and

 

     WHEREAS, limu kala is seasonally abundant and commonly found in many intertidal and subtidal habitats, including tidepools and reef flats in areas with moderate to high wave action; and

 

     WHEREAS, limu kala is used as a traditional bait for reef fish, including the kala unicornfish; and

 

     WHEREAS, much of limu-based cultural knowledge has been lost over many generations due to a lack of knowledge and awareness of the significance of limu, hindering work or efforts to increase the State's population of nearshore fish; and

 

     WHEREAS, there has been a steep decline of limu throughout the State and a correlating decline in the number of nearshore fish in the waters of the State; and

     WHEREAS, learning, retaining, and sharing cultural and environmental knowledge about limu will benefit nearshore fisheries and all residents of the State for many generations; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2022, that the Legislature, recognizing the Governor's declaration that the year 2022 is the year of limu, urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop programs to recapture, retain, and share the cultural and environmental knowledge of limu kala for the people of Hawaii; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Limu Kala; Hawaii State Limu