COM 0970.001 2008-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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What are scoping meetings? Scoping meetings provide a forum for resource users, interest groups, government agencies, and other members of the public to provide comments on what they believe should be addressed in an updated management plan. They are not decision making meetings. The comments received will help define program needs to address during the sanctuary management plan review process. Where and when will the meetings be held? Scoping meetings will be held on O'ahu, Maui, Hawai'i, Kaua'i, Lana'i, and Moloka'i. The schedule will be announced online at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. What can I expect at the scoping meetings? At the beginning of each meeting, sanctuary staff will provide information on the background and programs of the sanctuary. Following a brief introduction, the group will break up into roundtable discussion groups. A group leader at each table will help facilitate the discussion and ensure everyone has the opportunity to comment. All comments will be recorded. What happens following the scoping meetings? Action Plans: After the public scoping period, sanctuary staff will review all comments and work with the Sanctuary Advisory Council and the public to prioritize issues for the management plan review. Additional workshops may be conducted to develop action plans that address priority issues. These action plans will form the foundation of the draft management plan. Draft Management Plan: The draft management plan will contain action plans that address resource protection issues and will outline management of the sanctuary. Additionally, it may also propose regulatory changes. The sanctuary will provide additional opportunities for the public to comment on the draft management plan. Environmental Assessment: Federal and state agencies will conduct a full environmental assessment, as required by law, to address any potential environmental impacts resulting from the proposed actions in the draft management plan. Final Management Plan: Following a second public comment period, the ONMS will make any necessary changes prior to issuing the final management plan. The proposed management plan, regulations, and any recommendations concerning the addition of other marine resources in the sanctuary must receive final approval from the Governor of Hawai'i. How can you provide input? The sanctuary encourages the public to participate and provide comments throughout the management plan review process. Those interested in providing comments to the sanctuary can mail, e -mail, or fax written comments directly to the Management Plan Review Coordinator at: Management Plan Review Coordinator Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary 6600 Kalaniana'ole Hwy. Suite 301 Honolulu, Hawai'i 96825 E -mail: hihwmanagementplan @noaa.gov Fax: 808 - 397 -2650 Where can I get more information? Find out more online at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov or conact the sanctuary office at 1.888.55.WHALE. Also, visit us online to subscribe to the management plan review listserve to receive e- updates about the process.