HB 134-PROTECTION OF SALMON SPAWNING WATER 10:11:02 AM CHAIR SEATON announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 134, "An Act relating to conservation and protection of wild salmon production in drainages affecting the Bristol Bay Fisheries Reserve; and providing for an effective date." [The motion to adopt CSHB 134, Version 25-LS0381\M, Kane, 2/22/07, was left pending at the 2/28/07 meeting.] [The motion to adopt CSHB 134, Version 25-LS0381\O, Kane, 1/22/08 was left pending at the February 18, 2008 meeting.] 10:11:22 AM VAL ANGASAN said that he opposes Version O, as it attempts to change land-use permits that date back to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). He asked that the committee not adopt measures which would impede, restrict, or prohibit current legal mining developments in Southwestern Alaska. He explained that the land selections in Alaska are premised on the economic value, including mineral deposits. He asked that the committee consult with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assure that the constituents concerns are addressed. 10:14:42 AM WASSILLIE ILUTSIK said that he opposed HB 134 because it will put restrictions on the village corporations, and on private landowners, for any kind of economic development. He explained that there is very high unemployment in the villages. He related a story of his drinking the river water, with the water tasting like gasoline, and realized how many sport fishing boats are on the river. 10:18:23 AM REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked Mr. Ilutsik if he would support the bill if it banned all water pollutants, including outboard motors. MR. ILUTSIK said he would like to see all water pollutants, including the outboard motors, eliminated. 10:19:31 AM STEVEN ANGASAN, Naknek Village Council, said that Naknek is against HB 134. This bill would lead to "division in an already divided region." He asked if the legislature could pass regional-specific legislation. He explained that the economy of the area is in trouble, and HB 134 would ban economic opportunities. He relayed that seven to eight mines are in the development stages in the Bristol Bay region. He inquired if passage of the bill would exempt the mines already in development, or would the state pay compensation for the loss of economic development. He asked if there were studies as to the constitutionality of the laws. 10:24:01 AM CHAIR SEATON closed public testimony. [HB 134 was held over.]