House leader not a done deal, Oshiro says
State Rep. Marcus Oshiro says it’s not clear yet who will lead the state House despite an announcement by former speaker Rep. Joe Souki that he has the votes to reclaim the post.
Oshiro said in a statement Friday the organization of the House won’t be official until the 51 members vote at the start of a new legislative session in January.
The Democrat says there’s still time to consider who is best to lead the House. Oshiro served as House Finance Committee chairman in the most recent session.
Oshiro says it concerns him Souki has offered leadership positions to members of the Republican minority in exchange for their support.
Souki, a Democrat, said Wednesday he’s forming a coalition with Republicans and will return as House speaker.
Amaama fishing season to close till March
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the season for amaama, or striped mullet, will be closed from Dec. 1 through March 31.
"Amaama are about to enter their peak spawning season, which increases their vulnerability to fishing pressure," said William Aila Jr., DLNR director. "The annual winter closure is designed to help the fish reproduce successfully and protect the species from overfishing."
Violations of the size or season restrictions can result in fines of up to $500 and 30 days in jail, plus up to $100 for each fish taken.
"We ask the public’s kokua in complying with the closed season," Aila said. "While it’s DLNR’s job to protect our marine resources, everyone shares in the responsibility to take care of important fish species like amaama to ensure their survival into the future."
Copies of statewide fishing regulations for amaama and all other marine species are available in Honolulu at the DLNR-Aquatics office, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 330, and at all neighbor island DLNR-Aquatics offices. Fishing regulations can also be found on the Division of Aquatic Resources’ website at hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.
To report fish catch size or net violations, call 643-DLNR (643-3567).
NEIGHBOR ISLAND
Grants offered to aid Maui’s small towns
The Maui County Planning Department is taking applications for $243,000 in small-town planning grants.
The grants would go for projects providing direct benefits to the county’s small towns: Haiku, Hana, Kaunakakai, Keokea-Waiakoa, Lahaina, Lanai City, Makawao, Paia, Waihee, Waikapu and Wailuku.
Each town would be eligible for about $22,000 because the department wants to hand out equal grants for projects in each town.
The department will receive proposals through December and will make its first round of awards in early 2013.
From January through March, proposals will continue to be accepted. Those towns that did not receive an award in the first round will receive top consideration for awards during the second round. From March through June, any remaining funds will be used for awards for any town.
The request for proposals and application form are available on the county’s website www.mauicounty.gov/index.aspx?nid=121 under Hot Topics.
Planning Department staff are also available to give presentations to community groups. Contact the department at 270-7735.
