Disappointing coverage. WESPAC is Federal, excluded by law from influencing State legislation. A Civil Beat reporter should know that. The animal rights voice is only one of many voices supporting SB 1240. Quoting a WESPAC official and an aquarium collector who last year sold a single fish for $10,000 is not objective but random and subjective. DLNR has a history of conflicted interest on this issue. Civil Beat claims investigative journalism. This ain't that. Gathering quotes is not journalism. The vast majority of Hawaii people support SB 1240. Many now complain that it doesn't go far enough--that it's time for a ban! One top scientist feared reprisal from DLNR: "Let's just say they have a relationship bias. We need our permits." 
ENOUGH! Governor Ige, sign it!