Information Direct from Hawaii

The following is an email from Athline M. Clark, who is the State Co-Manager for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. This email is in response to a request for more information on the experience in creating Hawaii's Monument. The request stated, "I wanted to ask for your assistance in obtaining some information about how much involvement is the State of Hawaii is in the co-management of the Monument."

I promised to send you more information after we met in DC, and events overtook me so here is my preliminary thoughts with more to come.

* In the public process to create the Monument there were 52,000 public comments received on the proposed federal actions and 25,000 comments received on proposed State actions. Almost all calling for strong and lasting protections to be placed on this site.

* At the time the Monument was created, there were 8 federally permitted bottomfishing boats and a few handline vessels doing commercial fishing in the Monument. Commercial fishing will be phased out in 2011 but can continue until this time.

* The Monument allows for traditional and customary practices by Native Hawaiians. The regulations state that nothing can be sold.

* In addition to Native Hawaiian subsistence fishing and gathering, sustenance fishing for consumption while in the Monument is allowed if permitted. Vessels can troll, catch and eat the fish while in the Monument.

* Native Hawaiians were involved in a BIG way in the crafting of the language to protect this place, on selecting the name, and continue to have strong input into all management decisions via the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and a cultural working group. ALL activities taking place in the Monument are considered for BOTH their natural and cultural values and weighted equally.

* One of the key things that was done early on was the formation of a cultural working group, made up of kupuna (elders), practitioners, and cultural experts. They helped set the bar and craft the vision for Native Hawaiian involvement. It would be REALLY important for you all in Saipan to set up a similar committee and seek their input. In our experience, it is through their vision and their collective wisdom that we in part, where we are. The group MUST be made up of RECOGNIZED and legitimate practitioners. You do need a few key strong advocates to assist in organizing the group but they must agree on their own on who has standing.

* The Proclamation does not diminish or enhance State's jurisdiction and authority. The site is co-managed. All activities occurring in State's waters MUST have authorized State signature and agreement.

* All activities occurring in the Monument must be permitted. This ensures that there is a way to track and enforce illegal activity.

* Some of the key things to consider and request from CEQ and Pew include:

1. Funds to be at the table and co-manage the site.
2. A new educational facility to provide outreach on the islands and marine ecosystems.
3. A seat at the table in decision-making and a co-management agreement.
4. Funds to operate the education facility, for the co-manager and other staff support.
5. An agreed upon opportunity for traditional cultural practices to continue, to the extent they do not harm or diminish the resources, based on input from a cultural working group made up of indigenous Chamorros and Carolinians....
6. Assistance and support for enforcement of regulations within the site created.

* While the models in Hawaii include the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument AND the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, there are similar models in Am. Samoa at Fangatele Bay. In Am. Samoa, over 75% of the federal funds to manage the site go directly to support Am. Samoa gov. employees managing the site. There is only a small true federal presence with an assistant manager who is a federal FTE.

* In Hawaii, the State, NOAA and FWS co-manage the Monument and NOAA and the State co-manage the Whale Sanctuary. 25% of the federal budget for the Whale Sanctuary goes to the State for State supported positions. The amount provided to the State for the Monumennt is less but still supports critical positions. This type of model also exists for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where MOST of the staff are State staff, including a Dept. Superintendent, 18 enforcement officers, and outreach staff.

* Having this type of partnership has not only provided direct funding for positions, and created new visitor centers/educational facilities in each site I have mentioned, it has also brought other assets including new vessels, training opportunities, research, enforcement support, and more.


During our process to move forward on managing our vast area together we have signed several MOA's. Two are attached and I hope they help.



Aloha

Athline M. Clark
State Co-Manager
Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument
Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources
Department of Land and Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl St. Rm. 330
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 587-0099 voice
(808) 587-0115 fax

Please let me know if you would like a copy of the MOAs. I can email them to you along with more information. I also encourage you to contact the Park in Hawaii for more information.