Announcing the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument draft management plan, Gov. Linda Lingle, center, praised the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for their support and participation in its preparation. OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona, left, joined Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett, NOAA administrator Conrad Lautenbacher Jr., and OHA Trustees Oswald Stender and Boyd Mossman on stage. OHA Trustee Colette Machado also attended. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

Protecting Papahānaumokuākea
Input sought on draft plan

By Lisa Asato - Ka Wai Ola

When the Clinton administration sought community input on a plan to protect the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Vicky Takamine's group KAHEA was there. In 2000, KAHEA and the 'Īlio'ulaokalani Coalition brought together scientists, attorneys, kūpuna, fisherman, cultural practitioners and Native Hawaiian organizations for three days of meetings from which arose a draft plan for protection.

“The monument guidelines we set in that 2000 meeting, Clinton adopted them,” said Takamine, president of KAHEA, the Hawaiian Environmental Alliance.

Eight years later, the former reserve stands as the nation's largest conservation area and is known as Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. And now that a draft management plan for the area is available and open for public comment through July 8, Takamine's group will be sure to once again have their say. “For us, they need to establish guidelines for access and for permitting – we want to advocate for stricter regulations,” said Takamine, calling the monument “one of the most sacred sites in Hawai'i.

On Earth Day, April 22, Gov. Linda Lingle and federal leaders announced that a draft management plan was available for review and input on how the area – home to rare and endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal – should be managed for the next 15 years.

Lingle, who praised the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for their support and participation in preparing the draft plan, said, “This vast area has a great deal of significance, not only to those concerned with protecting our environment, but to the Native Hawaiians who share such a strong cultural tie to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.”

Retired Naval Vice Adm. Conrad Lautenbacher Jr. of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, who attended the press conference at Washington Place, said: “The draft plan truly embodies the spirit of cooperative conservation. The document reflects the best thinking of the thousands of people who have raised their voices on behalf of the monument. We look forward to working with the community and our fellow monument co-trustees to ensure the protection of this special and globally significant place that is Papahānaumokuākea.”