National Marine Sanctuary Foundation: Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Event Groundbreaking

Senator Inouye receiving the 2004 Steward of the Sanctuary Award from NMSF Trustee Robert Lyn Nelson.

Jennifer Black, Senator Inouye, Robert Lyn Nelson

Jennifer Black, Senator Inouye and Robert Lyn Nelson

On August 18th, NMSF Trustee Robert Lyn Nelson, NMSF Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Black and many others attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the new education center at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei Maui, Hawaii where U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii was presented the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s 2004 Steward of the Sanctuary Award. On behalf of the Foundation, Trustee and world-renowned artist Robert Lyn Nelson presented the award to the Senator for his tremendous vision and leadership for the National Marine Sanctuary System and specifically for his dedication and support of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

"It is an honor to pay tribute to Senator Inouye for all of his support throughout the years. He and his staff have been champions in working to help educate citizens about the positive influences for the region that could come from the site's designation. He is a true leader and visionary for the ocean," said Lori Arguelles, NMSF Executive Director.

Crowd at groundbreaking Among those attending the groundbreaking ceremony were State Senator Rosalyn H. Baker of South Maui and West Maui; Mayor Alan Arakawa of Maui County; Timothy Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere for the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration; Allen Tom, Pacific Regional Coordinator for NOAA’s NMSP; Naomi McIntosh, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Manager; Jeff Walters of the State of Hawaii and Uncle Kimokeo of ‘Ao’ao O Na Loko I’a O Maui.


Tim Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere	State Senator Rosalyn H. Baker and U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye

"I am humbled to be selected as the recipient of this prestigious award," said Senator Inouye, a tireless champion of the marine environment. "Our marine sanctuaries are key to protecting and nurturing marine life. They also serve an important role in educating the public. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is particularly significant for Hawaii, given how the ocean and its creatures have always been an integral part of the life and culture of the islands."

The new facility will contribute to the community by providing marine education programs as well as a location for community education and public events. “The new sanctuary learning center will be a multi-purpose building," said Sanctuary Manager Naomi McIntosh. “It will house additional office space for staff, storage facilities and a large space for education, school classes and public programs.”


Tom Allen, Senator Inouye, Mayor Arakawa, Robert Lyn Nelson, Naomi McIntosh, Tim Keeney and Jeff Walters	Conceptual drawing of the new multi-purpose building

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary supports the work of marine researchers and long-term monitoring for the endangered humpback whale and its habitat, coordinates and participates in community outreach projects, developing educational displays, and working cooperatively with local organizations, agencies and volunteers to address resource protection and public awareness.

Following the ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to tour the education center, view displays, participate in activities, and observe Hula entertainment and a Fishpond Hukilau. World-renowned artist, and Hawaii’s own Robert Lyn Nelson, was on hand to sign posters. Donations from the poster signing went to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to help further the outreach and education efforts of the nationwide network of marine sanctuaries, specifically the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

You can help further the mission of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and all our national marine sanctuaries by supporting the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation! >> I want to help!