2000-07-14                     House Journal                      Page 3839
HB 429                                                                       
Given the failure of the legislature to pass HB 104 and SB 143, I have         
reluctantly signed HB 429 into law.  It serves as a stopgap measure to         
avoid the chaos, and probably the complete closure, of these two               
fisheries that would have resulted from a return to open access.               
                                                                               
                                                                               
A long-term solution for these particular fisheries, and the availability      
of good tools and options for managing other evolving fisheries in             
Alaska is critical.  This will require the passage of legislation in the       
next two years in order to have a workable program in place prior to           
the new expiration dates under HB 429.  Repeated moratorium                    
extensions will not provide a solution.  Such an approach would create         
further uncertainty in these fisheries and would eventually raise              
constitutional issues as well.                                                 
                                                                               
                                                                               
I urge you to work with the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission              
and the Department of Fish and Game to ensure legislation is passed            
next session to provide the tools needed for the sound management of           
Alaska's diverse fisheries.                                                    
                                                                               
                                                                               
							Sincerely,                                                              
							/s/                                                                     
							Tony Knowles                                                            
							Governor"                                                               
                                                                               
                                                                               
HB 437                                                                       
A message dated May 11, 2000, was received stating the Governor has            
signed the following bill and is transmitting the engrossed and enrolled       
copies to the Lieutenant Governor's office for permanent filing:               
                                                                               
HOUSE BILL NO. 437                                                            
"An Act relating to the reinstatement of Native corporations; and             
providing for an effective date."                                              
                                                                               
Chapter No. 31, SLA 2000                                                      
Effective Date:  May 12, 2000