To bring public attention to the resources and values of the NWHI; to end commercial and extractive uses of the NWHI National Monument and ensure that administrative, educational and scientific activities are minimally disruptive; and to support a continuation of traditional Native Hawaiian cultural practices.

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NWHI regulations from Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 167 / Tuesday, August 29, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
(pdf, pp 51134-51142/208kB )

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument: A Commitment To Good Stewardship Of Our Natural Resources
(fact sheet, pdf 70KB, by NOAA)

Establishment of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Read the Pew Charitable Trust plan to compensate the eight NWHI fishing permitees.

View the movie!
One of the Last Wild Places on Earth.
(Flash player required)

monk seal pup

monk seal pup

 

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

White House Announces NWHI Hawaiian Name

Fulfilling the President's Vision for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument

HONOLULU: March 2, 2007

Today, Mrs. Laura Bush will announce the Native Hawaiian name of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. On June 15, 2006, the President established the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument and committed to giving it a native Hawaiian name. Mrs. Bush will announce the new name, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, in a ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii, accompanied by Governor Linda Lingle and native Hawaiian elders.

read the White House press release

President Bush Declares Northwestern Hawaiian Islands A National Monument

by Keiko Bonk, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Communications Coordinator
Honolulu: Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Late today the White House announced that tomorrow, Thursday, June 15th @ 2:00 pm (EST), President Bush will confer permanent protection for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) under the Antiquities Act of 1906 (pdf). That act of Congress gave the President his "...discretion, to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated upon the lands owned or controlled by the Government of the United States to be national monuments."

This surprise action by the President goes way beyond his expected "sanctuary" designation and will offer a measure of protection for the NWHI that can only be revoked or modified by an act of Congress. Congratulations are in order to the many individuals, organizations and members of government at all levels who have worked together in a bipartisan manner to advance this worthy goal.

Jay Nelson, Northwestern Hawaiian Hawaiian Islands Project Director for The Pew Charitable Trusts said, "The President's decision to designate the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as an ocean-based national monument is absolutely unprecedented. With a stroke of a pen, President Bush has created the largest no-take marine reserve in the world."

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