Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 12, 1 December 2003 — Sanctuary council [ARTICLE]

Sanctuary council

The Hawaiian Islands Humphaek Whale National Marine Sanctuary Program (HIHWNMS), established in 1997 to protect the endangered humphaek whale and its environment, is seeking to fill the Native Hawaiian member and Native Hawaiian alternate seats of its advisory eouneil. In addition to the two Native Hawaiian seats, HIHWNMS is seeking applicants for the following seats: Maui County Alternate, Kaua'i County Alternate, Education Alternate and Fishing Alternate. Applicants for the eouneil are chosen based on their expertise and experience; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in Hawai'i. Applicants are expected to serve two-year terms. The Secretary of Commerce created the Sanctuary Advisory Council to assure continued puhlie participation in the management of the sanctuary. The eouneil acts as a liaison between the sanctuary, state and federal management agencies, and the community by providing recommendations to the sanctuary manager based on community input. The eouneil is comprised of 24 voting members, who represent a variety of loeal and Native Hawaiian groups, as well as science, educational and conservation organizations.

HIHWNMS is one of 13 marine sanctuaries around the nation, created as a result of the U.S. Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. The sanctuary focuses its effort on a wide range of issues, including supporting the work of marine researchers and working with the community to increase protection and awareness of the sanctuary. For application information, eontact Keeley Belva at (888) 55-whale, or email Keeley.Belva@noaa.gov.