Saturday Briefing

By Luana Maitland

Governor Linda Lingle and Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona Jr. have signed a proclamation declaring February “Humpback Whale Awareness Month” in Hawaii. The goal of Humpback Whale Awareness Month is to enhance public awareness of Hawaii’s official state marine mammal and increase public involvement in ocean stewardship.In the official proclamation, Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona “encourage (Hawaii) citizens to commit to the protection of Hawaii’s spectacular humpback whales for future generations.” “I invite the public to enjoy the sanctuary’s Humpback Whale Awareness Month activities and celebrate the homecoming of our amazing humpbacks,” said Governor Lingle.

Hawaii is home to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, the only marine-protected area in the nation solely devoted to humpback whale protection. The Marine Sanctuary lies within the shallow warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands and constitutes one of the world’s most important humpback whale habitats. Through education, research, and resource protection activities, the sanctuary strives to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaii.

The sanctuary is celebrating Humpback Whale Awareness Month by offering a variety of special activities around the state. The Outrigger Reef on the Beach is partnering with the Sanctuary to offer guests and kama‘aina the opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures. On February 4 and 19, keiki will have the opportunity to learn about whales, while making humpback whale hats — adults are invited to join in the fun! Other educational activities will teach about whale behavior and biology. The events will take place in the Ocean Tower Lobby between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and will last approximately 30 minutes.

Each winter, from approximately December to May, a portion of the endangered North Pacific humpback whale population migrates from their feeding grounds in Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii to engage in breeding activities. Hawaii’s pristine marine environment is considered to be one of the most important breeding, calving, and nursing grounds for humpback whales in the North Pacific. For that reason, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was dedicated to protect humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaii.

Visit http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov to find out more about getting involved in Humpback Whale Awareness Month.