September 30, 2005 - Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Click here to listen to this address.

As part of our Administration’s ongoing efforts to protect Hawai`i’s environmental resources, I recently approved the establishment of a marine refuge in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. 

This 1,200-mile chain of atolls and reefs is home to the endangered monk seal and green sea turtle, and other species found nowhere else in the world.

The marine refuge is the result of the commitment and leadership of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which worked with federal partners and national and local conservation organizations.

Protecting these State waters builds on DLNR’s policy of managing marine resources as a public trust, and ensures that Hawai`i has abundant resources for the future.

The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is a special place worthy of the highest levels of protection.  We are committed to leaving this legacy for future generations.

Mahalo. This is Governor Linda Lingle.