06-18-2008, 12:52 PM
Hey everybody,
Tomorrow, Thursday June 19th, there will be a public hearing on the Papahanaumokuakea (NWHI) Monument Draft Management Plan. It's going to be at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center, right there at Bayfronts in Hilo from 5:30-8PM. That's a lot more "papas" than I usually type in a day but its worth it because this is a really important time to speak out. At first glance, it looks like these pristine coral reef habitats have been protected by being designated as a monument - but it ain't so. Among other things, this management plan would promote tourism, allow unlimited military maneuvers and more research permits. None of it sounds too awful until you find out how incredibly sensitive this place is to anything we humans might accidentally bring along in ship's bilges, clothing, shoes etc. The potential for major screw up is enormous. Also, the agencies involved have not exacly rolled out the red carpet to public involvement so far. Here's your chance to speak your mind! You can also submit written comments and/or sign a petition to incorporate a citizen's advisory council, incorporate the State refuge as an equal partner, perpetuate Hawaiian culture in the process and conduct an impact study before increasing traffic at this link:
http://www.kahea.org/
Actually, tonight, the 18th, there's a hearing in Kona at the Kona Beach Hotel at 5:50, so if you're on the west side, check that one out. I just recenlty learned that there are only around 1100 Hawaiian Monk Seals left with us, and their numbers are declining. Most of them live in the NWHI. For their sake speak out and tell your friends!
Aloha,
Mitzi
Tomorrow, Thursday June 19th, there will be a public hearing on the Papahanaumokuakea (NWHI) Monument Draft Management Plan. It's going to be at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center, right there at Bayfronts in Hilo from 5:30-8PM. That's a lot more "papas" than I usually type in a day but its worth it because this is a really important time to speak out. At first glance, it looks like these pristine coral reef habitats have been protected by being designated as a monument - but it ain't so. Among other things, this management plan would promote tourism, allow unlimited military maneuvers and more research permits. None of it sounds too awful until you find out how incredibly sensitive this place is to anything we humans might accidentally bring along in ship's bilges, clothing, shoes etc. The potential for major screw up is enormous. Also, the agencies involved have not exacly rolled out the red carpet to public involvement so far. Here's your chance to speak your mind! You can also submit written comments and/or sign a petition to incorporate a citizen's advisory council, incorporate the State refuge as an equal partner, perpetuate Hawaiian culture in the process and conduct an impact study before increasing traffic at this link:
http://www.kahea.org/
Actually, tonight, the 18th, there's a hearing in Kona at the Kona Beach Hotel at 5:50, so if you're on the west side, check that one out. I just recenlty learned that there are only around 1100 Hawaiian Monk Seals left with us, and their numbers are declining. Most of them live in the NWHI. For their sake speak out and tell your friends!
Aloha,
Mitzi
Uluhe Design
Native Landscape Design
uluhedesign@yahoo.com
Native Landscape Design
uluhedesign@yahoo.com