When thinking for and with Fed, we may need to think about ourselves, Hawaii, too.
If Fed interest is so high, then, in return for giving up our business interest, we should have demanded more compensations, e.g. in other Fed programs in and/or for Hawaii, (not to mention alternative? compensation to those fishery).
How about more fed money and leniency on our controversial Rail project, although our corruption or mismanagement issue, which may be related to Rail, may also need to be worked on by ourselves.
We need more politicians who can work INTER-dependently with Fed.
We don’t need “yes-men” among our politicians.
I know sometimes politics may not be easy, and you may need to work together with colleagues; (and sorry to say this); but, (among others), Shame on you, Senator Shatz.
Shame on you, Governor Ige.
At least, you should have explained more clearly to People of Hawaii, what is (are) specifically better for Hawaii, in such expansion and designation, (more than environmental effect, which may have not been much scientifically proven).
Note: There may be not much practical benefits for Hawaii, in exchange for the expansion of the marine monument. E.g., co-ownership? or co-stewardship of the monument may not do much good other than superficial? benefit.

Civil Beat’s article, “The Fight Over Papahanaumokuakea Just Escalated”