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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEW NATIONAL MARINE REFUGE ACT PROTECTS FEDERAL WATER IN THE NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HONOLULU, HI, May 17, 2005 --/WORLD-WIRE/-- Hawaiians and conservationists applaud Rep. Ed Case who introduced a bill on May 16, 2005 to Congress that extends and enhances Hawai'i's protective refuge for state waters of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands recently approved by the Hawai'i Board of Land and Natural Resources. Case has proposed a truly protective refuge for federal Reserve waters (50 miles around each Island and Atoll) that would provide the protections that are justly needed to ensure that this world treasure thrives its natural character. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Refuge Act accurately reflects the needs of the resource. It would meet the needs of the gravely endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the threatened and endangered sea turtles and the needs of the lobsters struggling to recover from over-fishing. Representative Case: "Shouldn't there be some special places in our marine world which are in fact true reserves-truly off-limits, where our marine species can live and thrive in their natural state, without the invasive, extractive hand of humankind? I know in my heart that the answer is yes, and that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and their waters are where we should just do it." "This bill eliminates the political dance choreographed by NOAA as they prepare protection measures for a proposed sanctuary in the NWHI. So far NOAA has proposed weakening existing protections established by Executive Order in 2000. As NOAA strives to meet the needs of all stakeholders (instead of the resource), it has proposed to expand commercial fishing, open up the are to tourism and recreational fishing and reduces protected habitat for the gravely endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands deserve better." Cha Smith, Director, KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance and member of the NWHI Hui. The NWHI Marine Refuge Act also meets the need of the resource by eliminating the need for NOAA 5 year review of whatever protections are adopted by the sanctuary program-opening protection measures up to political pressure every five years. Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are viewed by Native Hawaiians as a truly special place and referred to as, "Na Kupuna Islands," revered ancestors to the Main Islands. They hold great cultural and religious significance to the Hawaiian people. We have always maintained that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are a nursery to the lower Islands and that by providing strong protections for the Kupuna Islands, we will be protecting fish stocks here." Vicky Holt Takamine, President, 'Īlio'ulaokalani Coalition. "This builds on the legacy begun by Teddy Roosevelt in 1909, and it extends the extraordinary, historic momentum of the state's action Friday. It is a crystal-clear reflection of public input." Stephanie Fried, senior scientist with Environmental Defense. This legislation follows the widely lauded high standard recently set by the state. The National Marine Refuge Act creates a lasting legacy that is a tribute to this nearly pristine coral reef wilderness. It is beautiful in its simplicity as it provides for management and stewardship that is seamless with the existing USFW Hawaiian Island Refuge and with the State's new Refuge for state waters. Summary points of proposed federal NWHI Pu'uhonua: Read Congressman Case's Floor Speech clicking here. Contacts: Cha Smith tel. (808) 277-5362 (cell) Stephanie Fried tel. (808) 262 7128 Dave Raney tel. (808) 734-4986 Isaac Harp tel. (808) 885-8540 KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance P.O. Box 27112 Honolulu, Hawai'i 96827 Tel: 808-524-8220 Fax: 808-524-8221 For more information visit Kahea at: http://www.kahea.org
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