June 16, 2006 - Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

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The Bush Administration’s Council on Environmental Quality announced this past week the designation of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as the largest marine protected area in the world.

This federal action complements our Administration’s recent designation of all state waters in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as a fully protected state marine refuge.

This seamless partnership between state and federal governments, environmental conservationists, and Native Hawaiian organizations will preserve the 1,200-mile chain of atolls and reefs as a natural and cultural legacy.

Having visited the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands with Jean-Michel Cousteau, I can attest that this is a special place worthy of the highest levels of protection.

Together, we are proud to continue our commitment to preserve Hawai`i's natural resources for our future generations.

Mahalo. This is Governor Linda Lingle.