Aloha Narissa,

I am sure you mean well.  However, please understand that expanding the monument is not as simple as has been presented by its advocates, and it will significantly affect local people.  Especially small-scale fishermen on Kauai who depend on the area for bottomfish and ahi. This could potentially destroy some peoples' livelihoods, including Hawaiians.  Nor is the science a "no-brainer".  There is a long history of management and data collection within the US EEZ by NOAA.  Much of this does not support the idea that closing the entire area to Hawaii-based fishing vessels will serve the interests of conservation.  As a fisherman I firmly believe that our future lies in science-based management, not arbitrary ocean closures.

This is a complex issue, and I would encourage you to take the time to speak with and listen to those who will be affected by the President's decision before endorsing this proposal wholeheartedly.  Is this something you'd be interested in doing?