Bill > HR168

This Resolution urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to create programs aimed at recovering, preserving, and disseminating the cultural and environmental knowledge associated with limu kala, a type of seaweed crucial to Hawaii's reef ecosystems and marine life. The resolution highlights that limu kala is not only a vital part of the marine food chain and a habitat for various sea creatures but also a valuable food source rich in nutrients, used in traditional medicine, and plays a role in cultural practices like hooponopono (a process of reconciliation and forgiveness) and the protection of ocean voyagers. Despite its importance and seasonal abundance in intertidal and subtidal areas, much of the knowledge about limu has been lost, contributing to a decline in both limu populations and nearshore fish numbers. By developing these programs, the DLNR is encouraged to help ensure that this knowledge benefits future generations, supports nearshore fisheries, and contributes to the overall health of the state's marine environment, especially in light of 2022 being declared the year of limu.