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Management P v� e cew The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (sanctuary) protects humpback whales and their habitat in the main Hawaiian Islands. The sanctuary works to achieve this goal through scientific research, education, public outreach, and by facilitating observance of federal and state laws that prohibit disturbing these endangered marine mammals. Congress established the sanctuary in 1992 via the Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary Act (HINMSA). Full designation of the sanctuary was completed when the sanctuary's completed its first management plan in June of 1997. The plan was later reviewed in 2002 through a process required by law that included public review and comment. The sanctuary has undertaken another management plan review (MPR) process to address current and emerging issues and to increase management effectiveness. What is a Management Plan and why is it being reviewed? A sanctuary management plan is a site - specific planning and management document that describes the goals, objectives, and management activities for a sanctuary. Management plans generally outline regulations, describe boundaries, identify staffing and budget needs, and set priorities and performance measures for resource protection, research, and outreach and education programs. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) is required by law to periodically review sanctuary management plans to ensure that sanctuary sites continue to conserve, protect, and enhance their nationally significant living and cultural resources. This allows the site to include new and relevant scientific information and advances in marine resource management to ensure current issues are being addressed. How did the process begin? This process began with an assessment of the existing sanctuary management plan, regulations, and threats to sanctuary resources; in this case the humpback whale and its habitat. As stated in the HINMSA, the sanctuary and the state of Hawai'i will consider other marine resources for possible inclusion in the sanctuary, an effort supported by the Governor. The public is encouraged to participate and comment during the MPR process. Why is the sanctuary considering adding new marine resources? The identification of marine resources in addition to humpback whales and their habitat was stipulated by Congress in the 1992 HINMSA. During the 2002 management plan review and revision process, numerous public comments were received requesting the sanctuary to increase its scope to include the conservation and management of additional resources. In 2007, the HIHWNMS and State of Hawai'i produced a report entitled "Assessment of Additional Resources for Possible Inclusion in the Hawaiian Islands HumpbackWhale National Marine Sanctuary" Governor Linda Lingle has since expressed her support for considering other marine mammals and sea turtles for possible inclusion to the sanctuary. In response to the Congressional mandate, the Governor's support, and public opinion, the sanctuary is implementing a process to engage communities and explore, among other issues, the possibility of increasing the scope of the sanctuary to include other marine resources in addition to humpback whales. How will the public be involved? All interested parties are welcome to participate and provide comment during the public scoping process. This process will include scoping meetings on Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Maui, and the Island of Hawai'i. The meetings are not decision - making meetings, however, all comments received will help to identify programmatic needs and issues to address as the sanctuary, advisory council, and constituents proceed to work together for the duration of the MPR process. noon 1 a - Over please. � /