KA PALAPALA HO`OMAOPOPO: PAPAHĀNAUMOKUĀKEA
September 26, 2007The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of Hawai'i begins publication of "The Informative Letter":
to keep you informed and involved as we develop a Monument Management Plan. We'll also include some newsworthy tidbits about the Monument and its resources so you can learn more about this remarkable place...
KA PALAPALA HO`OMAOPOPO, is emailed to contacts on their mailing listed. Those interested in receiving the newsletter may contact NOAA to be added.
For additional information on the Monument, please go to www.hawaiireef.noaa.gov or www.fws.gov/pacificislands.
WHITE PAPER
Marine Reserve Initiatives in Hawaii 1999-2007
Legislative History of Marine Protected Areas, right-to-fish fight
September 10, 2007We are running out of fish, at least wild-caught fish. Such headlines, and the need for "sustainable" fishing, continue to show up in the media. But is "sustainable" fishing even possible? Thirty years ago fisheries managers were taught that "surplus" production could be safely harvested and that all they needed to do was determine what the surplus was. Now we are coming to the realization that surplus production is probably a myth.
read paper...
by Linda Paul - Pacific Fisheries Coalition
NEWS UPDATE
Feds nab longline fisherman for entering monument waters
August 25th, 2007HONOLULU (AP) _ The federal government has charged a vessel owner and operator with illegally fishing in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.It's the first time federal authorities have taken such action since President Bush last year declared the waters of Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a marine national monument...
Limited commercial bottomfishing is allowed in the monument for another four years but longline fishing there been banned. read article...
By Associated Press - KPUA AM Hilo, August 25th, 2007
NOAA SIGNS NEW HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL RECOVERY PLAN
Critically endangered monk seals to benefit.
August 23th, 2007NOAA Fisheries Service signed and implemented a new Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Plan in a ceremony held yesterday at the Waikiki Aquarium. This is the first time changes have been made to the plan since it was originally drafted in 1983. The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the world's most endangered species, and this recovery plan is designed to help save the species from extinction.
The new Hawaiian monk seal recovery plan can be downloaded from: http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/PRD/prd_hawaiian_monk_seal.html
NEWS UPDATE
Conservationists and Fishers Face Off Over Hawaii's Marine Riches
July 19th , 2007HANAUMA BAY, HAWAII - ...Friedlander knows the bay better than most. He published a study in the April issue of Ecological Applications showing that total fish biomass in Hanauma and 11 other protected areas was 2.7 times greater than the biomass in comparable unprotected areas. And in the uninhabited 2000-kilometerlong Northwestern Hawaiian Islands chain, a national monument since 2006, there is 6.7 times more fish biomass on average than in comparable habitats‹an indication that humans have reduced fish stocks in the main Hawaiian islands to about 15% of what they once were.
read article...
By Christopher Pala - Marine Conservation Biology News, July 19th , 2007
NEWS UPDATE
Groups demand fisheries oversight
July 4, 2007Hawai'i environmentalists in June filed corruption complaints against the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council, alleging misuse of federal funds and illegal lobbying for state legislation.Those complaints were in addition to a request by three environmental groups, a native Hawaiian cultural organization and a national science and policy institute on June 20 calling for a congressional hearing and resignation of Wespac Executive Director Kitty Simonds.
"It's a long-term, untenable pattern of mismanagement of our resources...brought on by presumption reaching the point of arrogance," Snorkel Bob Foundation Executive Director Robert Wintner said yesterday. read article...
by Nathan Eagle - THE GARDEN ISLAND July 4, 2007
NEWS UPDATE
Complaints against fishery agency warrant investigation
June 24, 2007ALLEGATIONS that the agency in charge of managing fisheries in Hawaii has misused government funds and participated in illegal lobbying appear to have sufficient grounds for investigation.Hawaii's congressional delegation should insist that federal authorities look into the charges to assure taxpayers that the agency has not engaged in prohibited activity and is deserving of public trust.
Three environmental groups, a Hawaiian cultural organization and a national science and policy institute have lodged complaints with the U.S. Commerce Department's inspector general. They are asking for a congressional probe and the resignation of Kitty Simonds, who has been the agency's executive director for more than 20 years.
Editorial, Star-Bulletin June 24, 2007
NEWS UPDATE
Fisheries council faulted on ethics, lobbying rules
June 21, 2007Three Hawaii environmental groups, a native Hawaiian cultural group and a national conservation organization are calling for a congressional investigation of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.Na Imi Pono, the Hawaii Audubon Society, the Snorkel Bob Foundation, the Conservation Council for Hawaii and the Marine Conservation Biology Institute said in a joint news release yesterday that they also seek the resignation of Kitty Simonds, longtime council executive director.
The groups' announcement came yesterday after four individuals -- including Linda Paul, Hawaii Audubon Society aquatics division director -- announced they are filing complaints about Simonds and her council, often referred to as Westpac or Wespac, with the U.S. Commerce Department's inspector general.
Article, By Diana Leone, June 21, 2007
PRESS RELEASE
ENVIRONMENTAL & CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS CALL FOR WESPAC CONGRESSIONAL HEARING AND THE RESIGNATION OF WESPAC DIRECTOR KITTY SIMONDS
HONOLULU: JUNE 20, 2007
CONTACT:
KEIKO BONK: nwhibonk@earthlink.net
TINA OWENS: tinaowens@hawaii.rr.com
MAKALA KAAUMOANA: makaala@hawaiian.net
LINDA PAUL: linpaul@aloha.net
A Native Hawaiian cultural organization, Na Imi Pono, three of Hawaii's leading environmental organizations -- the Hawaii Audubon Society, the Snorkel Bob Foundation, and the Conservation Council for Hawaii -- and a national science and policy organization, the Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI), wish to publicly state that they are very concerned about the recent complaints filed against the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council (WESPAC).
Collectively, all five organizations are calling for the resignation of Kitty Simonds, the Executive Director of WESPAC. Collectively they stated, "These complaints are from very credible persons, are well documented, and demonstrate a systematic pattern of behavior that is at best unethical and at worst illegal. Spending federal taxpayer money on political lobbying activities undermines the trust of the public in our government. These are only the latest allegations that Ms. Simonds has acted improperly as the Executive Director of WESPAC. It is clear that she has been responsible for allowing and fostering the unethical climate within WESPAC and we believe WESPAC needs a clean start and that Ms. Simonds should step down."
In order to ensure that WESPAC gets a clean start, these organizations are also calling on Hawaii's Congressional Delegation to exercise oversight of WESPAC. "We take these allegations very seriously and think that our congressional leaders should as well," said, Bill Chandler, Vice President of MCBI. "I am very concerned these complaints appear to document a pattern of disregarding science in favor of political agendas by a federal agency that is responsible for the health of our fisheries."
William Aila, the Director of Na Imi Pono said "I am particularly concerned because it appears that WESPAC has been attempting to hide their illegal activity under the cover of Native Hawaiian practices, creating divisions within the Hawaiian community, and creating a climate in which it erroneously appears that Hawaiians are discriminating against non-Hawaiians."
Marjorie Ziegler, the Executive Director of Conservation Council for Hawaii said, "WESPAC is a federal agency charged with protecting and managing our fisheries, but it appears from the evidence in the complaints that they are instead engaging in illegal activity designed to undermine these goals."
Robert Wintner, the Executive Director of the Snorkel Bob Foundation, said "I think that the complaints filed against WESPAC represent a growing recognition that the federal government has done a very poor job managing our fisheries, further undermining the health of Hawaii's reef's. The four women who are giving testimony against WESPAC should be congratulated for their courage and dedication. Very few people are willing to put themselves on the line and challenge a powerful federal agency for the good of Hawaii's people and marine environment."
Linda Paul, the Director of the Aquatics Division of the Hawaii Audubon Society said, "As Hawaii's oldest conservation group, the Audubon Society wishes to state that we think it is very important that our congressional leaders take these complaints very seriously, and do everything they can to support a complete investigation into all allegations."
For more information contact:
William Aila, Director, Na Imi Pono: ailaw001@hawaii.rr.com
Bill Chandler, Vice President, Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI): bill@mcbi.org
Linda Paul, Aquatics Director, Hawaii Audubon Society (HAS): linpaul@aloha.net
Robert Wintner, Executive Director Snorkel Bob Foundation: robertw@snorkelbob.com
Marjorie Ziegler, Executive Director Conservation Council for Hawaii (CCH): mz@conservehi.org
MEDIA UPDATE
HAWAI`I ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS FILE COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
Federal organization is now meeting (June 19-22, 2007) at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu
HONOLULU: JUNE 20, 2007
CONTACT:
KEIKO BONK: nwhibonk@earthlink.net
TINA OWENS: tinaowens@hawaii.rr.com
MAKALA KAAUMOANA: makaala@hawaiian.net
LINDA PAUL: linpaul@aloha.net
Four of Hawaii's leading environment advocates, Keiko Bonk, Tina Owens, Makaala Kaaumoana and Linda Paul are filing complaints with the Inspector General's Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce, alleging unethical and illegal behavior on the part of Kitty Simonds, the Executive Director of the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council (WESPAC) and other WESPAC employees. Keiko Bonk is the Campaign Director for the Northwest Hawaiian Islands Network. Tina Owens is Director of The Lost Fish Coalition and sits on the West Hawaii Fisheries Council. Makaala Kaaumoana is the Vice Chair of Hui Ho'omalu e ka Aina, Kauai. Linda Paul is the Executive Director for the Aquatics Division of the Hawai`i Audubon Society. Their complaints document WESPAC's involvement in the organizing, or allowing of, illegal lobbying, misuse of federal grants, and a range of other staffing and regulatory violations under the oversight of Kitty Simonds. The complaints ask Hawaii's Congressional leaders to press the Commerce Department to follow up on the complaints.
Paul's complaint states that she witnessed a WESPAC employee, Charles Kaaiai, deliver a report at a fishery forum held during WESPAC's 137th meeting in early 2007, stating that WESPAC had paid for and organized four meetings that discussed and advocated for three bills introduced during the 2007 Hawaii State legislature. These bills were HB1848, SB1853 and HB1948. All three bills were intended to in some manner privatize the management of ocean and land resources. It is a violation of federal law for WESPAC to engage in, or use, federal money to fund lobbying for state or federal legislation.
Kaaumoana's complaint states that she attended other meetings called "puwalu," which were organized by WESPAC, at which she personally witnessed WESPAC employees organizing and directing plans to lobby. She also documents that she witnessed WESPAC employees giving people envelopes containing cash for participating in the Puwalu meetings, at which lobbying efforts were discussed and planned. Owen's complaint states that she, along with Keiko Bonk, was forced to leave meetings and was refused access to other meetings where lobbying was discussed -- after she expressed concern that the meetings may have been illegal.
Bonk's complaint is the most detailed and extensive -- a 14-page singled-spaced document with three binders of attachments containing supporting documents. Bonk states that she was a witness at a number of meetings where the illegal lobbying efforts were organized, and that she informed participants that she believed the activity to be illegal. She also documents her discovery that WESPAC had organized separate meetings which excluded anyone critical of their lobbying efforts. Bonk also states that she has evidence that WESPAC employees deliberately provided false information about the funding of this lobbying effort. Bonk further reports that she has previously filed a complaint with the chair of WESPAC, to which she has received no meaningful response. This initial complaint was also shared with members of Hawaii's congressional delegation and the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) which controls funding for WESPAC and the other regional fishery management councils around the United States.
The complainants have also shared their complaints to the U.S. Department of Commerce's Inspector General and with Hawaii's congressional delegation. Bonk has received a letter from Hawai`i U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye which states that he discussed Bonk's initial complaint with Dr. William Hogarth, Director of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Senator Inouye's letter included a response from Dr. Hogarth in which he acknowledged that because WESPAC receives federal grants the activities described in the complaint, if true, would be considered illegal. Given the apparent misuse of federal funds, which are appropriated by Congress, it would also be appropriate for Congress to investigate WESPAC's actions.
DOWNLOAD:
- The Bonk letter of complaint (with list of the attachments) to the Inspector General's Office of the U.S. Department of Commerce (pdf, 270KB)
- The COMPLETE attachments are available for download: http://belammc.com/WESPAC/master. html
- The Kaaumoana complaint to the Inspector General (pdf, 110KB)
For copies of the two other complaints, contact Owens and Paul (see contact info above)
NEWS UPDATE
Do no harm in researching Papahānaumokuākea
June 13, 2007IN THE YEAR since its declaration as a marine national monument, Papahānaumokuākea has received a flood of attention from a variety of enterprises that had previously been unaware of the stretch of small islands and atolls and the ocean that surrounds them.Many did not understand that the monument designation is meant to provide protection and thus the area would not be open for activities like extreme sporting events, so-called reality television shows or for filmmakers seeking a picturesque backdrop.
The islands' remoteness did much to dissuade such impulses, but the appetite for research -- for conservation and extractive purposes -- remains a potential threat as long as a comprehensive strategy that balances protection and exploration isn't in place.
Editorial, Star-Bulletin June 13, 2007
PAPAHĀNAUMOKUĀ RESERVE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
The Reserve Advisory Council for NOAA's Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (now part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument) will meet on June 20, 2007, 12:00pm-4:30pm. The Reserve Advisory Council will receive updates on Monument operations and discuss past accomplishments and challenges of the Reserve Advisory Council. The meeting will be held at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa and is open to the public. more info...
Additionally, this message announces the following postings:
Special Ocean Use Permits:
On June 15, 2006, President Bush established the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument by issuing Presidential Proclamation 8031 (71 FR 36443, June 26, 2006) under the authority of the Antiquities Act (16 U.S.C. 431). The Proclamation requires public notice for all special ocean use activities proposed outside of the Midway Atoll Special Management Area. In accordance with the Rules and Regulations, applications must be made available for public comment.
Current Applications:
For the Sea Productions: Land and Ocean Based Filming
(Nihoa, French Frigate Shoals,Gardner Pinnacles, Laysan Island, Lisianski Island, Neva Shoal, Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Midway Atoll and Kure Atoll)
Posting date of permit: June 11, 2007
Comments accepted though June 25, 2007.
Comments can be sent to:
e-mail: nwhipermit@noaa.gov
post: 6600 Kalaniana`ole Hwy, Suite 300 Honolulu, HI 96825
facsimile: (808) 397-2662.
PAPAHĀNAUMOKUĀKEA PERMIT PROGRAM UPDATE
Permit Program for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument:
"Environmental Assessment (Draft): Issuance of a Conservation and Management Permit to the National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office for Anchoring in Non-coral areas by the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Bottomfish Fishery.
Permit Application and instructions are for activities to be conducted in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, including Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge, the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Battle of Midway National Memorial, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands State Marine Refuge, Kure Atoll Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary, and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve. The Co-trustees are required to determine that issuing the requested permit is compatible with the findings of Presidential Proclamation 8031...
Information regarding the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument permitting program, including the environmental assessments for activities regulated under the Antiquities Act of 1906, 16 USC §§ 431- 433 and implementing regulations, 50 C.F.R. Part 404, may be accessed on the Monument website:
Download complete draft assessment from NOAA. (pdf)
Comments accepted though June 6, 2007.
EDUCATION UPDATE
Citizen's Guide to the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
Learn about the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, its coral reefs and unique features as well as its history and how it will be managed. This 28 page Citizen's Guide is an excellent introduction to the largest fully protected marine protected area on the planet...
Jointly published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the State of Hawaii.
Download from NOAA, pdf, 3 MB.
NEWS UPDATE
Molokai fishermen defiant after deep sea fishing ban announcement
May 02, 2007Bottomfish closure to take affect May 15
After federal scientists in Hawaii determined that the current catch rates of bottom fish are too high to be sustainable, WesPac determined that a pre-emptive measure was necessary to keep bottom fish stocks from deteriorating into an "over-fished" situation, which would likely necessitate even more severe measures than the 4 1/2 month ban. The closure will last from May 15 until September 30 of this year...Molokai's fishermen are upset over the short notice - the ban was initially supposed to go into effect on May 1, one week after the meeting on Molokai. Also upsetting was the fact that the ban will not apply to fishermen on the northwest Hawaiian islands of Kauai and Niihau, where a system of no-fish zones instead exists. "I don't see why they're allowed to keep fishing," said one Molokai fisherman at the public meeting. "It's all one big eco-system; there shouldn't be any exceptions." read article
The Molokai Dispatch, May 2, 2007
EVENT UPDATE
Shipwrecks in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
March 29, 6:30pmHanauma Bay
During the month of March the Hanauma Bay Education Program will be partnering with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.On Thursday March 29th, Dr. Kelly Gleason, Maritime Archaeologist with the National Marine Sanctuaries Pacific Islands Region will be at Hanauma Bay to discuss, A Whale of a Journey - Shipwrecks in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Please feel free to join us. As always these events are free and open to the public, beginning at 6:30pm. Hope to see everyone.
For More information contact:
Shawn Carrier
Outreach Coordinator
Hanauma Bay Education Program
University of Hawaii - Sea Grant College Program
LOST FISH Coalition
P. O. Box 390508Kailua-Kona, HI 96739
More on HB 1848 HD2 SD1 - LOST FISH Coalition is "a grass-roots organization, based on the West Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. We have come together to ensure that our reefs are not denuded by collectors catching and selling wild reef fishes by the thousands to be sold in the aquarium trade." Visit their website...
NEWS UPDATE
Senate weakens fishermen-backed bill
March 22, 2007The new Senate version of House Bill 1848 House Draft 2 "emphasizes community participation in marine managed areas," said its author Sen. Russell Kokubun (D, Kalapana-Volcano).But that community input would not take away the state Department of Land and Natural Resources primary responsibility for managing fishing rules in state waters, the Senate version of the bill makes clear.
After four hours of testimony both for and against the House version at a Monday hearing of the Senate Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs Committee, which Kokubun chairs, he vowed to draft a compromise...
"This bill is a horror. It's an attempt to wrest control from the professionals in resource management and to give control of our marine resources completely over to those who want to make a profit," said Tina Owens, of the Big Island group Lost Fish Coalition, at Monday's hearing.
The original bill could have erased new regulations for lay gill nets and a ban on the use of the nets in state waters off parts of Oahu and all of Maui that took nearly a decade -- including a task force and multiple public meetings -- to put in place...read article
By Diana Leone, Star-Bulletin
Article in Star-Bulletin March 22, 2007
MEDIA UPDATE
ANOTHER ALLEGED FEDERAL VIOLATION LODGED AGAINST WESTERN PACIFIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL (WESPAC)
Is the Federal agency now illegally lobbying the Hawai`i State Legislature?
HONOLULU: MARCH 15, 2007Keiko Bonk, Campaign Director for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Network was told to leave a Tuesday, March 13, 2007 public meeting of a clandestine group of "certain fishermen" which was taking place " directly across the hall" from the 137th meeting of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Wespac). Later, Bonk found out that the meeting in question, held in a Wespac paid-for conference room with members who had been flown in with Wespac paid-for tickets, was held to drum up support for three bills working their way through the State Legislature. Bonk stepped back across the hall and during a moment reserved for "public comment," asked the full Wespac Council if they were aware of Federal Wespac monies being spent to lobby the Hawai`i State legislature.The next day, Wednesday, Bonk filed a written complaint (attached) with Wespac's Chair, Sean Martin asking the official to investigate exactly whatWespac staff are doing and assure the public it will never happen again.
Coincidentally, Wespac Council Member, Rick Gaffney later announced to the Council's Executive and Budget Standing committee that he would be submitting a motion to the full Council to amend the Wespac "Standard Operating Practices and Procedures" (SOPP) to conform to the Federal OMB circular A-122 to prohibit Wespac members and employees from attempting to influence "Federal or State legislation" -- restoring similar language that had been removed by a 2002 revision.
Bonk's removal from the Wespac-funded meeting came at the hands of Leimana and Bob DeMate of the Pacific Islands Resource Management Institute. Despite strong Federal prohibitions barring agencies such as Wespac from trying to influence state law and politics, the DeMates are allegedly being paid by Wespac to organize and lobby for the passage of several bills at the current session of the Hawai`i State Legislature; SB1831, HB1578, and HB1848, HD2. The last of those three bills, HB1848, HD2 essentially requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to follow the dictates of an "advisory panel" made up primarily of the fishing industry in making anyfishery or marine resource decisions. Neither Leimana nor Bob DeMate are registered as lobbyists with the Hawai`i State Ethic Commission as required by law, and their company, Pacific Islands Resource Management Institute is apparently operating with an "expired" business status at the Hawai`i State Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs.
Keiko Bonk noted, "Wespac has employed a brilliant community organizing strategy by funding and convening three puwalu (all together). Organized from the top down, each influenced the next and all culminated in a master plan to influence the Hawai`i State Legislature to pass bills to benefit private industry and special interests by dismantling the protection of Hawaii's most important public resource -- our oceans. I accidentally walked in on the last phase of Wespac's scheme."
ANOTHER IN A SERIES OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST WESPAC AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ROSE B. "KITTY" SIMONDS
This latest allegation of illegal lobbying comes on the heels of two other complaints filed against Wespac and their ED, Rose B. "Kitty" Simonds by two Hawai`i fishing organizations. In late 2005 and 2006, the Oahu Game Fish Club and the Waianae Boat Fishing Club submitted requests to the United States Department of Commerce Inspector General for an investigation of Wespac. These complaints were supported by a detailed report describing "a pattern of improper and dishonest conduct in a campaign byWespac to undermine presidential executive orders and laws guiding the establishment of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve and a related proposal to designate the area a marine sanctuary." See http://www.scottfoster.org/wespac for complete documentation.
KITTY SIMONDS: A LIGHTENING ROD FOR CONTROVERSY
In a revealing series of articles in the Portland Oregon-based Cascadia Times,
recognized in 2004 for producing "the nation's most distinguished national
environmental journalism, "a litany of inappropriate actions byWespac and their
Executive Director, Kitty Simonds were revealed -- including much about the
politically well-connected Simonds' highly-unusual compensation package which
includes "profit sharing" of $20,000. For whatever reasons, the Wespac
Executive Director is the 5th most highly-compensated Federal official in the
entire US government:
President George Bush @ $400,000
Vice President Dick Cheney @ $208,100
Chief Justice John Roberts @ $208,100
House Speaker (then Dennis Hastert) @ $208,100
Kitty Simonds @ $187, 469 (scheduled to increase to $220,000 by 2009)
Full text of Bonk complaint: download pdf.
MEDIA UPDATE
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, 2007Today, 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.
The name (pronounced Pa-pa-ha-now-mo-ku-ah-kay-uh) comes from an ancient Hawaiian tradition concerning the genealogy and formation of the Hawaiian Islands.
Mrs. Bush Is Furthering The President's Commitment To Good Stewardship Of Our Natural Resources. On March 1, Mrs. Bush visited the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument to increase public awareness of one of this Nation s most exceptional marine ecosystems. The Monument represents the largest single conservation area in our Nation's history and the largest protected marine area in the world. This area contains 2.7 million acres of coral reef, 14 million nesting seabirds, and 250 fish species; in total, it includes about 7000 species, a quarter of which exist nowhere else on Earth.
read the White House press release
MEDIA UPDATE
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
Native Hawaiian Cultural Program of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
HONOLULU: March 2, 2007The naming process:
The process to give a Hawaiian name to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument began during the Sanctuary designation process as an initiative of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group. In 2006 the group chose two distinguished members of the Hawaiian community to contribute names - Uncle Buzzy Agard and Aunty Pua Kanahele. Once the names were put forth, the Cultural Working group would select among them for an appropriate name for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands managing entity and region...
The meaning of the name:
The name Papahānaumokuākea (pronounced Pa-pa-ha-now-mo-ku-ah-kay-uh) comes from an ancient Hawaiian tradition concerning the genealogy and formation of the Hawaiian Islands. Papahānaumoku (who is personified in the earth) and Wākea (who is personified in the expansive sky) were two of the most recognized ancestors of our people. Their union resulted in the creation or "birthing" of the entire archipelago. "Papa" which means "foundational earth," provides the imagery of the numerous low flat islands that stretch across into the northwest. "Ākea" provides the imagery of the "expanse - of space." From Mauna "Ākea" on Hawai`i Island to the low flat "Papa" of the northwest, the physical features define our homeland and Hawaiian identity. The preservation of these names, together, as Papahānaumokuākea, strengthens Hawai`i's cultural foundation and grounds us to an important part of our historical past...
download the release from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (pdf)play pronunciation sound clip (mp3)
For more information please contact Kekuewa Kikiloi, Native Hawaiian Cultural Program Coordinator of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument: Kekuewa.kikiloi@noaa.gov
NEWS UPDATE
Laura Bush touts the Northwest Isles' ecological value after visiting Midway
March 2, 2007First lady Laura Bush didn't just look at the wildlife of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands on her whirlwind visit here yesterday -- she interacted with it.Bush fed fish to a young endangered Hawaiian monk seal, one of six being fattened in an enclosure to increase their survival chances when re-released to the wild.
She planted native bunch grass to improve the habitat for endangered Laysan ducks, which have been reintroduced here and are thriving.
And she shook her head in dismay when she saw how much plastic debris makes its way to this remote portion of the Hawaiian Archipelago, thousands of miles from any continent...
Bush was emphatic about the importance of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument, proclaimed by President Bush in June. Today, Laura Bush is to participate in a ceremony bestowing a native Hawaiian name on the monument...read article
By Diana Leone, Star-Bulletin
Article in Star-Bulletin March 2, 2007
NEWS UPDATE
Deep-ocean fish stocks threatened
February 20, 2007With declining catches close to shore, commercial fishing is turning to deeper waters, threatening species that live in the cold and gloom of the deep oceans, according to researchers.A panel at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science said Sunday that overfishing in deep waters is putting at risk the least sustainable of all fish stocks.
"We're not really fishing there. We're mining there. We're taking what appears to be a renewable resource and turning it into a nonrenewable one," said Elliott Norse of the Marine Conservation Biology Institute in Bellevue, Wash...read article
By Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press
Article in Honolulu Advertiser, February 20, 2007
NEWS UPDATE
Fishing council: stocks lower than thought
February 19, 2007The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council says Hawaii bottomfish stocks are "in worse shape than previously determined" and need more action than proposed before now.The council said Monday that it had been pushing for a 15 percent reduction in "fishery-related bottomfish mortality" but the council now feels a 24 percent reduction is necessary.
Last year the council proposed a four-month seasonal closure of state- controlled waters, from the coast to the three-mile territorial limit...read article
Pacific Business News (Honolulu), February 19, 2007
NEWS UPDATE
First lady to visit Honolulu, marine national monument
February 16, 2007First lady Laura Bush will visit Honolulu March 1 as part of her trip, which also includes stops at the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument, Midway Atoll and California, her office said today...Her plans also include a visit to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument,which was created last year and represents the largest single conservation area in the country. It includes 2.7 million acres of coral reef and 7,000 species, including 14 million nesting seabirds and 250 fish species.
Bush has not been to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands before, although she did view Jean-Michel Cousteau's PBS documentary on the damage being done to the islands in April 2005 and made opening comments when President Bush signed the proclamation establishing the national monument...read article
Honolulu Advertiser, February 16, 2007
NEWS UPDATE
Pacific neighbors hold key in preserving NW isles
February 4, 2007With its buzzing overpasses, fashionable shops and swarms of soaring building cranes, it seems illogical to describe Hawai'i as behind struggling economies such as Pohnpei and Fiji in almost anything. But experts say the state has much to learn ‹ or relearn ‹ from its less-developed neighbors to preserve its precious ocean resources...Oceania welcomed Hawai'i back into the fold last week at an international forum at the East-West Center attended by 20 Pacific nations and states discussing marine management areas and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, World Heritage Site process for nominating new areas to be protected...read article
By Tara Godvin, Associated Press
Article in Honolulu Advertiser, February 4, 2007
NEWS UPDATE
$8 million sought to manage Northwestern Isles
January 27, 2006The Bush administration asked Congress yesterday to set aside $8 million in the next fiscal year for management of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Monument.The funds will cover the cost of tracking boats in the area to make sure people are not fishing in the monument zone or otherwise violating conservation rules. The money also will fund efforts to clean up marine debris and research the health of the islands' ecosystem...read article
By Audrey McAvoy, Associated Press
Article in Star-Bulletin January 27, 2007
MEDIA UPDATE
Marine Managed Areas and World Heritage A Public Forum and Reception
Thursday, February 1st, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.From January 29th - February 2 delegates from over 20 Pacific nations, including the United States, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia will attend a forum in Honolulu to enhance natural and cultural heritage and management of marine protected areas. Participation in the weeklong forum, entitled "Our Sea of Islands" is by invitation only, but a public event and reception will be held to highlight the accomplishments of the conference and feature important efforts to protect marine areas. We invite you to attend the public forum and reception... visit NMHIMNM web site
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument
NEWS UPDATE
Fishing clubs assail Wespac head
January 3, 2007Two O'ahu fishing clubs accuse Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council executive Kitty Simonds of inappropriately trying to keep commercial fishing within the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Marine Monument, but a council member said Simonds is simply giving voice to the panel's policy on the issue and doing nothing wrong...The O'ahu Game Fish Club and Wai'anae Fishing Club, which in 2005 accused Wespac of improperly trying to undermine the protection of the waters around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, added to their allegations last month, asking that the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Commerce investigate whether Simonds and the council "are in line with the law and federal standards of conduct" in their efforts to keep fishing permitted within the monument... read article
By Jan TenBruggencate
Honolulu Advertiser January 3, 2007
MEDIA UPDATE
NWHI Network Director Shocked By New Allegations Against Federal Agency
Recent Actions By Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WESPAC) Questioned
HONOLULU: December 21, 2006The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Network (NWHI Network) a coalition of local and national cultural, fishing, conservation, & science based non-profit organizations responded with deep concern today to the allegations from two local fishing and boating organizations that the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WESPAC) has congressional plans to weaken the protections provided to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands by the President of the United States in June 2006 - when the area was proclaimed a National Monument. NWHI Network Campaign Director Keiko Bonk said, "I am shocked and sincerely concerned that a federal government agency is undermining the protection of Hawaii's precious marine resources."
The Oahu Game Fish Club and the Waianae Boat Fishing Club submitted a 2nd letter of complaint this week to the United States Inspector General (IG) at the Department of Commerce with information documenting WESPAC's efforts to counter the intent of the NWHI Marine National Monument. Bonk said, "It took nearly 100 years of local and national effort by six U. S. Presidents and the intensive grassroots campaign in Hawai`i over the last six years to convince policy makers to create a no-take area in this pristine and unique wilderness. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is one of the last predator-dominated reef ecosystems in the world and we should be proud of our leaders responsible action to save this precious place. Let's not go backward as responsible stewards of the aina." Bonk paraphrased Nainoa Thompson, one of Hawaii's Living Cultural Treasures, recalling his comments during his recent advocacy to protect the Northwestern Hawaiian islands, "If we can't protect this sacred place, then what is left of the culture and spirit of Hawai`i to perpetuate for many generations to come?"
read entire advisoryMEDIA UPDATE
Hawai`i Fishing Groups Charge Federal Agency With Improper And Dishonest Conduct
Charges Include "Improper and Illegal Congressional Effort To Ease Fishing Restrictions
Wai`anae Hawai`i: December 21, 2006Two Hawai`i fishing organizations, the Oahu Game Fish Club and the Waianae Fishing Club have filed new detailed allegations with the United States Department of Commerce Inspector General (IG) related to their November, 2005 request for a federal investigation of the Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council (aka WESPAC) and the organization¹s Executive Director, Kitty Simonds. Their request is supported by a detailed report which provides a specific basis for the new request.
The two group's 2005 complaint and report described, "a pattern of improper and dishonest conduct in a campaign by Wespac to undermine presidential executive orders and laws guiding the establishment of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve and a related proposal to designate the area a marine sanctuary." The 2005 charges included, "Actions that may have violated the law include a refusal to follow the law, improper lobbying by employees of a federal agency, misuse of federal funds, and manipulations of rules and regulations regarding public participation."
The cover letter, detailed report, and the 2005 filings and attachments may be viewed and downloaded at http://www.scottfoster.org/wespac
NEWS UPDATE
A Struggle to Preserve a Hawaiian Archipelago and Its Varied Wildlife
December 19, 2006MIDWAY ATOLL, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument - As the pilot of the Coast Guard C-130 transport plane banks and circles over atoll after deserted atoll on a five-hour, 1,400-mile flight from Honolulu, the sheer emptiness of the world's largest nature reserve becomes starkly apparent.Yet two of the most powerful men in the world - first President Bill Clinton and then President Bush - struggled for eight years to upgrade the area into a true reserve, in a process that involved more than 100 public meetings and 52,000 public comments, most of them supportive. The main obstacle was a tiny, marginally profitable fishing fleet composed of eight boats and employing fewer than 20 people, most of them part-time, but vigorously defended by a powerful senator and an entrenched federal bureaucracy.
"Rarely have so many fought so hard for so long for so few," said Jay Nelson, the Northwest Hawaiian Islands project director of the Pew Charitable Trusts and one of many environmentalists who worked to support the presidents' efforts... read article
By Christopher Pala
New York Times December 19, 2006
MEDIA UPDATE
Midway Atoll Draft Interim Visitor Services Plan available for review
December 08, 2006
The Midway Atoll Draft Visitor Services Plan is now available for public review. You can
download your copy at:
http://www.fws.gov/midway/new.html
The draft plan would allow a regularly scheduled visitor program to resume on Midway Atoll and is being released today for public review. The draft plan proposes a small-scale visitor program on this remote atoll next year, primarily for wildlife viewing, photography, environmental education, and interpretation of the atoll's unique historic and wildlife resources.
Comments on the draft plan and its associated documents are welcomed through 2/6/07.
Andy Collins
Education Coordinator
NOAA Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument
6600 Kalaniana'ole Hwy, #300
Honolulu, HI 96825
Ph: 808-397-2660 xt 222
Fx: 808-397-2662
www.hawaiireef.noaa.gov
MEDIA UPDATE
Conservation Group Requests End To Nwhi Sport Fishing By Federal Employees
HONOLULU: December 8, 2006Officials of the Bush Administration are in Hawai'i to talk to the State of Hawai'i on management of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument (NWHI), "the largest single area dedicated to conservation in U.S. history and the largest protected marine area in the world." U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez today are signing a joint MOA with Governor Linda Lingle on future management of this reserve.
Keiko Bonk, Executive Director of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Network said, "We want to commend the Lingle and Bush Administrations for their bold actions and vision in protecting the NWHI. However, we remain concerned that the Commerce Department has failed to close a loophole that opens up an entirely new category of fishing called sustenance fishing.
read entire advisoryNEWS UPDATE
Pew unable to negotiate early end to fishery
November 07, 2006When President Bush designated the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as the world's largest marine reserve, he recognized the long-term conservation, cultural, scientific and educational benefits to Hawai'i would dwarf any potential loss of economic activity. The public in Hawai'i also understood this and applauded the President's decision...However, one provision of the monument proclamation has generated some controversy - the closure in 2011 of the bottomfish fishery in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Although this fishery was restricted to 17 permits in the mid-'90s, only eight vessels remain. In the past decade, the others have become victims of high fuel costs, low fish prices and generally poor economics. Round trips of 1,000 miles and one or two weeks in length pose a daunting - and expensive - hurdle. The most recent information from 2003 indicates that net income for all vessels combined was only $300,000. Catches have declined since then and indications are that even without the commercial fishing closure, this fishery will continue to shrink...read commentary
By Jay Nelson
Honolulu Advertiser November 07, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Pew trust gives up on fishermen buyouts
November 03, 2006The Pew Charitable Trusts, which had offered to compensate commercial fishing interests in return for retiring their licenses to fish the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, has ended its efforts, saying it could not interest enough of the fishers...The Pew proposal was part of the package of proposals announced as part of President Bush's establishment in June 2006 of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. While the monument language calls for all commercial fishing licenses to expire after five years - in 2011 - Pew proposed moving up the timetable by buying anglers' licenses...read article
By Jan TenBruggencate
Honolulu Advertiser November 03, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Loophole gives fishing rights to elitist few
November 02, 2006As someone who has been working as part of the coalition to preserve the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, I know that when President Bush established the nation's first marine national monument there, nothing was said about establishing an exclusive sport-fishing preserve for federal bureaucrats and government-approved visitors...The U.S. Commerce Department, on the other hand, wants to make an exception for itself and those it deems special. The way the regulations and policies are now written, the Commerce Department will be allowed to turn the sanctuary into a private fishing reserve for itself and its friends. Given the limited number of visitors, the fishing is likely to be excellent. If this loophole isn't closed, the monument could become one of the most exclusive recreational "clubs" in the world...read commentary
By Keiko Bonk
Honolulu Advertiser November 02, 2006
MEDIA UPDATE
NWHI: Wisdom from the Past, Vision for the Future
Video Debut
The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands: Wisdom from the Past, Vision for the Future. Documentary on current status, levels of protection, uniqueness of area, history of management, and current and future threats to the NWHI. Produced by the Hawaii Audubon Society. Written and edited by Naomi Arcand.
Featuring William Aila, Dr. Alan Friedlander, Mary Pickett, U.S. Representative Ed Case, State Senator Fred Hemmings, Linda Paul, Dr. Izzy Abbott, Jeff Mikulina, and Paul Achitoff. Additional footage of Gov. Linda Lingle and fisherman Buzzy Agard included. Video footage by Mike May and Na`alehu Anthony was provided from under the water and atop the islands. Introduction narration by Mahlon Moore. Music by Makana and Save Something.
Cable scheduling for the program on `Olelo:
- 9/28/06 Thu 10:30 PM OAHU 52
- 10/12/06 Thu 9:00 AM OAHU 52
- 11/2/06 Thu 9:00 PM OAHU 52
This video was produced for non-profit educational purposes. If you or your
organization would like a DVD copy, please contact Hawaii Audubon Society.
email: hiaudsoc@pixi.com or phone: 808-528-1432, while supplies last!
NEWS UPDATE
Scientists to survey ocean worms, slugs
October 10, 2006A team of marine scientists has launched a 23-day expedition into the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands to catalog the forms of life that don't get much respect...It's part of the international Census of Marine Life, but the research is also critical to the understanding and oversight of the reefs to the northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands, said Don Polhemus, administrator of the state Division of Aquatic Resources...read article
By Jan TenBruggencate
Honolulu Advertiser October 10, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Northwest Hawaiian Island Monument to protect marine resources
September 30, 2006The NWHI National Monument is currently in its first phase, which involves educating the public, hence last weeks Moloka'i meeting at Kulana 'Oiwi.Representatives from the co-trustee management agencies attended the meeting to discuss the Monument status and answer questions. The co-trustee management agencies, whose responsibilities involve the protection of the natural and cultural heritage of the NWHI, include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of Hawaii...read article
By Francoise Snobel
Molokai Island Times September 30, 2006
NETWORK UPDATE
A Capital Opportunity to Protect the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
Commercial Fishing
There are only 17 commercial fishing permits available in bottomfish fishery in the NW Hawaiian Islands; in recent years, most of those permits have already been voluntarily rer=turned back to the government. Today, only eight vessels are still actively using their permits to fish. The other fishermen have dropped out due to high expenses, low economic return and a desire to avoid the two week trip necessary to fish those distant waters.
If the NW Hawaiian Islands are closed to commercial fishing, what will become of the eight permit holders? Will they be thrown out on the street? No one wants that. The Pew Charitable Trusts, a charitable foundation based in Pennsylvania has a long-standing interest in the protection of important marine ecosytems. They recognize and support the public's strong interest in protecting the NW Hawaiian Islands, but also recognize that eight bottomfish permittees rely on the NW Hawaiian Islands for part of their livelihood.
To help resolve this dilemma, and to support the commercial fishermen while simultaneously encouraging the full protection for the proposed sanctuary, the Pew Charitable Trusts has committed to help finance the fishermen's transition out of fishing in the NW Hawaiian Islands. Pew has pledged to raise the necessary funds to compensate these fishermen for leaving the fishery. These negotiations have only just begun and will take place through the summer and fall of 2006. If successful, the eight bottomfish permittees will be compensated for ending their NWHI fishing operations and we will be one step closer to realizing the goal of a no-take marine reserve in the NWHI.
...read the fact sheetNEWS UPDATE
Some Fishermen Open To Buyout Proposals
August 31, 2006Three of the eight boats that fish in the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands want to hear more about a private foundation's offer to pay them to stop fishing there, a foundation spokesman said yesterday...Jay Nelson, with the Pew Charitable Trust, seeks to get all eight permitted Northwestern boats to quit fishing in Hawaii's most remote and pristine islands before a presidential proclamation requires it in 2011...read article
By Diana Leone
Star Bulletin August 31, 2006
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Fish and Wildlife Service50 CFR Part 404
[Docket No. 060824225-6225-01]
RIN 0648-AU82
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine
National Monument
AGENCIES: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC); United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of the Interior (DOI).
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: NOAA and the USFWS are issuing final regulations for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. This action codifies the prohibitions and management measures set forth in Presidential Proclamation 8031 establishing the Monument. The rule is effective immediately.
DATES: Effective date: These regulations are effective August 25, 2006. Written comments on the information collection requirement must be received by October 30, 2006.
Download the NWHI regulations from Federal
Register / Vol. 71, No. 167 / Tuesday, August 29, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
(pdf, pp 51134-51142/208kB )
DATES: Effective date: These regulations are effective August 25, 2006.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers for Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
July 09, 2006Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (FOMA) and Biological Conservation Assistance Program (BCAP) are working with the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (USFWS), to control invasive plants and re-establish native vegetation. Volunteers will be sent to Midway Atoll specifically to remove a fast-growing, invasive shrub and to plant native vegetation in these areas.
Download Volunteer Application (pdf)
July 09, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Most back new U.S. marine monument
August 7, 2006President Bush's creation of a vast marine monument out of the remote, biologically rich waters around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands meets with the approval of most of the American public, according to a survey commissioned by the Ocean Conservancy...read article
By Tara Godvin, Associated Press
Article in Star-Bulletin August 07, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
End of bottomfishing unlikely to hurt economy, study says
July 28, 2006Ending bottomfishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands will likely have a relatively small economic impact on Hawai'i, according to a new University of Hawai'i study...The study previewed Tuesday at the Hawaii Conservation Conference looked at how ending the fishery would economically affect the restaurant, wholesale and other industries that use fish caught by the eight remaining vessels still operating in the islands' waters, which became a federal monument in June....read article
Honolulu Advertiser AP
July 28, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Buyouts offer boost to marine preserve
July 27, 2006Hawai'i officials must seize the unprecedented opportunity to preserve environmental resources offered by the creation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument...The most recent advantage comes through a smart move by the Pew Charitable Trusts to assemble compensation packages for the eight holders of bottomfishing permits. It would benefit commercial fishing stakeholders who would give up permits ahead of the current five-year deadline, enabling fuller environmental recovery to start now....read editorial
Honolulu Advertiser Editorial
July 27, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
WESPAC continues seeking commercial fishing in Northwestern monument
July 27, 2006The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council hopes commercial fishing becomes a permanent feature of the new Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument, but the idea has not developed much traction with other agencies or with Hawai'i's congressional delegation...Council executive director Kitty Simonds said her panel has two goals: to see that fishing interests are appropriately compensated in the short term, but also to argue for continued fishing in those waters....read article
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer July 27, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Fish need wide space to recover
July 3, 2006Sometimes there are only limited things you can do within your own borders to protect marine life. The pelagic armorhead, once numerous on the Hancock Seamount at the far end of the Hawaiian Archipelago, is an example...The U.S. took action in 1986 to protect the fish by placing a moratorium on fishing for armorhead on Hancock Seamount. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council's fishery management plan has prohibited fishing for the species ever since. But 20 years later, armorhead still are present only at low levels...read article
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer July 3, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
NWHI Benthic Habitat Mapping and Maritime Archaeology Expedition
June, 2006The NOAA ship Hi`ialakai ("embracing the sea") will depart for a 28-day voyage to the farthest reaches of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands on June 23, 2006. This multidisciplinary research expedition will include a benthic habitat mapping team, maritime archaeologists, and interpretation of this research through education and outreach specialists. The Hi`ialakai recently returned from an expedition to French Frigate Shoals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll to complete work related to ecosystem connectivity, apex predator tagging and movement studies, and coral reef health assessment. On June 23, the research vessel will set sail with 20 scientists and educators in order to conduct further studies at Kure Atoll, the northernmost atoll in the Hawaiian Islands Archipelago, and at Pearl and Hermes Atoll ...read more
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Multi-Agency Education Project
NEWS UPDATE
Anglers want to alter monument borders
June 26, 2006Anglers who regularly fish the waters off the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands for migratory fish like bigeye and yellowfin tuna say the proposed boundaries of a national monument there could be slightly altered to make a more effective marine preserve - and also let them keep fishing...read article
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer June 26, 2006
NETWORK UPDATE
Hawai`I Woman Receives National Honor
Linda Paul named "Volunteer of the Year" by National Marine Sanctuary FoundationHonolulu: June 23, 2006
by Keiko Bonk, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Communications Coordinator
Linda Paul, Hawai`i Audubon Society Executive Director for Aquatics Research, was honored as the Volunteer of the Year during the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's Annual Leadership Dinner on June 13, 2006 in Washington, DC. Ms. Paul was recognized for her work in protecting the fragile oceans ecosystem in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands (NWHI).
For many years Paul has dedicated her time and expertise to protect the NWHI and for the past five years she has served on the NWHI Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council (RAC) where she currently serves as the Vice-Chair. By coincidence, Ms. Paul received the award two-days prior to President George Bush establishing the NWHI Marine National Monument. Ms. Paul and the RAC developed many of the recommendations for protection of the NWHI included in the President's proclamation. For example, the RAC advocated for phasing out commercial fishing and other commercial activities in the NWHI ...read more
NEWS UPDATE
A monumental victory for NWHI protection
June 22, 2006It is not surprising that Kitty Simonds, executive director of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, wants an exception to monument protections. Wespac seems to pursue exceptions to every law that limits its ability to extract resources and expand profits. read more...
By Cha Smith, executive director of KAHEA
Commentary in Star-Bulletin June 22, 2006
ALERT UPDATE
Fishing debate not over in NW Isles
June 19, 2006For years, a consortium of environmental groups and Hawaiian organizations has fought the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council over its dogged determination to promote fishing in the region. Some of the battles have been fought on newspaper pages, some in fisheries council meetings and some in federal courts."I think we're going to continue to carry that message. I think it's important at least to do whatever we can to allow bottomfishing beyond five years," she [Kitty Simonds] said.
...And there is some evidence that the message could resonate with Hawai'i's senior members of Congress. While both Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case have expressed strong support for a preserve with the maximum possible protection, both Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka left the door open for fishing. read more...
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer June 19, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Lobster fishery remains battered
June 19, 2006The lobster fishery of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands collapsed during the 1990s, and after being closed for six years, it is not recovering. read more...
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer June 19, 2006
ALERT UPDATE
WESPAC wants monument exception
June 16, 2006The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council will ask for continued commercial fishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, despite a presidential order yesterday that will ban it in a large region declared as a monument, a council member says....The council's comments were the only discordant note about President Bush's proclamation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument yesterday. read more...
By Diana Leone
Star-Bulletin June 16, 2006
MEDIA UPDATE
President Bush Declares National Monument in Hawaii
PBS NewsHour Lehrer Report
Originally Aired: June 15, 2006
President Bush on Thursday announced the designation of a vast chain of Northwestern Hawaiian islands as a national monument, now the largest marine sancutary in the world. Ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau and Joshua Reichert of the Pew Charitable Trusts discuss what the new designation will mean. read transcript and access the video...
NEWS UPDATE
President Bush Establishes Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Monument
2:34 P.M. EDT, June 15, 2006THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Please be seated. Pretty good deal when you get introduced by your wife. (Laughter.) I really am glad Laura is here, because she is a champion of our nation's cultural and natural resources. It's an honor to share this important day with her at the podium. And I want to thank you all for coming.As I was walking in here, I actually saw Theodore Roosevelt's portrait over there. What's interesting is that we are here to fulfill a legacy of conservation that was first begun by Theodore Roosevelt. In 1909, President Roosevelt established the Hawaiian Island Reservation, and he did so to protect native seabirds from being hunted. His executive order was the first of many presidential efforts to protect the life and waters of Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. read more...
Office of the Press Secretary
June 15, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Bush to create huge isle monument
June 15, 2006"Building on all the work that was done in the last five years under the marine sanctuary process, the president has decided to elevate the designation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands area to national monument status," said a statement released yesterday by the White House Council on Environmental Quality. read more...
By Diana Leone
Star-Bulletin June 15, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Northwestern Islands to become monument
June 15, 2006"When you add it all up, it's a world-class ecological jewel. From both a national and global perspective, this really is a landmark conservation event," said Joshua Reichert, head of the environment program for the private Pew Charitable Trusts, which is studying buying out the the permits of the eight bottomfishing boats that operate in the islands. read more...
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer June 15, 2006
NETWORK UPDATE
President Bush Declares Northwestern Hawaiian Islands A National Monument
by Keiko Bonk, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Communications CoordinatorHonolulu: 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. read more...
NEWS UPDATE
Natural treasures require guarding
May 29, 2006...To view clouds of fish over a majestic table coral reef, and down in the living rock to observe intricate crabs and worms and shrimps and colored corals and sponges.See all this, and it seems inescapable that these Northwestern Hawaiian Islands require a special kind of protection.
They already have significant protection provided by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve.
Hawai'i is actively discussing the conversion of the coral reef reserve into one of the nation's national marine sanctuaries. A draft environmental impact statement reviewing alternatives for managing such a sanctuary is expected to be released in June.
...Basta [director of the National Marine Sanctuary Program] said some details in how the sanctuary would be managed need to be worked out, but that the decision to preserve the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is crucial. "Ultimately, it is a national statement by our country to declare this place as a special place for protection," he said. read the article...
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer May 29, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Change of habitat benefits rare duck
May 24, 2006America's rarest native waterfowl is making a comeback, with a little help from being moved to a new neighborhood. Scientists watching endangered Laysan ducks on Midway Atoll say the birds are breeding surprisingly fast, with a second generation of ducklings hatched this week.In October 2004 and again last October, endangered Laysan ducks bred on their namesake island were released at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Spreading the population to other islands is a way of preventing a single catastrophic event -- such as a hurricane, tsunami or an outbreak of bird flu -- from wiping out the breed. read the article...
NEWS UPDATE
State, Federal Agencies Enhance Joint Efforts to Protect and Manage Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
May 19, 2006During a signing ceremony at the Bishop Museum's Hawai`i Maritime Center, the Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Ocean Service (NOS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement that identifies their various roles and responsibilities and pledges to carry out coordinated resource management.
"NOAA, the state of Hawaii, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are committed to working together to ensure that the natural and cultural legacy of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is preserved for future generations of Hawaiians and all Americans," said Daniel J. Basta, director of the NOAA National Marine Sanctuary program. "This agreement is a symbol of our combined commitment to managing the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in a way that is as seamless and interconnected as the ecosystem itself...download the news release (pdf, 56KB)
NEWS UPDATE
National Marine Sanctuary Systems Saved
Hawai`i Congressman Neil Abercrombie had key role In last-minute actionMay 17, 2006
Today in Washington, D.C., the House Resources Committee killed legislative language from a House fisheries bill that would have effectively gutted the National Marine Sanctuaries System. In Hawai`i, the provision threatened both the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and the proposed Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary. Although the language was changed at the last hour to exempt Hawai`i, it still applied to the existing 12 and all future sanctuaries and thus represented a long-term threat to Hawaii's sanctuaries.
"Today's action by the House Resources Committee ensures that Hawaii's sanctuaries will be managed first to protect marine life," said Keiko Bonk, campaign director for the NWHI Network...
"Congressman Abercrombie deserves particular thanks for his efforts in supporting removal of the sanctuary language from the H.R. 5018," said Bonk, "His efforts helped protect the integrity of the National Marine Sanctuary Program and in particular the NW Hawaiian Islands, the crown jewel of the system..." read more
NETWORK UPDATE
Hawaii Audubon Society Thanks Hawaii's Mayors and County Councils
by Keiko Bonk, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Communications Coordinator
Hawaii Audubon Society is presently working with a coalition of local and national environmental and Hawaiian organizations to protect the Northwestem Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Thanks to the generous fiscal assistance of PEW Family Charitable Trust, two full time Northwestern Hawaiian Island consultants have joined HAS staff to assist in this campaign. As part of this campaign HAS is pursuing Hawaii's political and business leadership for support of full protection of the northwestern islands. In the summer of 2005 Hawaii Audubon Society began the campaign to inform the mayors and county council members of the need to protect this special wild place...read more
MEDIA UPDATE
Wild Chronicles - New PBS Series Follows Photographers' Journey to NWHI
Documentary to screen for the Earth Day CelebrationWednesday, April 26 at 8 pm
Wednesday, May 3 at 8 pm
The new PBS series Wild Chronicles heads to the most beautiful part of America you'll never see - the Northwest Hawaiian Archipelago. Life on these magical Pacific atolls is so protected that only a handful of scientists are allowed in the monument. Now, two photographers permitted to take a photographic survey are revealing the vibrant life hidden in this delicate world.
The Wild Chronicles
The two story segments feature video and photographic images gathered by Susan Middleton and David Liittschwager during their fieldwork for their book, Archipelago, along with interviews with the photographers.
Visit the new Wild Chronicles series web site for more information.
Also, see NWHI Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve for information on the touring exhibit:
Archipelago: Portraits of Life In The World's Most Remote Island
Sanctuary
NEWS UPDATE
Proposal would close NW Islands lobster fishery
A Hawai'i-based federal fishery council is recommending permanently closing the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands lobster fishery, but retaining a number of other fisheries - including the controversial industry that targets bottom fish...read article
Honolulu Advertiser Apr 21, 2006
NEWS UPDATE
Smells fishy : Is fishery management group Wespac making plans to increase fishing in NWHI and ignoring executive orders?
Fishing in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). Former President Bill Clinton doesn't want it. Neither does Gov. Linda Lingle. Rep. Ed Case. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council for the NWHI. Even Zenen Ozoa, one of the fishermen permitted to fish the waters around the NWHI. Their message: Fishing in the proposed marine sanctuary at the NWHI must not happen. But the people at the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (Wespac) don't appear to be listening...read article
EVENT UPDATE
OASIS OF THE PACIFIC: TIME IS RUNNING OUT
Documentary to screen for the Earth Day CelebrationMaui Community College
Rm: Science 12-A
April 17th at 6 pm
Kihei, Maui: zeroimpact productions feature documentary, Oasis of the Pacific, will screen at the Maui Community College in Kahului on Monday, April 17th at 6 pm in Science 12-A. The filmmakers will be present to answer questions.
Oasis of the Pacific is a 58-minute documentary that takes viewers on a revealing journey through the stunning yet endangered undersea world of the Hawaiian Islands. Striking imagery of the underwater realm is juxtaposed with the harsh and ugly realities of three major anthropogenic impacts currently overwhelming marine life in Hawai'i: shoreline sprawl, pollution and overfishing. For more details about the film, please visit the companion website.
MEDIA UPDATE
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Adventures: Voyage To Kure
In two parts: 8 p.m. Wednesday and 8 p.m. April 12
PBS
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Adventures: Voyage to Kure is scheduled to air on Hawai`i public television. The new two-part documentary is being broadcast nationally and Hawai`i viewers will have several immediate opportunities to enjoy, Voyage to Kure.
Part 1 of 2 - Exploring the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
Wednesday, April 5, 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 6, 2:00 am
Sunday, April 9, 6:00 pm
Conclusion - The Crew Visits the Island of Kure.
Wednesday, April 12, 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 13, 12:00 am
Sunday, April 16, 6:00 pm
The program takes an in-depth - and in depths - look at the unique ecosystem that exists within the 1,200-mile chain of islands and atolls, as well as the human-made threats to its survival. In publicity materials, Cousteau calls it "a realm that is thriving in many respects, but is perched on a very precarious balance between boundless diversity and ominous destruction."
MEDIA UPDATE
Students for the Protection of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
CONTACT: CEE @ 808.734-4165 on O`ahu
March 14th & Wednesday March 15th
WESPAC STUDENT PROTEST
WHERE: Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive adjacent Ala Moana Shopping
Center, Mauka end of front entrance sidewalk
We're demonstrating to focus attention on the long history of abuse of power and deliberate use of federal tax dollars to subvert the wishes of Hawaiians by Wespac and their Executive Director, Kitty Simonds. Simonds must go and Wespac must reform.
Longstanding mismanagement of fisheries by Wespac is detailed in the recent issue of Cascadia Times, a mainland publication with a reputation for uncovering government misconduct.
Stated Cee:If even half of the allegations in the Cascadia Times are true, Wespac should be thoroughly investigated by federal officials.
MEDIA UPDATE
Students for the Protection of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
CONTACT: CEE @ 808.734-4165 on O`ahu
March 14, 2006
EQUAL TIME
Live Call-In Radio Broadcast
KHNR 97.5 FM from 7:30 - 9:00 am.
Cee of Students for the Protection of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (SPNHI) and Jay Nelson, an environmental consultant, will appear with Senator Fred Hemmings & Roger Daniels
Paul Koberstein, author of just-published Special Report on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Rogues of The Pacific: How to Exploit A Fragile Coral Reef Ecosystem For Fun and Profit (pdf, 1.1MB) will be patched in live from Oregon to field questions about his explosive article. The drive time call-in number on O`ahu is 808-524-6565.
Cee noted earlier:We're demonstrating to focus attention on the long history of abuse of power and deliberate use of federal tax dollars to subvert the wishes of Hawaiians by Wespac and their Executive Director, Kitty Simonds. Simonds must go and Wespac must reform.
Longstanding mismanagement of fisheries by Wespac is detailed in the recent issue of Cascadia Times, a mainland publication with a reputation for uncovering government misconduct.
Stated Cee:If even half of the allegations in the Cascadia Times are true, Wespac should be thoroughly investigated by federal officials.
MEDIA UPDATE
Students for the Protection of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
CONTACT: CEE @ 808.734-4165 on O`ahu
MARCH 13, 2006
WESPAC STUDENT PROTEST TAKES TO THE AIR
Live Call-In Radio Broadcast
www.ktuh.org/shows.php?listen
90.3 FM Honolulu
89.9 FM WINDWARD
91.3 FM NORTHSHORE (O`ahu)
843 DIGITAL CABLE
HONOLULU - Students for the Protection of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (SPNHI) will be on the radio tonight (Monday) before their planned protest of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, the federal agency commonly known as Wespac, which will take place on Tuesday March 14 and Wednesday March 15.
SPNHI spokesperson, Cee will be joined on KTUH Radio from 6-9 pm by Jay Nelson, an environmental consultant. KTUH is the student-run noncommercial radio station at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa which broadcasts on three frequencies islandwide, and streams live on the Internet.