Brian Kimata

Re: monk seal proposed critical habitat proposed ruile # 0648-BA81 I am testifying in opposition to the proposal to designate the Main Hawaiian Islands as critical habitat fpr the monk seal. Contrary to common belief, research has show that the monk seal has never significantly populated the Main Hawaiian Islands. This has been documented through time as far back as Ancient Hawaii. The federal government has had the opportunity to create a "untouched" wildlife preserve in the Northwest Hawaiian islands, against the wishes and the cultural traditions of the citizens of Hawaii. That is and should be the designated habitat of the monk seal. Now the federal government would like to intrude into the culture, lifestyle, economy, and welfare of Hawaii's citizens by designating the Main Hawaiian Islands as critical habitat. In addition to this, the federal government would like to force it's will upon the people of Hawaii by introduciing monk seal pups to the Main Hawaiian Islands. The Main Hawaiian Islands is not and has never been "critical" to the survival of the monk seal. The federal govenment has taken away a major portion of the Hawaiian Islands in the creation of it's "monument". It appears that the federal government will not be content until is controls all of the Hawaiian Island chain.