ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES  March 12, 2015 10:07 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Louise Stutes, Chair Representative Neal Foster Representative Bob Herron Representative Charisse Millett Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins MEMBERS ABSENT  Representative Craig Johnson Representative Dan Ortiz COMMITTEE CALENDAR  HOUSE BILL NO. 128 "An Act establishing August 10 of each year as Alaska Wild Salmon Day." - MOVED HB 128 OUT OF COMMITTEE PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION  BILL: HB 128 SHORT TITLE: ALASKA WILD SALMON DAY SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) EDGMON 02/27/15 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 02/27/15 (H) FSH, RES 03/12/15 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM CAPITOL 120 WITNESS REGISTER REPRESENTATIVE BRYCE EDGMON Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 128, as Prime Sponsor. PATRICK MARSHALL Craig, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 128. HAYLEY STUMPF Craig, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 128. SHANNYN BIRD Fairbanks, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 128. MARILYN ROMANO, Regional Vice President Alaska Airlines Anchorage, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 128. ACTION NARRATIVE 10:07:43 AM CHAIR LOUISE STUTES called the House Special Committee on Fisheries meeting to order at 10:07 a.m. Representatives Stutes, Foster, Kreiss-Tomkins, and Herron were present at the call to order. Representative Millett arrived as the meeting was in progress. 10:08:19 AM HB 128-ALASKA WILD SALMON DAY  CHAIR STUTES announced that the only order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 128, "An Act establishing August 10 of each year as Alaska Wild Salmon Day." 10:08:32 AM REPRESENTATIVE BRYCE EDGMON, Alaska State Legislature, introduced HB 128, as prime sponsor, stating that the choice for August came after consultation with representatives from a variety of interest groups, including fishing organizations and the travel and visitor industry. The month of August hosts two other state recognized days, and appears to be an appropriate time to recognize the virtues that wild salmon contribute to Alaska. Many states celebrate resource icons recognized in their areas, such as Iowa corn, Texas beef, or Maine lobster. Alaska deserves to have a day to recognize wild salmon, a resource that is, without dispute, an iconic representation of Alaska. REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked about the choice for the tenth day of the month. REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON responded that it was chosen randomly. CHAIR STUTES opened public testimony. 10:12:59 AM PATRICK MARSHALL testified in support of HB 128, stating that as a fisherman and seasonal fish packer, salmon is an important part of his everyday life and it deserves a day of recognition and celebration. 10:13:31 AM HAYLEY STUMPF testified in support of HB 128, and disclosed that her family is directly involved in the tourism industry, as owner/operators of a commercial lodge. In advocating for this bill, she stressed that it will provide an avenue for Alaskans to show respect and gratitude for the important presence that salmon holds in their lives. 10:14:35 AM SHANNYN BIRD, testified in support of HB 128, and said there is statewide support for salmon as it represents a common pride to be celebrated. Additionally, the date coincides with the Fairbanks, Tanana Valley Fair, which may prove helpful in promoting the celebration in the interior. 10:16:03 AM MARILYN ROMANO, Regional Vice President, Alaska Airlines, testified in support of HB 128, and said the airlines officially supports an official recognition day for salmon. Alaska Airlines for decades has supported both sport and commercial fishing in Alaska and, as part of doing so, has painted a 737 jet aircraft with a salmon motif as a visual display of that support; the "salmon thirty salmon." Further, the company looks forward to celebrating this iconic symbol of Alaska with particular events planned for the decorated jet on the appointed day. CHAIR STUTES closed public testimony after ascertaining no one further wished to testify. 10:17:22 AM REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT moved to report HB 128, 19-LS0563\W, out of committee with the individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note. There being no objection, HB 128 was reported from the House Special Committee on Fisheries. 10:17:55 AM CHAIR STUTES thanked the day's participants, particularly the young witnesses that came forward. 10:18:13 AM ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business before the committee, the House Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at 10:18 a.m.