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The waters off the Ka Iwi coast on the east side of O`ahu are part of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. This area is one of the prime whale watching spots on O`ahu. |
A sanctuary advisory council has been established to provide advice and recommendations on various issues of concern throughout the sanctuary.
Congress authorized the sanctuary in
1992, and the Governor of Hawai`i formally approved it in
1997. Established for the purpose of conservation, research,
and
State of Hawai`i
Governor Benjamin J. Cayetano indicates the state's
approved sanctuary boundaries at a press conference
in July 1997.
education, the sanctuary develops programs and takes initiatives that strengthen resource protection measures and ensure the long-term recovery of humpback whales. The primary focus of such efforts lies in educating the public about existing regulations that protect humpback whales, enhancing the enforcement of these laws, and working cooperatively with other agencies to increase awareness of humpbacks and their habitat. The Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale Sanctuary completed its first five-year review process in 2002 by reviewing, revising and updating the existing management plan with the involvement of staff, its Sanctuary Advisory Council, the State of Hawaii and the local community. In September 2002, Governor Cayetano approved the final revised managment plan for implemetation in state waters.
One of the sanctuary's goals is to promote public awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the humpback whale, which is an essential step toward their continued protection. The sanctuary's public visibility provides numerous opportunities to supply information about its resources and programs.
The sanctuary headquarters office on Maui, along with satellite offices on O`ahu and Kaua`i, offer many opportunities for the public to learn about the sanctuary program. The offices offer free printed materials that describe the humpback whale and its habitat. Additionally, the staff regularly conducts outreach activities for individuals, user groups, schools and other organizations.
Interpretetive
signage, such as this one at Kilauea Point National
Wildlife Refuge on Kaua`i, is one example of
interagency collaboration. These signs are
developed jointly by the sanctuary and the state of
Hawai`i and placed at various locations around the
islands.
The sanctuary's resource
protection program complements existing federal and state
regulatory mechanisms that protect humpback whales and their
habitat. The purpose of this program is to develop and
implement strategies that reduce human impacts within the
sanctuary. Approximately 65% of sanctuary waters fall under
state jurisdiction; thus, the sanctuary works closely with
state agencies to ensure the coordinated management of
sanctuary resources and habitats. In addition, the sanctuary
conducts regular consultations with the State of Hawai`i and
other federal agencies to review all permit requests for
activities that may affect humpback whale
habitats.
The purpose of the sanctuary's research program is to increase knowledge about the North Pacific humpback whale population and its winter habitat, to study resource management issues, and to interpret research results to the public. Since 1994, the sanctuary has been involved in a number of research projects that focus on humpback whales in Hawaiian waters.
The Hawaiian sanctuary and NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program work cooperatively with the people of Hawai`i to protect this important marine ecosystem. Grassroots support is vital to the success of marine sanctuaries. NOAA's partnership with the state, and with the people of Hawai`i, will help to ensure that humpback whales are protected for the continued enjoyment of present and future generations.
[top]
Revised by the HIHWNMS
web team on November 18, 2002.
URL: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/management/management.html.
