Bill limits activities on Managaha Island

A legislative proposal designating Managaha island and its surrounding waters as a conservation area will limit the use of the popular tourist destination from such activities as fishing and motorized boating in a bid to safeguard the historical and cultural significance of the area and its resources.

The legislation sponsored by Rep. Heinz S. Hofschneider will carry fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of not more than one year for violations of the proposed law which came after months of environmental assessment of the island.

Under House Bill 11-500, Managaha and its waters will become a marine conservation area governed by strict management programs to be implemented by the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and its various divisions.

“These management programs shall ensure that areas such as Managaha Island and its surrounding waters continue to exist as protected recreational and educational areas; safe habitats for fish and other marine life,” the bill said.

Activities to be restricted by the measure include:

– fishing and harvesting other marine resources, except for seasonal runs of local fish species like atulai, i’i, tiao and manahak;

– use of fishing nets and other fishing equipment, except for the seasonal runs where talaya and rod/reel will be required;

– operating motorized watercraft within the boundaries of the area, except where designated by DLNR; and

– water activities.

The bill will also require the creation of Water Quality and Marine Resources Monitoring Protocol to be administered jointly by DLNR and the Divisions of Fish and Wildlife and Environmental Quality.

Hofschneider also proposed mandatory educational trips for both the public and private schools to Managaha as well as inclusion of the study in their curriculum. Public education and visitor awareness will also be conducted by the island management.

Funding for the agency, except during the firs year, will come from the $5 landing fee imposed by the government per visitor to Managaha.

A major tourist attraction, the island has come under close scrutiny in recent months following concerns of possible erosion and damage to marine resources due to influx of tourists who flock to its beach to swim and snorkel as well as ride in such watercraft as banana boat.

Millions of dollars in revenues are generated each year from these tourism activities as more than 350,000 visit the island annually for a day trip that can cost around $60.

Managaha also was a center of controversy early this year because of the law that will favor locally-owned companies in operating concessionaires there.