Story perspectives

Local Advocate Pushes for Limited Honu Harvesting Rights

11/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Mac Poepoe, a Molokai resident, advocates state-managed, limited cultural harvesting of honu.
Honu are federally protected due to past overfishing.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists honu as least concern, yet U.S. law treats them as endangered.
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has requested changes to federal regulations to restore these rights.
Local discussions continue about sustainable practices and preserving cultural connections to honu.

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Story summary

Mac Poepoe, a Molokai resident, advocates state-managed, limited cultural harvesting of honu.
Honu are federally protected due to past overfishing.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists honu as least concern, yet U.S. law treats them as endangered.
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has requested changes to federal regulations to restore these rights.
Local discussions continue about sustainable practices and preserving cultural connections to honu.