The need to sensibly regulate the state's near-shore fisheries is beyond dispute. Both the Legislature and the Lingle administration are now grappling with one aspect of the problem, focusing on several reef fish species whose popularity has made them vulnerable to overharvesting: parrotfish (uhu) and goatfish (weke).

A Senate bill, SB 378, would establish a bag limit of two fish per day, as well as increased minimum-size limits, for certain species taken off Maui. It's a well-intentioned effort, endorsed by several environmental groups, to take swift, decisive action.

But the administration's approach is more sensible: The Department of Land and Natural Resources wants to develop a broader strategy to protect fish at risk. To inform the effort, it is holding hearings statewide to get input from the public. The result, it's hoped, will be a comprehensive management plan tailored to specific conditions on each island and the needs of those who use this resource.

The rules must go beyond bag and size limits. They should include no-catch areas where fish populations can be replenished; a public education campaign, enlisting local communities to help manage coastal resources within the law; stronger enforcement; and rules that fit the specific needs of recreational, subsistence and commercial fishers.

The need for better fishing regulations should not be doubted. Both species show signs of decline as their popularity as food sources appears to be growing. More people are catching more fish using high-yield methods, such as nets, traps and night spearfishing (when uhu are sleeping and defenseless).

A 2008 study published in the journal Environmental Conservation found compelling evidence that overfishing — rather than environmental degradation — was the primary culprit in the decline of popular reef fishes in the main Hawaiian islands.

Hawai'i's reef fishes, and the coral reefs themselves, are a precious resource on all islands. Sustaining them for future generations depends on efforts from all islands as well.