July 14, 2016 — I love fresh fish. Being born and raised in Hilo, it is only natural that I do. Ahi is a staple in our town. There is nothing like fresh poke at parties or sashimi on New Year’s Day.

It came as a surprise to me when I heard about the proposed expansion of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

We need to realize that this might have a huge effect on not just our state’s island culture, but it most likely will affect our economy as well.

As a state that relies heavily on tourism, why further cripple our economic stability by weakening the fishing industry, one of Hawaii’s only sustainable industries?

Read the full letter to the editor at the Hawaii Tribune-Herald