State Land Board Rejects O’ahu Aquarium Fishing Final Environmental Impact Statement

 Following more than four hours of testimony from dozens of people, the Board of Land and Natural Resources voted not to accept a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) submitted by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.

The Oʻahu aquarium fishing industry proposed, and the FEIS evaluated the environmental impacts of, the issuance of 15 Commercial Aquarium Permits and 15 Commercial Marine Licenses for aquarium fishers on O‘ahu. The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources had recommended acceptance of the FEIS.

Board members raised concerns about discrepancies between the FEIS and a draft environmental impact statement; the lack of adequate community and cultural consultation; and a lack of adequate analysis of the impacts of the proposed aquarium fishing on the environment.

The proponents will have an opportunity to review the Boards concerns and determine whether to revise the EIS to address them.

Six board members voted to deny the FEIS, and one abstained.