Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Network
Keeping Hawaii Clean, Green and Beautiful
A Sincere Mahalo to Kona Outdoor Circle & the Panelists of the Northwest Hawaiian Islands February Forum
by Keiko Bonk, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Communications Coordinator
Hawaii Audubon Society gives much thanks to the Kona Outdoor Circle
for co-sponsoring a public forum on the most recent state and federal
initiatives to protect Hawaii's northwest islands. The event was held at the
Kona Outdoor Circle community center in Kailua, Kona on February 25, 2006.
Hawaii Audubon Society gratefully thanks Congressman Ed Case, DLNR Chairman
Peter Young, NWHI Coral Reef Advisory Council members William Aila and Bill
Gilmartin, Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council (WESPAC)
member Rick Gaffney, and Rob Shallenberger, PhD, Conservation Director at the
Nature Conservancy for participating in this educational forum...
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Peter Young addressed the State of Hawaii's recent progressive action designating the Northwest Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) state waters (0-3 miles out from the islands) as a state marine refuge, free from extraction and other commercial uses. Governor Lingle signed the new rules and regulations for this protected area in September of 2005. Young also spoke of the state's initiative to designate the NWHI as a UN World Heritage Site, bringing international recognition to the NWHI for their exceptionally rare cultural and natural resources.
Congressman Case spoke about HR 2376, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Marine Refuge Act that he introduced to Congress in 2005. Case is concerned that the National Marine Sanctuaries Act would not give enough protection to the NWHI. He contends that the Refuge Act would fully protect the islands and waters 0-50 miles from the islands from all commercial fishing and other activities.
William Aila, cultural leader and fisherman, addressed the Native Hawaiian concerns regarding the "kupuna" or elder Northwest islands. Aila spoke of the historical and spiritual significance of this remote, yet culturally connected place. Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners have joined with scientists, fishermen, educators, and the public to protect the NWHI.
Dr. Rob Shallenberger presented a brief history of the NWHI, including a discussion of the multi-agency jurisdiction of the islands. Shallenberger began his extensive research in the NWHI as a graduate student in the 1960's. He served as US Fish and Wildlife Service for 22 years, managing the Midway Atoll Refuge Complex during that time.
Bill Gilmartin, known for his many years of working with the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, spoke of the fragile ecosystem in the NWHI. The NWHI are home to over 7,000 species marine species (one quarter of which are endemic), millions of migrating sea birds including 2 unique species of albatross, and other rare, threatened and endangered species.
Rick Gaffney sits on the controversial Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council (WESPAC). WESPAC is one of eight regional fisheries councils set up in the U.S. to protect fisheries. However, there are concerns that WESPAC has more interest in assisting select corporate interests and has therefore failed to properly manage Hawaii's ocean resources. For instance the NWHI lobster fishery was almost completely depleted under WESPAC management. Gaffney has advocated for maximum protection regulations for the NWHI National Marine Monument and he also recommends the phase out of the last bottom fishery in the NWHI.
HAS extends a special thanks to Kona Outdoor Circle President Estela Halverson for co-planning this event with the Hawaii Audubon Society. Thank you to Sherri Bracken of KOC for facilitating the panel discussion. Thanks to the generous fiscal assistance of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Thanks to our Hawaii Island volunteers Malie Larish, Nina Yuen, Rosie Scott and Caki Kallas-Kennedy and to the HAS and the NWHI staff Dave, Ellyn and Naomi who worked the weekend. Aloha nui loa!
Hawaii Audubon Society staff and volunteers coordinated the videotaping of this event and this program will soon be aired on community television stations in Hawaii. For more information contact Keiko Bonk, Hawaii Audubon Society, 548-3474, nwhibonk@earthlink.net.