National Marine Sanctuary Foundation: About Us

Marine Life Information Kiosk Kicks Off Outreach Partnership

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s new long-term partnership with Outrigger Hotels & Resorts will ultimately reach hundreds of thousands with the message of stewardship so essential to preserving the marine habitats of the Hawaiian Islands.

The partnership kicked off February 10th with the unveiling of the Foundation’s first hotel-based Marine Life Information Kiosk. This innovative interactive display quickly engages the viewer with incredible photos and interesting facts about Hawaii ’s marine life and ecosystems.

Key participants in the unveiling are pictured above: Geoff Graf and Dr. Charles Kelley of Outrigger Hotels; Naomi McIntosh, Hawaiian Islands Sanctuary Manager; and Jean-Michel Cousteau and Robert Lyn Nelson, NMSF Trustees.

NMSF Trustee & famed marine artist Robert Lyn Nelson signed posters of his artwork.

“This innovative partnership will help connect people to one of the most beloved of all ocean creatures - the humpback whale. People protect what they love and they love what they understand. This computer kiosk will help provide greater understanding of humpback whales and the waters in which they live.
~Jean Michel Cousteau

With coordination support by the local offices of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and NMSF, Outrigger will offer a series of permanent educational exhibits, traveling exhibits, expert lectures, ocean activities and community service projects at various hotel properties on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.

By far the most novel component of the partnership is the Marine Life Information Kiosk, which took more than two years to design and program. The kiosk will be permanently located in the lobby at the Outrigger Reef in Waikiki.

The kiosk is programmed with information about Hawaii’s humpback whales and the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Program.

The programming and physical design of the whale tail-shaped kiosk is a collaborative effort between the foundation, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Sanctuary Program.

“ We are extremely proud to be associated with organizations that are truly making a difference in educating the public and helping to preserve our precious marine life and ocean ecosystems,” said Dr. Chuck Kelley of Outrigger Hotels. “We are especially excited about what these partnerships mean for our guests. The wealth of information that will now be available to our guests will undoubtedly enrich their experience and appreciation of the ocean.”

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts guests will have the opportunity to make a financial contribution to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation on behalf of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The proceeds will be used for research, education and outreach efforts.

“As the non-profit partner to the National Marine Sanctuary System it is our job to help build bridges between the public and private sectors,” said Lori Arguelles, NMSF Executive Director, “Most people aren’t aware that these special underwater treasures exist, much less how to support them. This partnership is an important step in educating the public about how each person can make a difference.”

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation supports the outreach and education efforts of the National Marine Sanctuary System, part of the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Through public and private sector partnerships, The Foundation creates conservation-based programs designed to preserve, protect and promote these underwater treasures.