WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, President Barack Obama expanded the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument off the coast of Hawaii by 442,781 square miles. Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Congresswoman Aumua Amata (American Samoa) issued the following statements:
“The sweeping size of this expansion is unjustified," Bishop stated. “It will impose great harm to a critical local industry. The President once again abused the Antiquities Act so there could be no meaningful input from Native Hawaiians and regional industry. The President’s legacy may be intact - at the expense of local fisheries, cultural traditions and State rights."
"The continuation of these designations without the consultation of the local governments and industry is irresponsible and is placing American Samoa, who is already the most economically challenged state or territory in the U.S., at even greater risk," Amata stated. “Our local fishing industry, which comprises more than 80% of the local economy depends heavily on access to these waters."
Background Information:
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* Hawaii Longline Association. July. 2016.
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* “Ariyoshi, Akaka to hold news conference regarding monument expansion." Pacific Business News. 25 July 2016.
* “WesPac Defensive About Proposed Monument Expansion." Seafoodnews.com 21 July 2016.
* “Oppose expansion of Papahanaumokuakea." Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 17 July 2016.
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* “Opponents say marine monument expansion would hurt fishing industry." Hawaii News Now. 15 July 2016.
* “Feds Want Public Input on Marine Monument Expansion." Honolulu Civil Beat. 14 July 2016.
* “Papahanaumokuakea: Shatz Absurdly Wrong." Hawaii Free Press. 11 July 2016.
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* “Can We Talk About Papahanaumokuakea?" Honolulu Civil Beat. 8 July 2016.
* “Fresh Fish Important to Many Areas in Hawaii." The Garden Island. 7 July 2016
* “Unintended Consequences of Monument Expansion." Pacific Business News. 1 July 2016
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* “Bigger Reserve Won’t Cut Fish Exploitation." Honolulu Star Advertiser. 12 July 2016.
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* “More Restrictions on Fishery Not Needed." Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 28 June 2016.
* “Obama Should Say No to Expanded Marine Monument." Honolulu Civil Beat. 24 June 2016.
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* “Why U.S. Fisheries Are a Global Model of Sustainability." Honolulu Civil Beat. 5 May 2016.
