HFSH - 03/01/95 HB 165 - QUALIFICATIONS FOR BOARD OF FISH MEMBERS Number 648 CHAIRMAN AUSTERMAN suggested a working group be established for the number of bills that are similar to HB 165. He further stated tha this bill would be heard, but not moved out of committee. Number 655 REPRESENTATIVE PETE KELLY, Sponsor of HB 165, testified, "The bill essentially provides for demographic representation on the Board of Fish. It calls for at least one, but not more than two persons who reside in each of the following areas: Southeast, Southcentral, Western, Interior and Arctic; one person, but not more than two from each of the following groups: Commercial, subsistence, personal and sport fishing; one person, but not more than three who are public members, who do not have a vested economic interest in the utilization of the fishery resources in the state." He emphasized, "It is not necessarily a representative board that we're putting here together, but we're just trying to prevent the exclusion of entire areas and interest in this state. CHAIRMAN AUSTERMAN questioned Representative Kelly about the number of people that would serve on the Board of Fish. REPRESENTATIVE KELLY responded that a member could be commercial, but also be from the Southeast region, and fill both recommendations with one person. Number 697 REPRESENTATIVE OGAN observed, that the structure of this bill looked similar to the Big Game Services Board. TAPE 95-14, SIDE A Number 000 DALE BONDURANT testified via teleconference from Soldotna, against HB 165 because it appeared to be convoluted as to its makeup. He indicated that it gets even more complicated when it gets down to the section on public members. He closed with these comments, "I would like to see one person, one vote type of thing." Number 067 MS. ROBINSON testified via teleconference from Port Alexander, that the PAF&GAC opposes HB 165. She declared, "The suggested membership composition does not solve the board problems, because not all gear groups and regions can be adequately represented on a seven member board." Number 103 BRUCE SCHACTLER testified via teleconference from Kodiak, in opposition to HB 165. He believed that this bill would continue to polarize into special interests, the entire Board of Fish. Number 166 REPRESENTATIVE KELLY asked Chairman Austerman if he would like him to come back and participate in the working group. CHAIRMAN AUSTERMAN indicated that it was up to him. Number 175 REPRESENTATIVE DAVIS asked if Representative Kelly could give a short synopsis for those still on teleconference. REPRESENTATIVE KELLY responded in regard to HB 165. He stated, "What it's designed to do is guarantee that the commercial fishermen are represented. So that the same thing doesn't happen say to the commercial fishermen, that might have happened to the Interior." He further stated, "Where people get confused with this, and rightfully so, is that there are more categories here, than there are board seats." He explained, "It gives the Governor, the special interests, whoever, some latitude in letting the users of the resource be represented, maybe in greater numbers." He went on to list all the various cities that recent appointees to the board are from, since 1990. Number 255 CHAIRMAN AUSTERMAN suggested that the teleconference participants direct specific questions on how the bill is being drafted, to Representative Kelly in written form. He further indicated that HB 165 would be held as previously indicated.  ADJOURNMENT CHAIRMAN AUSTERMAN adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m.