HONOLULU (07 March 2025) Fishing in the Pacific Islands isn’t just a way of life—it’s a legacy, a livelihood and a connection to the ocean that sustains our communities. But when policies change or challenges arise, those who rely on fishing to feed their families or for their livelihood feel the impact first. That’s why your voice matters now more than ever.

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is hitting the road to meet directly with fishing communities across Hawai‘i. These meetings aren’t just about policies—they’re about real people, real issues and real solutions. Whether you’re a commercial fisher, a weekend angler or simply care about the future of local seafood, this is your chance to speak up, ask questions and be part of the conversation. Federal fishery managers, industry leaders and fellow fishers will be there to listen, share updates and work toward a stronger future for Hawaii’s fisheries.

“Fishing is deep-rooted here in Hawai‘i, as it is part of our culture and tradition, it provides food to our tables and contributes to our economy,” said Gil Kuali‘i, Hilo fisherman and Advisory Panel vice chair. “For me, you gotta be engaged otherwise things happen and you don’t get a say.  Fishing is what we do, who we are…either you participate or cut bait!”

Key Topics of Discussion

• Voice of community in future fishery management decisions
• Impacts of ecosystem and resource changes on fishing communities
• Small-boat fishing issues such as distrust in data use, aging fleet, infrastructure and need to integrate fishermen into decision-making
• Duplication and/or void in federal and state fishing regulations, adverse policies, access limitations and support of fishery development

Meeting Schedule:

• Kona, HI
  Date: March 13, 2025 (Thursday)
  Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (HST)
  Location: King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona
• Hilo, HI
  Date: March 14, 2025 (Friday)
  Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (HST)
  Location: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr., Hilo
• Community meetings across the remainder of the Hawaiian Islands will be scheduled in late April and May 2025.

The Hawai‘i Advisory Panel meeting will also be held March 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Major agenda items include uku catch limits for 2026-2029; deepwater shrimp and precious corals catch limits for 2025-2028; Hawai‘i and American Samoa longline fisheries crew training and electronic monitoring updates; and longline and small-boat scenario planning, regulatory review and community consultation project discussions.

We invite community members to participate in these vital discussions. Your voice matters as we work together to navigate changes and enhance the fishing community’s future.

For more information, please contact Mark Mitsuyasu (mark.mitsuyasu@wpcouncil.org, 808-479-6357) or Zach Yamada (zach.yamada@wpcouncil.org).