HJR 18: ESTABLISH FISHING COMMUNITY AT ADAK Number 018 CHAIRMAN VEZEY read the title to HJR 18 and invited its sponsor, Representative Carl Moses, to the table for his comments. Number 024 REPRESENTATIVE CARL MOSES, PRIME SPONSOR of HJR 18, outlined the intent of HJR 18, that being to establish the rights of private fishermen to utilize the harbors and facilities of Adak Naval Air Station. He reminded members fishermen had access to Finger Bay at Adak 15 years ago, and said allowing them use of the facilities again would aid the industry. Number 050 CHAIRMAN VEZEY asked Representative Moses if any additional information on the federal government's intentions for Adak was available. Number 058 REPRESENTATIVE MOSES stated Adak faced a 10% reduction in 1993, and that $30 million in contracts for expansion had been cancelled in the fall of 1992. Number 068 CHAIRMAN VEZEY asked if there was any news regarding the Congressional Base Closure Committee's intentions. Number 070 REPRESENTATIVE MOSES stated Adak was not mentioned in the latest round of closures. REPRESENTATIVE FRAN ULMER asked if the intent of HJR 18 was for eventual state ownership of the facilities or just access to them. Number 080 REPRESENTATIVE MOSES hoped for access to the harbor and that access to tie-ups would be beneficial to the fishing community. Number 100 REPRESENTATIVE ULMER asked if the Navy had been contacted. REPRESENTATIVE MOSES replied in the negative. Number 109 REPRESENTATIVE HARLEY OLBERG asked about the restrictions placed on vessels coming to Adak. Number 111 REPRESENTATIVE MOSES explained boats could not enter the harbor except for emergencies. He hoped to regain access to docks, as well as commissary privileges for crews. Number 135 REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG asked the status of land claims by the regional Native corporation. Number 140 REPRESENTATIVE MOSES stated to his knowledge, all claims had been made, but the potential for land exchanges between corporations and the government were always possible. Number 165 VICE CHAIRMAN PETE KOTT expressed concern over the message sent to the Defense Department. He stated it seemed Alaskans might be conceding the closure of Adak. He also asked if there was any fiscal impact with allowing a fishing community. Number 182 REPRESENTATIVE MOSES noted the community at Adak was already developed, with a harbor, as well as the infrastructure of a modern city. Number 192 REPRESENTATIVE GARY DAVIS MOVED passage of HJR 18 from committee. There being no objections, HJR 18 was PASSED by a 7-0 vote.