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NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary hosts Public Meetings April 12 – May 14, 2010

NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary will host a series of informational public meetings to launch the public engagement segment of the sanctuary’s management plan review. The statewide meetings are scheduled April 12 – May 14, 2010.

The sanctuary is committed to an open and transparent review process and is inviting the public to participate. Throughout the management plan review, the public will have the opportunity to comment on sanctuary management and issues and suggest new directions for the sanctuary.

“The public is encouraged to participate in these meetings that will help inform them about current sanctuary activities, the process of management plan review and how public input is integrated into design of the sanctuary management plan,” said Naomi McIntosh, sanctuary superintendent.

This series of meetings will provide the public with current information about the sanctuary. In August, public scoping meetings will be held, during which public comments on management considerations will be accepted as input to the management plan review process.

The management plan review is a public process that helps the sanctuary assess current and emerging issues and concerns, and bring management practices up to date. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, with extensive involvement from local stakeholders, will evaluate how well the existing management plan allows the sanctuary to effectively protect resources given new needs and opportunities.

Schedule of meetings (6 – 9 pm unless otherwise noted):

• April 12: Waialua, Oahu, Waialua Elementary School Cafeteria
• April 15: Lanai, Senior Center, Hulopoe Beach Park Council Meeting*, 6 – 7 pm
• April 27: Kihei, Maui, Sanctuary Headquarters
• April 29: Hawaii Kai, Oahu, NOAA Conference Room
• May 3: Hilo, Hawaii, Mokupapapa Discovery Center
• May 4: Kona, Hawaii, Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort
• May 8: Lihue, Kauai, Chiefess Kamakahelei Elementary School Cafeteria, 9 am – 12 pm
• May 14: Kaunakakai, Molokai, Mitchell Pauole Center

Those who wish to attend are encouraged to call 1-888-55-WHALE ext 267 or E-mail hihwmanagementplan@noaa.gov to register, so that additional dates may be added if capacity at any venue is exceeded. For more detailed information, including exact times and location, please visit: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/mprmeetings.html

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov

On the Web:
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov