Management Plan Review
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Management Plan and why is it being reviewed?
What are the steps for the review?
What kind of changes can I expect?
Will new resources be added for protection?
How will the public be involved?
Where can I get more information?



What is a Management Plan and why is it being reviewed?

A sanctuary management plan is a site-specific planning and management document that describes the objectives, policies, and activities for a sanctuary.  Management plans generally outline regulatory goals, describe boundaries, identify staffing and budget needs, set priorities and performance measures for resource protection, research, and education programs.  They also guide the development of future management activities.

The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) is required by law to periodically review sanctuary management plans to ensure that sanctuary sites continue to best conserve, protect, and enhance their nationally significant living and culture resources. Recent scientific discoveries, advancements in managing marine resources, and new resource management issues may not be addressed in existing plans.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS) was congressionally designated in 1992.  The final sanctuary management plan and regulations became effective on June 2, 1997.  The sanctuary is administered through a Compact Agreement between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Governor’s Office and a Memorandum of Understanding between the ONMS and the State of Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources.  The agreement requires that the HIHWNMS evaluate its management plan and regulations every five years, and subsequently re-propose them in their entirety to the State so that they can certify that the terms are still acceptable in State waters. 

The HIHWNMS last evaluated and resubmitted its management plan and regulations to the State of Hawaii in 2002.  No regulatory changes were made to the sanctuary, though the management plan was revised to reflect new issues and priorities, including an action plan to consider the possible inclusion of other marine resources into the sanctuary.  The Sanctuary is now preparing for another management plan review to evaluate its existing management plan and regulations, and at the same time begin a process to consider adding new resources to the sanctuary, as outlined in the last management plan.


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What are the steps for the review?

The ONMS periodically reviews sanctuary management plans relying on public input.  This process will begin with an evaluation of the existing sanctuary management plan, regulations and threats to sanctuary resources, in this case the humpback whale and its habitat.  As identified in the current management plan, the HIHWNMS and the State of Hawaii also intend on considering other resources for possible inclusion in the sanctuary. The public is encouraged to participate in this process and help shape the future of the sanctuary. 

Internal Evaluation:  Sanctuary staff, working with the State of Hawai`i and its Sanctuary Advisory Council, will evaluate the existing sanctuary management plan, regulations and threats to the humpback whale and its habitat. The sanctuary will summarize these findings and make them available to the public for review.  In addition, this team will also begin a process identified in the current management plan, to consider other resources for possible inclusion in the sanctuary. This process, and data evaluated to date, will also be summarized and made available to the public.  

Scoping Meetings:  Sanctuary staff will hold public scoping meetings in communities adjacent to the sanctuary. These meetings will allow sanctuary users, members of the public, and agencies, to comment on the existing management plan and provide input on what issues they see as management priorities for the next 5 to 10 years.  Comments may also be sent to the HIHWNMS through the website or in writing.  The date, time, and location of scoping meetings will be posted on the website.

Action Plans:  After the scoping meetings, sanctuary staff will review all comments and work with its Sanctuary Advisory Council and the public to prioritize issues for the management plan review.  If necessary, additional workshops will be scheduled to help sanctuary staff develop action plans to address priority issues.  These action plans will form the foundation of the draft management plan. 

Draft & Final Management Plans:  The revised draft management plan will contain a series of action plans that address resource protection and the general management of the sanctuary.  It may also propose regulatory changes.  The sanctuary will take written comments and host a series of public hearings on the draft plan.   If necessary, a supporting document, such as an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement, will be prepared to support and explain any proposed changes.  After the close of the public comment period, the ONMS will review comments and make necessary changes before issuing the final management plan.  The final management plan, regulations, and any recommendations regarding the inclusion of other marine resources, will be given to the Governor of Hawaii for their approval in state waters. 

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What kind of changes can I expect?

Management plan review provides an opportunity for sanctuary staff and the public to shape the future direction and management of each sanctuary.  At this time, the HIHWNMS is looking for comments on two focus areas:

1)    Is the sanctuary providing adequate protection for the humpback whale and its habitat through its existing management plan and regulations?  If not, what additional issues need to be addressed by the sanctuary or what additional strategies or activities should be developed to address these issues? 

2)    What other marine resources should be considered for possible inclusion in the sanctuary and what could the sanctuary do to provide additional protection for these resources? 

Ultimately, the issues selected by the sanctuary to be addressed in the management plan review will, in part, depend on program priorities and comments received during the public scoping meetings.


Will new resources be added for protection? 

At this time it is too early to predict whether it may be appropriate to add any additional resources to the HIHWNMS.  The purpose of implementing a public process is to comprehensively evaluate the need for adding other resources and determining what added protections the sanctuary could offer for these resources.  The HIHWNMS will include many opportunities for the public to provide their input and comments on this important consideration.


How will the public be involved?

Active and informed public participation is a key element of sanctuary management. The ONMS recognizes the public as a key partner and values their input in helping to shape and manage marine sanctuaries. For almost 30 years, the ONMS has engaged the public in creating new sanctuaries, developing resource protection strategies, resolving multi-stakeholder issues (i.e., water quality, vessel traffic, and marine reserves), and more recently, reviewing existing management plans. Using the lessons learned from these experiences, the ONMS will help build community awareness of key issues affecting sanctuaries. Additionally, ONMS will actively engage user and interest groups, agencies, and the public in an open dialogue about how to best shape the future direction and management of HIHWNMS.

The public will have numerous opportunities to participate in management plan review, beginning with the scoping meetings and continuing through the development of the draft and final management plans. The ONMS will provide ample notice of each meeting through this website and through local media outlets.


Where can I get more information?

Current information will be provided on this website. You may also contact the Sanctuary office at 1.888.55.WHALE for more information.

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