MARINE PROTECTED SPECIES

Hawai‘i’s

A HANDBOOK FOR OCEAN USERS

THE LAWS & REGULATIONS FOR FEDERALLY PROTECTED MARINE RESOURCES

2001
CONTENTS TABLE OF

4 The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine

Sanctuary - NOAA and the State of Hawai’i

6 NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement

7 NOAA Fisheries’ Pacific Islands Area Office Protected Resources 

Program

8 North Pacific Humpback Whale Fact Sheet

9 Hawaiian Monk Seal Fact Sheet

10 Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin Fact Sheet

11 Hawaiian Sea Turtle Fact Sheet 

12 Excerpts of the Endangered Species Act (As amended 1990)

14 Excerpts From Parts 222 of the United States 

Code of Federal Regulation

17 Excerpts of the Marine Mammal Protection Act

(As amended 1994)

19 Excerpts From Parts 216 of the United States Code of Federal 

Regulation

22 Excerpts of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act 

(As amended by Pub. L. 104-283)

24 Excerpts from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale 

National Marine Sanctuary Act

26 Excerpts From Hawai‘i’s Wildlife Law

29 Wildlife Viewing Recommendations for Hawai‘i Ocean Users

30 Guidelines for Whale Watching

32 Guidelines for Documenting Violations

34 Contact Telephone Numbers

38 Boundary Maps of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale 

National Marine Sanctuary Boundary 

PROTECTED SPECIES

AGENCY DESCRIPTIONS

FEDERAL LAWS

STATE LAWS

GUIDELINES

FOLLOW-UP

MAPS
4

THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE

NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

A SANCTUARY DEDICATED TO THE ENDANGERED HUMPBACK WHALE AND ITS HABITAT

The Hawaiian Islands are the world's most isolated island archipelago, born of ancient volcanoes and inhabited

by animals and plants derived from ancestors that found their way here over thousands of miles of ocean.

According to scientists, the shallow, warm waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands constitute one of the

world's most important habitats for the endangered humpback whale. Nearly two-thirds of the entire North

Pacific population of humpback whales migrates to Hawai‘i each winter. Here, they engage in breeding,

calving and nursing activities critical to the survival of their species.

The sanctuary is also home to a fascinating array of marine animals, corals and plants, some of which are

found nowhere else on Earth. Its cultural heritage includes Native Hawaiian traditions of living in harmony with

the sea. Its waters invite activities such as diving, boating and snorkeling, and support commercial uses such

as fishing and shipping.

THE WORK OF THE SANCTUARY

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is one of 13 national marine sanctuaries

created under the U.S. Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. The sanctuary's goal is to promote

comprehensive and coordinated management, research, education and long-term monitoring for the

endangered humpback whale and its habitat.

The sanctuary focuses its efforts on a variety of issues, including supporting the work of marine researchers,

coordinating and participating in community outreach projects, developing educational displays, and

working cooperatively with local organizations, agencies and volunteers to address resource protection and

public awareness. 

Stretching from Maui to several nearby Hawaiian Islands, the boundary of the sanctuary encompasses

approximately 1,218 square nautical miles of coastal and ocean waters (see maps on page 34-40). Throughout

the main Hawaiian Islands, the sanctuary extends seaward from the shoreline to the 100-fathom isobath. It

includes areas around the islands of Maui, Lana‘i, and Moloka‘i, and parts of O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and the Big Island.

SANCTUARY ADMINISTRATION

The sanctuary is jointly managed by the sanctuary manager, the state of Hawai‘i co-manager, and other field

staff via a cooperative federal-state partnership. The sanctuary manager receives national program guidance

from the National Marine Sanctuary System, located in Silver Spring, Maryland. Additionally, the state comanager receives guidance from the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources. A sanctuary advisory

council has been established to provide advice and recommendations on various issues of concern throughout

the sanctuary.
5

THE SANCTUARY'S ROLE IN RESOURCE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION

Congress authorized the sanctuary in 1992, and the Governor of Hawai‘i formally approved it in 1997.

Established for the purpose of conservation, research, and education, the sanctuary develops programs and

takes initiatives that strengthen resource protection measures and ensure the long-term recovery of humpback

whales. The primary focus of such efforts lies in educating the public about existing regulations that protect

humpback whales, enhancing the enforcement of these laws, and working cooperatively with other agencies,

including NOAA Fisheries, to increase awareness of humpbacks and their habitat.

SANCTUARY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

One of the sanctuary's goals is to promote public awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the

humpback whale, which is an essential step toward their continued protection. The sanctuary's public visibility

provides numerous opportunities to supply information about its resources and programs. 

The sanctuary headquarters office on Maui, along with satellite offices on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i, offer many

opportunities for the public to learn about the sanctuary. The offices offer free printed materials that describe

the humpback whale and its habitat. Additionally, the staff regularly conduct outreach activities for

individuals, user groups, schools and other organizations. Visitors are welcome from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday

through Friday, at the Education Center which is located at the sanctuary headquarters in Maui.

SANCTUARY RESOURCE PROTECTION PROGRAM AND ENFORCEMENT

The sanctuary's resource protection program complements existing federal and state regulatory mechanisms

that protect humpback whales and their habitat. The purpose of this program is to develop and implement

strategies that reduce human impacts within the sanctuary. Approximately 65% of sanctuary waters fall under

state jurisdiction; thus, the sanctuary works closely with state agencies to ensure the coordinated management

of sanctuary resources and habitats. In addition, the sanctuary conducts regular consultations with the State 

of Hawai‘i and other federal agencies to review all permit requests for activities that may affect humpback

whale habitats.

SANCTUARY RESEARCH AND LONG-TERM MONITORING

The purpose of the sanctuary's research program is to increase knowledge about the North Pacific humpback

whale population and its winter habitat, to study resource management issues, and to interpret research

results to the public. Since 1994, the sanctuary has been involved in a number of research projects that focus

on humpback whales in Hawaiian waters.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PEOPLE OF HAWAI‘I

The Hawaiian sanctuary and NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary System work cooperatively with the people 

of Hawai‘i to protect this important marine ecosystem. Grassroots support is vital to the success of marine

sanctuaries. NOAA's partnership with the state, and with the people of Hawai‘i, will help to ensure that

humpback whales are protected for the continued enjoyment of present and future generations.
6

NOAA FISHERIES OFFICE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Office for Law Enforcement (OLE)is a component of the Department of Commerce, under the National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The primary mission of the Office is the protection of the

Nation’s living marine resources. The Office for Law Enforcement enforces a variety of Federal laws and

regulations.

OFFICE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Protection, conservation and management of the fishery resources within the 200 mile United States Exclusive

Economic Zone (EEZ) under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

(MFCMA).

Protection of marine mammals, threatened and endangered species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act

(MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Extended jurisdiction beyond the EEZ, to include both highly migratory and anadromous species. International

responsibilities in the enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and

other international resource related crimes investigated under the authority of the Lacey Act.

Our nation’s living marine resources are legitimately utilized and sometimes exploited by individuals from a

broad range of resource user groups. The Office for Law Enforcement is tasked with responding to the

environmental problems involving the conservation and protection of marine resources.

OUR APPROACH TO ECOSYSTEM PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION:

Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) to promote voluntary compliance through

constituent communication, public awareness and education by committing to community interaction and

partnerships.

Investigate and prosecute criminal and civil violators. Seize contraband and illegally possessed property.

Gather information on criminal activities involving resource-related crimes. Develop world-wide fisheries

enforcement operations using advanced technologies like Vessel Management Systems (VMS). Foster crosscutting activities with other NOAA offices and promote partnerships with Federal, State, Tribal and Foreign

enforcement agencies.

In the past two decades, OLE responsibilities have been substantially increased with the passage of more than

100 legislative acts, and international treaties and conventions. This translates to being responsible for

enforcing over 24 statutes under Title 16 of the United States Code and additional criminal statutes under Title

18.
7

NOAA FISHERIES’ PACIFIC ISLANDS AREA OFFICE

PROTECTED RESOURCES PROGRAM

NOAA Fisheries is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing marine

wildlife and their habitats. The Pacific Islands Area Office (PIAO) represents NOAA Fisheries’ Southwest Regional

Office in Hawaii and the U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands. The PIAO is located at 1601 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite

1110, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814.

The Pacific Islands Protected Species Program operates under the authority of the Endangered Species Act

(ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and other statutes to protect, enhance, and/or recover

endangered and threatened species of sea turtles, monk seals, cetaceans (humpback whales and other listed

whales), and other marine mammals (e.g., dolphins and small whales).

Commercial fisheries are monitored under the MMPA to ensure that incidental marine mammal take (injury

and mortality) remains at levels sustainable by the affected populations. When necessary, regulations are

developed to mitigate the adverse effects of human activities and may include such measures as area closures,

closed seasons, gear restrictions, observers, harvest quotas, and limits on allowable levels of mortality of

marine mammals.

The Program also works with ESA Section 7 consultations to ensure that federally funded, initiated, or

permitted projects and activites do not jeopardize a threatened or endangered species or adversely affect

designated critical habitat.

Under the Compacts of Free Association with RMI and FSM, the U.S. is obligated to apply environmental

standards and procedures to U.S. Government activities, and to develop alternate standards and procedures

to fulfill this obligation in consultation with and concurrence of the appropriate governments.

The Program works closely with state and other federal agencies in the development of protective regulations

and plans (e.g., Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Plans, Humpback Whale Sanctuary Management Plan, Coast

Guard Area Response Plan for Oil Spills).
Humpback whales are listed as

depleted under the Marine Mammal

Protection Act (MMPA) and

endangered under the Endangered

Species Act (ESA). They receive

protection under MMPA, ESA, state

wildlife laws and also as a protected

resource of national significance

within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback

Whale National Marine Sanctuary. In

addition, approaches to humpback

whales in Hawai‘i are limited to 100

yards by sea, and 1,000 feet by air

unless authorized by valid state and

federal research permits. Under the

MMPA and ESA it is also illegal to

"take" humpback whales, which

includes harassing, injuring, or killing.

POPULATION TRENDS

The North Pacific humpback whales 

pre-whaling population is estimated

by scientists to have been

approximately 15,000 whales.

Researchers estimate there are

currently about 7,000 humpback

whales in the North Pacific. Out of 

this stock, approximately 5,000

humpbacks migrate to Hawai‘i 

each year. 

DISTRIBUTION & 

MOVEMENT PATTERNS

The North Pacific stock of humpback

whales winter in three nearshore

lower latitude mating and calving

areas: Hawai‘i, western

Mexico, and the islands of

southern Japan. During the

spring and summer, the North Pacific

stock of humpback whales migrate to

feeding areas over the continental

shelf of the Pacific rim, from the coast

of California north to the Bering Sea.

The main Hawaiian Islands may

contain the largest seasonal

population of North Pacific

humpbacks in the world. Hawai‘i is

the only state in the United States

where humpback whales mate, calve,

and nurse their young.

FEEDING PATTERNS

The North Pacific stock of humpback

whales feed during the summer, in

northern waters (between

approximate latitudes 40° to 75°).

They feed on krill and small schooling

fish, such as capelin and herring.

Humpbacks rarely feed in their

wintering areas; it is not known if they

feed along their migratory routes. 

NATURAL HISTORY

• Mature females typically calve every 

2-3 years.

• The humpback whale’s gestation 

period is 10-12 months.

• Calves nurse for 10-12 months, often 

doubling in size during their first year.

• Humpback whales of both sexes 

typically reach sexual maturity 

between 5-9 years of age.

• The humpback whale’s average 

lifespan is unknown, but it is 

believed to be 40-60 years.

THREATS

• Acoustic disturbance

• Collision with ships

• Entanglement in marine debris

• Habitat degradation, 

including pollution

• Illegal whaling

RECOVERY EFFORTS

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback

Whale National Marine Sanctuary

seeks to educate the public about

humpback whales and the

importance of Hawai‘i’s waters to the

humpbacks’ survival. The Sanctuary

also supports humpback whale

research efforts in Hawai‘i.

RESEARCH

Current research includes population

assessments, documenting and

analyzing social and reproductive

behavior, and describing the natural

history of humpback whales. Research

methods include aerial and vessel

surveys, underwater photography and

acoustic recording, photo-identification

of flukes, and satellite tagging. 

WHALES ARE PROTECTED IN HAWAI‘I,

PLEASE REPORT VIOLATIONS TO:

• NOAA Fisheries Enforcement at 

(808)541-2727 (Statewide) or the 

NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline 

1(800)853-1964, 24 hours 

a day, 7 days a week.

8

NORTH

HUMPBACK WHALE

Ke Kohola-

[LEGAL STATUS]

PACIFIC

Photo courtesy of Lori Mazzuca ©
HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL

Photo courtesy of Lori Mazzuca ©

Ka ‘I- lio-holo-i-kauaua

The Hawaiian monk seal is protected

under the Endangered Species Act, the

Marine Mammal Protection Act and

wildlife laws of the State of Hawai‘i.

These laws prohibit harassing,

harming, or killing a monk seal. It is

important to remember that all monk

seals, both alive and dead, are

protected. In 1988, critical habitat was

designated on all beach areas and

ocean waters to a depth of 20 fathoms

around the Northwestern Hawaiian

Islands. If you are lucky enough to see

a monk seal in the wild, please keep a

minimum distance of 50 yards to

ensure you do not disturb it. Federal

permits are required to conduct

research on monk seals both in the

wild and in captivity. 

POPULATION TRENDS

Hawaiian monk seals are the most

endangered seal species in the United

States, with only an estimated 1,300 to

1,400 seals remaining. Despite decades

of protection and management which

have enhanced population growth at

some locations, overall numbers have

declined and the species is now

considered to be highly endangered –

to the point that a natural catastrophe,

such as a disease epidemic or a mass

biotoxin poisoning event, could lead

to extinction. 

DISTRIBUTION & MOVEMENT PATTERNS

• Breeding populations are at six major 

locations in the Northwestern 

Hawaiian Islands; a relatively small 

number of seals live in the waters off 

the main Hawaiian Islands. 

• Sandy beaches and lava 

benches are preferred "haul 

out" sites for monk seals.

• Monk seals commonly remain

at their birth island for life.

FEEDING PATTERNS

• Prey includes bottom and reef fish, eels,

octopus, squid and crustaceans.

• Most feeding occurs at depths less 

than 75 to 90m (although the deepest

recorded dive was greater than 500m).

• Recent data indicates wide variations

in feeding strategies.

NATURAL HISTORY

• The maximum age of the Hawaiian 

monk seal is believed to be 25-30 years.

• Females reach sexual maturity at 5-10

years of age.

• Roughly 65% of all female adults 

give birth each year.

• Most females give birth on beaches 

with adjoining shallow water areas.

• Pups are weaned at 5-6 weeks of 

age; mothers do not eat while lactating.

• Pups measure about 3 feet at birth 

and weigh about 30 pounds. Their 

weight may increase to as much as 

150 to 200 pounds before weaning.

• Mating occurs in the water and is 

rarely observed by humans.

THREATS

• Entanglement in marine debris

• Disturbance by humans can cause 

seals to abandon important habitat

• Aggression by adult male seals can 

injure or kill adult females or 

juveniles, usually at areas with larger

numbers of adult males

• Predation by sharks

• Interactions with dogs (attacks and

disease transmission)

• Limited prey resources

RECOVERY EFFORTS

• Marine debris has been removed 

from island beaches, reefs, and 

entangled seals.

• Adult males have been translocated 

to balance sex ratios and decrease 

the incidence of male aggression.

• Rehabilitation and release of

underweight pups.

• Development of recovery plan and a 

Monk Seal Recovery Team.

RESEARCH

Current Research Includes:

• Assessing and monitoring 

population size

• Determining reproduction and 

survival rates

• Identifying causes of injuries 

and mortalities

• Monitoring social behaviors, including

pup rearing and mobbing behavior

• Characterizing foraging behaviors, 

including diving patterns and 

prey selection

• Conducting census efforts at 

important habitat sites

• Studying the decline of seals at 

French Frigate Shoals

• Assessing the role of health and 

disease in population trends

MONK SEALS ARE PROTECTED IN HAWAI‘I,

PLEASE REPORT VIOLATIONS TO:

• NOAA Fisheries Enforcement at 

(808)541-2727 (Statewide) or the 

NOAA \Fisheries Enforcement Hotline 

1(800)853-1964, 24 hours a day, 

7 days a week.

• Department of Conservation and 

Resource Enforcement (DOCARE),

State of Hawai‘i at 

(808)587-0077.

[LEGAL STATUS]

9
Spinner dolphins are protected

under the Marine Mammal

Protection Act. Under the act it is

unlawful to "take" marine

mammals, including spinner

dolphins. "Take" means to harass,

hunt, capture or kill any marine

mammal or attempt to do so.

"Level B harassment" means any

act of pursuit, torment, or

annoyance which has the potential

to disturb a marine mammal or

marine mammal stock in the wild

by causing disruption of behavioral

patterns, including but not limited

to, migration, breathing, nursing,

breeding, feeding, or sheltering.

When observing spinner dolphins

in the wild recommended distance

for observation is 50 yards. 

DISTRIBUTION & 

MOVEMENT PATTERNS

Unlike oceanic spinner dolphins,

Hawaiian spinners are found close 

to shore in shallow coves and bays

during the day. In these important

nearshore habitats, Hawaiian

spinner dolphins rest, care for their

young, avoid predators and

engage in reproductive activities

vital to their survival.

FEEDING PATTERNS

Hawai‘i’s spinner dolphins feed at

night in the open ocean, usually

along and across the slope in the 100

to 1,000 fathom escarpment. They

feed on organisms that rise toward

the surface at night, such as small

squid, lantern fish, and small hake.

NATURAL HISTORY

• Females reach sexual maturity at 

5-12 years of age.

• Gestation period is 10-12 months.

• Normally, adult females can give 

birth to a single calf every second 

or third year.

• Calves are weaned at 7 months of 

age or more.

• Although the maximum age is 

unknown, the spinner dolphin’s 

lifespan is believed to be over 

20 years.

• Exact population numbers are 

not known.

THREATS

• Acoustic disturbance from vessels

• Collisions with ships

• Entanglement on marine debris

• Habitat degradation

• Human disturbance - Though not 

apparent to the casual observer, 

spinner dolphins may be 

disturbed by close approaches 

by vessels and swimmers. 

RESEARCH

• Documenting social 

behavior, vocalizations and 

population structure

• Documenting the impacts of 

human interaction on spinners

OTHER DOLPHINS AND SMALL

WHALES COMMONLY SEEN IN

HAWAI‘I INCLUDE:

• Bottlenose dolphins

• Spotted dolphins

• False killer whales

• Pilot whales

• Risso’s dolphins

SPINNER DOLPHINS ARE PROTECTED 

IN HAWAI‘I, PLEASE REPORT

VIOLATIONS TO:

• NOAA Fisheries Enforcement at 

(808)541-2727 (Statewide) or the 

NOAA Fisheries Enforcement 

Hotline 1(800)853-1964, 24 hours 

a day, 7 days a week.

• Department of Conservation 

and Resource Enforcement 

(DOCARE), State of Hawai‘i at 

(808)587-0077.

[LEGAL STATUS]

HAWAIIAN SPINNER DOLPHIN

Photo courtesy of Lori Mazzuca ©

Ka Nai‘a

10
All sea turtles in Hawai‘i are protected

under the Endangered Species Act

and wildlife laws of the State of

Hawai‘i. These laws make it illegal to

harass, disturb, harm, kill, or keep sea

turtles in captivity without a permit,

or sell any sea turtle parts or products.

Research on sea turtles both in

captivity and in the wild require

federal permits. It is important to

remember that all sea turtles, both

alive and dead, are protected. If you

are lucky enough to see a sea turtle in

the wild, do not attempt to touch or

grab it. The recommended distance

for observation of sea turtles in the

wild is 50 yards. Please remember that

feeding, touching, or attempting to

ride them could cause distress. 

HAWAI’I’S SEA TURTLES

Five species of sea turtles are found in

the nearshore and pelagic environments

around the Hawaiian Islands. The most

commonly observed species is the

threatened green sea turtle. The very

rare and endangered hawksbill turtle

may also be found in nearshore waters.

Leatherback, loggerhead and olive

ridley turtles are found in the offshore

waters around Hawai‘i, but are rarely

seen by the casual observer. Sea turtles

have played important roles in the

environment and culture of Hawai‘i.

They are featured in mythology,

petroglyphs, and as ‘aumakua

(personal family gods and guardians).

GREEN SEA TURTLE

The green sea turtle, called honu in

Hawaiian, is the most common sea

turtle in Hawaiian waters and

can frequently be seen

feeding on marine plants in

shallow coastal waters

throughout the islands. This turtle is

primarily vegetarian and eats algae or

limu growing underwater on coral

reefs and rocks. Green sea turtles

grow slow, taking more than two

decades to reach an adult breeding

size of 200 pounds or more. Hawai‘i’s

green sea turtles migrate once every

2-5 years across hundreds of miles of

open ocean to mate and nest in the

Northwestern Hawaiian Islands at the

isolated French Frigate Shoals. While

Hawai‘i’s green sea turtle population

has increased in recent years, it is

still threatened from poaching, 

death by fishing gear and from

fibropapilloma disease. This disease

causes fibrous growths on the eyes,

neck, flippers, and in the mouth. It is

believed to be caused by a virus, and

can be fatal to turtles. 

HAWKSBILL

The hawksbill or honu’ea is also native

to Hawai‘i. This species is critically

endangered and it is believed that very

few of these turtles remain in our island

waters. Hawksbills nest on a few small

sand beaches on the Big Island, Maui,

Moloka‘i, and O‘ahu. These areas are

extremely important habitat for

hawksbill turtles. Mature hawksbills

measure about three feet long and

weigh up to 200 pounds. Hawksbills

use their long, narrow beaks to probe

for food. They are known to feed heavily

on sponges, an invertebrate that is

toxic to most other animals. 

LEATHERBACK

The leatherback is the world’s largest

turtle and can grow up to eight feet

long and weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

Leatherback turtles are seen regularly

in Hawai‘i’s deep offshore waters,

where they feed on jellyfish and other

invertebrates. Leatherbacks do not

normally nest on Hawai‘i’s beaches,

although a rare nesting of a

leatherback was documented on 

La-na‘i in 1997. Unfortunately, no signs

of fertility were found in any of the

eggs. Leatherbacks seen in Hawaiian

waters are thought to originate from

breeding sites in Mexico, Costa Rica,

Irian Jaya and possibly even Malaysia.

The leatherback is the only sea turtle

species that lacks a hard shell. 

SEA TURTLES ARE PROTECTED IN HAWAI‘I,

PLEASE REPORT VIOLATIONS TO:

• NOAA Fisheries Enforcement at 

(808)541-2727 (Statewide) or the 

NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline 

1(800)853-1964, 24 hours a day, 

7 days a week.

• Department of Conservation and 

Resource Enforcement (DOCARE), 

State of Hawai‘i, at (808)587-0077 

(O‘ahu); 274-3521(Kaua‘i); 

984-8110(Maui); 553-5190 

(Moloka‘i); 565-7916(La-na‘i), 

974-6208(Hilo); 323-3141(Kona); 

887-6196(Kamuela); after hours and

weekends dial "0" and ask for 

enterprise 5469.

• Report nesting or basking activities,

and dead, sick, injured, or stranded

turtles to NOAA Fisheries Honolulu 

Laboratory at (808)983-5730, 

Monday – Friday, 7 am to 4 pm.

HAWAIIAN SEA TURTLE

[LEGAL STATUS]

Photo courtesy of Lori Mazzuca ©

N a- Honu

11
12

These excerpts from the United States "Endangered Species Act" and "the

United States Code of Federal Regulations" are provided for information only.

Before relying on any portion of the Act as it appears here, reference should

be made to the official report of the Act in the United States Code of Federal

Regulations. NOAA Fisheries is responsible for conservation, recovery and

enforcement activities for most marine species under this statute.

[AS AMENDED THROUGH 1994]

CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS OF 

PURPOSES AND POLICY (16 U.S.C. 1531)

(a) Findings-The Congress finds and declares that 

(1) various species of fish, wildlife, and plants in the United States have been rendered extinct as a

consequence of economic growth and development untempered by adequate concern and conservation;

(2) other species of fish, wildlife, and plants have been so depleted in numbers that they are in danger

of or threatened with extinction;

(3) these species of fish, wildlife, and plants are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical

recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people;

(b) Purposes 

The purposes of this Act are to provide a means whereby the ecosystems upon which endangered

species and threatened species depend may be conserved, to provide a program for the conservation of

such endangered species and threatened species, and to take such steps as may be appropriate to

achieve the purposes of the treaties and conventions set forth in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Policy

(1) It is further declared to be the policy of Congress that all Federal departments and agencies shall

seek to conserve endangered species and threatened species and shall utilize their authorities in

furtherance of the purposes of the Act.

(2) It is further declared to be the policy of Congress that Federal agencies shall cooperate with State

and local agencies to resolve water resource issues in concert with conservation of endangered species.

ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973
13

For purposes of this Act

(6) The term "endangered species" means any species which is in danger of

extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range--

(8) The term "fish or wildlife" means any member of the animal kingdom,

including without limitations any mammal, fish, bird (including any

migratory, nonmigratory, or endangered bird for which protection is also

afforded by treaty or other international agreement), amphibian, reptile,

mollusk, crustacean, arthropod, or other invertebrate, and includes any part,

product, egg, or offspring thereof, or the dead body or parts thereof.

(19) The term "take" means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill,

trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.

(20) The term "threatened species" means any species which is likely to

become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or

a significant portion of its range.

DEFINITIONS (16 U.S.C. 1532)

(a) Generally

(1) Except as provided in sections 1535(g)(2) and 1539 of this Act, with respect to any

endangered species of fish or wildlife listed pursuant to section 1533 of this Act it is unlawful

for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to--

(A) import any such species into, or export any such species from the United States;

(B) take any such species within the United States or territorial sea of the United States;

(C) take any such species upon the high seas;

(D) possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport, or ship, by any means whatsoever, any such 

species taken in violation of subparagraphs (B) and (C);

(E) deliver, receive, carry, transport, or ship in interstate or foreign commerce, by any 

means whatsoever and in the course of commercial activity, any such species;

(F) sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce any such species; or 

(G) violate any regulation pertaining to such species or to any threatened species of fish 

or wildlife listed pursuant to section 1533 of this title and promulgated by the 

Secretary pursuant to authority provided by this chapter.

PROHIBITED ACTS (16 U.S.C. 1538)
14

UNITED STATES CODE OF 

FEDERAL REGULATIONS (50 CFR)

SUBPART A (Introduction and General Provisions)

222.101 Purpose and scope of regulations 

(a) The regulations of parts 222, 223, and 224 of this chapter implement the

Endangered Species Act (Act), and govern the taking, possession, transportation,

sale, purchase, barter, exportation, importation of, and other requirements

pertaining to wildlife and plants under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Commerce

and determined to be threatened or endangered pursuant to section 4(a) of the Act.

These regulations are implemented by the National Marine Fisheries Service, National

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, This part

pertains to general provisions and definitions. Specifically, parts 223 and 224 pertain

to provisions to threatened species and endangered [[Page 78]] species,

respectively. Part 226 enumerates designated critical habitat for endangered and

threatened species. Certain of the endangered and threatened marine species

enumerated in Secs. 224.102 and 223.102 are included in Appendix I or II to the

Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

The importation, exportation, and re-exportation of such species are subject to

additional regulations set forth at 50 CFR part 23, chapter I. 

(b) For rules and procedures relating to species determined to be threatened or

endangered under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, see 50 CFR parts 10

through 17. For rules and procedures relating to the general implementation of the

Act jointly by the Departments of the Interior and Commerce and for certain species

under the joint jurisdiction of both the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, see

50 CFR Chapter IV. Marine mammals listed as endangered or threatened and subject

to these regulations may also be subject to additional requirements pursuant to the

Marine Mammal Protection Act (for regulations implementing that act, see 50 CFR

part 216). 

(c) No statute or regulation of any state shall be construed to relieve a person from

the restrictions, conditions, and requirements contained in parts 222, 223, and 224 of

this chapter. In addition, nothing in parts 222, 223, and 224 of this chapter, including

any permit issued pursuant thereto, shall be construed to relieve a person from any

other requirements imposed by a statute or regulation of any state or of the United

States, including any applicable health, quarantine, agricultural, or customs laws or

regulations, or any other National Marine Fisheries Service enforced statutes or

regulations. 
15

222.102 Definitions

Authorized officer means:

(1) Any commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard;

(2) Any special agent or enforcement officer of the National Marine Fisheries Service;

(3) Any officer designated by the head of a Federal or state agency that has entered 

into an agreement with the Secretary of Commerce or Commandant of the Coast 

Guard to enforce the provisions of the Act; or 

(4) Any Coast Guard personnel accompanying and acting under the direction of any 

person described in paragraph (1) of this definition.

Take means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or

collect, or to attempt to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, 

or collect.

SUBPART C (General Permit Procedures)

222.301 General requirements

No person shall take, import, export, or engage in any other prohibited activity

involving any species of fish or wildlife under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of

Commerce that has been determined to be endangered under the Act, or that has

been determined to be threatened and for which the prohibitions of section 9(a)(1) of

the Act have been applied by regulation, without a valid permit issued pursuant to

these regulations. The permit shall entitle the person to whom it is issued to engage

in the activity specified in the permit, subject to the limitations of the Act and the

regulations in parts 222, 223, and 224 of this chapter, for the period stated on the

permit, unless sooner modified, suspended or revoked.
16

PART 224 - ENDANGERED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS SPECIES

224.103 Special prohibitions for endangered marine mammals

(a) Approaching humpback whales in Hawai‘i. Except as provided in part 222,

subpart C, of this chapter (General Permit Procedures) it is unlawful for any person

subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to commit, to attempt to commit, to

solicit another to commit, or to cause to be committed, within 200 nautical miles

(370.4km) of the Islands of Hawai‘i, any of the following acts with respect to

humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae):

(1) Operate any aircraft within 1,000 feet (300 m) of any humpback whale;

(2) Approach by any means, within 100 yards (90 m) of any humpback whale;

(3) Cause a vessel or other object to approach within 100 yards (90 m) of a 

humpback whale; or

(4) Disrupt the normal behavior or prior activity of a whale by any other act or 

omission. A disruption of normal behavior may be manifested by, among 

other actions on the part of the whale, a rapid change in direction or speed; 

escape tactics such as prolonged diving, underwater course changes, 

underwater exhalation or evasive swimming patterns; interruptions of 

breeding, nursing, or resting activities; attempts by a whale to shield a calf 

from a vessel or human observer by tail swishing or by other protective 

movement; or the abandonment of a previously frequented area.
17

These excerpts from the United States Marine Mammal Protection Act and

"the United States Code of Federal Regulations" are provided for

information only. Before relying on any portion of the Act as it appears

here, reference should be made to the official report of the Act in the

United States Code of Federal Regulations. NOAA Fisheries is responsible

for management, conservation and enforcement activities for whales,

dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions under this statute.

[AS AMENDED THROUGH 1994]

FINDINGS AND DECLARATIONS OF POLICY (16 U.S.C. 1361)

The United States Congress finds that---

(1) certain species and population stocks of marine mammals are, or may be, in danger of

extinction or depletion as a result of man's activities;

(2) such species and population stocks should not be permitted to diminish beyond the point at

which they cease to be a significant functioning element in the ecosystem of which they are a part,

and, consistent with this major objective, they should not be permitted to diminish below their

optimum sustainable population. Further measures should be immediately taken to replenish any

species or population stock which has already diminished below that population. In particular,

efforts should be made to protect essential habitats, including the rookeries, mating grounds, and

areas of similar significance for each species of marine mammal from the adverse effect of 

man's actions;

(6) marine mammals have proven themselves to be resources of great international significance,

esthetic, recreational, as well as economic, and it is the sense of the Congress that they should be

protected and encouraged to develop to the greatest extent feasible commensurate with the sound

policies of resource management and that the primary objective of their management should be to

maintain the health and stability of the marine ecosystem. Whenever consistent with this primary

objective, it should be the goal to obtain an optimum sustainable population keeping 

in mind the carrying capacity of the habitat.

DEFINITIONS (16 U.S.C. 1362)

Sec. 3. For the purposes of this Act

(6) The term "marine mammal" means any mammal which (A) is morphologically adapted to the

marine environment (including sea otters and members of the orders Sirenia, Pinnipedia and

Cetacea), or (B) primarily inhabits the marine environment (such as the polar bear); and, for the

purposes of this Act, includes any part of any such marine mammal, including its raw, dressed, or

dyed fur or skin.

MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION ACT OF 1972
18

(10) The term "person" includes (A) any private person or entity, and (B) any

officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government,

of any State or political subdivision thereof, or of any foreign government.

(12) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term "Secretary" means---

(i) the Secretary of the department in which the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration is operating, as to all responsibility, 

authority,funding, and duties under this Act with respect to members of the 

order Cetacea and members, other than walruses, of the order Pinnipedia---

(B) n Section 118 and title IV the term "Secretary" means the Secretary 

of Commerce.

(13) The term "take" means to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass,

hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal.

(14) The term "waters under the jurisdiction of the United States" means---

(A) the territorial seas of the United States;

(B) the waters included within a zone, contiguous to the territorial sea of the 

United States, of which the inner boundary is a line coterminous with the 

seaward boundary of each coastal State, and the outer boundary is a line 

drawn in such a manner that each point on it is 200 nautical miles from the 

baseline from which the territorial sea is measured;

(18) (A) The term "harassment" means any act of pursuit, torment, or 

annoyance which---

(i) has the potential to injure a marine mammalor marine mammalstock 

in the wild; or

(ii) has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in 

the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not 

limited to, migration, breathing,nursing,breeding,feeding, orsheltering.

(B) The term "Level A harassment" means harassment described in 

subparagraph (A) (i).

(C) The term "Level B harassment" means harassment described in 

subparagraph (A) (ii).
19

PROHIBITIONS (16 U.S.C. 1372)

Sec. 102. (a) [Taking] -- Except as provided by certain sections of this title I and title

IV, it is unlawful---

(1) for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States or any vessel or

other conveyance subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take any marine

mammal on the high seas; 

(2) except as expressly provided for by an international treaty, convention, or

agreement to which the United States is a party and which was entered into before the

effective date of this title or by any statute implementing any such treaty,

convention, or agreement--

(A) for any person or vessel or other conveyance to take any marine mammal in 

waters or on lands under the jurisdiction of the United States; or

(B) for any person to use any port, harbor, or other place under the jurisdiction of 

the United States to take or import marine mammals or marine mammal products; 

and 

(3) for any person, with respect to any marine mammal taken in violation of this title,

to possess that mammal or any product from that mammal;

(4) for any person to transport, purchase, sell, export, offer to purchase, sell, or

export any marine mammal or marine mammal product--

(5) for any person to use, in a commercial fishery, any means or methods of fishing in

contravention of any regulations or limitations, issued by the Secretary for that fishery

to achieve the purposes of this Act.

UNITED STATES CODE OF FEDERAL

REGULATIONS (50 CFR)

Part 216---Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals

Subpart A--Introduction

216.1 PURPOSE OF REGULATIONS

Theregulationsin this part implement the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which

among other things, restricts thetaking, possession, transportation, selling, offering for

sale,andimportingof marine mammals.
20

216.3 DEFINITIONS

In addition to definitions contained in the Act, and unless the context otherwise

requires, in this part 216:

Feeding is offering, giving, or attempting to give food or non-food items to marine

mammals in the wild. It includes operating a vessel or providing other platforms from

which feeding is conducted or supported. It does not include the routine discard of

by catch during fishing operations or routine discharge of waste or fish by products

from fish processing plants or other platforms if the discharge is otherwise legal and is

incidental to operation of the activity.

Endangered Species means a species or subspecies of marine mammal listed as

"endangered" pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Take means to harass, hunt, capture, collect, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt,

capture, collect, or kill any marine mammal. This includes, without limitation, any of

the following: The collection of dead animals, or parts thereof; the restraint or

detention of a marine mammal, no matter how temporary; tagging a marine

mammal; the negligent or intentional operation of an aircraft or vessel, or the doing

of any other negligent or intentional act which results in disturbing or molesting a

marine mammal; and feeding or attempting to feed a marine mammal in the wild.

Threatened Species means a species of marine mammal listed as "threatened"

pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

216.8 Enforcement officers

Enforcement Agents of the National Marine Fisheries Service shall enforce the

provisions of the MMPA and may take any actions authorized by the MMPA with

respect to enforcement. In addition, the Secretary of Commerce may utilize, by

agreement, the personnel, services, and facilities of any other Federal Agency for the

purposes of enforcing this MMPA. Pursuant to the terms of section 107(b) of the

MMPA, the Secretary may also designate officers and employees of any State or of any

possession of the United States to enforce the provisions of this MMPA.

SUBPART B--PROHIBITIONS

216.11 Prohibited Taking

Except as otherwise provided in subparts C, D, and I of this part 216 or in part 228 or

229, it is unlawful for:

(a) Any person, vessel, or conveyance subject to the jurisdiction of the United States

to "take" any marine mammal on the high seas, or

(b) Any person, vessel, or conveyance to "take" any marine mammal in waters or on

lands under the jurisdiction of the United States, or

(c) Any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to "take" any marine

mammal during the moratorium.
21

The Marine Mammal Protection Act establishes a moratorium on the “taking” of

marine mammals in U.S. waters by any person and by U.S. citizens in international

waters, as well as a moratorium on the importing of marine mammals and marine

mammal products into the United States. However, certain activities are exempted

from this moratorium. They are:

*scientific research

*enhancing the survival or recovery of a marine mammal species or stock

*commercial and educational photography

*first-time import for public display

*capture of wild marine mammals for public display

*incidental take during commercial fisheries, and

*incidental take during non-fishery activities.

To participate in the above activites, permits and/or authorizations are required for:

(1) marine mammal takes within U.S. waters by all U.S. or foreign citizens; and (2)

marine mammal takes in international waters by U.S. citizens only. NOAA Fisheries

(NMFS) maintains jurisdiction over whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains jurisdiction for walruses, polar bears, sea

otters, manatess and dugongs.

Some species of marine mammals are also protected by the Endangered Species Act

(ESA) and the Fur Seal Act (FSA) which can mandate additional restrictions.
22

These excerpts from the United States “National Marine

Sanctuaries Act” (NMSA) and Subtitle C “the Hawaiian Islands

Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Act” are provided

fro information only. Before relying on any portion of the Act as

it appears here, reference should be made to the official report

of the Act in the United States Code of Federal Regulations.

[AS AMENDED BY PUB. L. 104-283]

SEC. 301 CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS, PURPOSES, AND POLICIES (16 U.S.C. 1431)

(a) Findings - The Congress finds that —

(2) certain areas of the marine environment possess conservation, recreational, ecological, 

historical, research, educational, or esthetic qualities which give them special national, and 

in some instances, international significance;

(4) a Federal program which identifies special areas of the marine environment will 

contribute positively to marine resources conservation, research and management;

(5) such a Federal program will serve to enhance public awareness, understanding, 

appreciation, and wise use of the marine environment; and

(6) protection of these special areas can contribute to maintaining a natural assemblage of 

living resources for future generations.

(b) Purposes and Policies — The purposes and policies of this title are—

(1) to identify and designate as national marine sanctuaries areas of the marine 

environment which are of special national significance;

(2) to provide authority for comprehensive and coordinated conservation and management

of these marine areas, and activities affecting them, in a manner which complements 

existing regulatory authorities;

(3) to support, promote, and coordinate scientific research on, and monitoring of, the 

resources of these marine areas, especially long-term monitoring and research of these 

areas;

(4) to enhance public awareness, understanding, appreciation, and wise use of the marine 

environment;

THE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES ACT Of 1972
23

(5) to facilitate to the extent compatible with the primary objective of resource

protection, all public and private uses of the resources of these marine areas not

prohibited pursuant to other authorities;

(7) to create models of, and incentives for, ways to conserve and manage 

those areas;

(9) to maintain, restore and enhance living resources by providing places for

species that depend upon these marine areas to survive and propagate.

SEC. 302 DEFINITIONS

(3) “marine environment” means those areas of coastal and ocean waters, the

Great Lakes and their connecting waters, and submerged lands over which the

United States exercises jurisdiction, including the exclusive economic zone,

consistent with international law;

(8) “sanctuary resource” means any living or non living resource of a national

marine sanctuary that contributes to the conservation, recreational, ecological,

historical, research, educational, or aesthetic value of the sanctuary;

SEC. 306 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

It is unlawful to

(1) destroy, cause the loss of, or injure any sanctuary resource managed under law

or regulations for that sanctuary;

(2) possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport, or ship by any means any sanctuary

resource taken in violation of this section;

(3) interfere with the enforcement of this title; or

(4) violate any provision of this title or any regulation or permit issued pursuant to

this title.

SEC. 307 ENFORCEMENT

(b) Powers of Authorized Officers — Any person who is authorized to enforce

this title may —

(1) board, search, inspect, and seize any vessel suspected of being in used to 

violate this title;

(2) seize wherever found any sanctuary resource taken or retained in violation of 

this title or any regulation or permit issued under this title;

(3) seize any evidence of a violation of this title or of any regulation or permit 

issued under this title;

(4) execute any warrant or other process issued by any court of competent 

jurisdiction; and

(5) exercise any other lawful authority.
24

THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE

NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY ACT

[Subtitle C of Public Law 102-587, as amended by Pub. L. 104-283]

SEC. 2302 CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS —

(a) Findings - The Congress finds the following

(7) The Hawaiian stock of the endangered humpback whale, the largest of the three North 

Pacific stocks, breed and calve within the waters of the main Hawaiian Islands;

(8) The marine areas surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands, which are essential breeding, 

calving, and nursing areas for the endangered humpback whale, are subject to damage, loss of 

their ecological integrity from a variety of disturbances;

(11) The existing State and Federal regulatory and management programs applicable to the 

waters of the main Hawaiian Islands are inadequate to provide the kind of comprehensive and 

coordinated conservation and management of humpback whales and their habitat that is 

available under title III of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1431;

(13) There is a need to support, promote, and coordinate scientific research on, and monitoring of, 

that portion of the marine environment essential to the survival of humpback whale;

(14) Public education, awareness, understanding, appreciation, and wise use of the marine 

environment are fundamental to the protection and conservation of the humpback whale;

(15) The designation, as a national marine sanctuary, of the areas of the marine environment adjacent

to the main Hawaiian Islands which are essential to the continued recovery of the humpback whale is 

necessary for the preservation and protection of this important national marine resource;

SEC. 2304 POLICY AND PURPOSES —

(a) Policy — It is the policy of the United States to protect and preserve humpback whales and their

habitat within the Hawaiian Islands marine environment.

(b) Purposes — The purposes of this subtitle are —

(1) to protect the humpback whales and their habitat in the area described in Section 2305(b);

(2) to educate and interpret for the public the relationship of humpback whales to the Hawaiian 

Islands marine environment;

(3) to manage such human uses of the Sanctuary consistent with this subtitle and title III of the 

Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended by this Act, and

(4) to provide for the identification of marine resources and ecosystems of national significance for 

possible inclusion in the sanctuary designated in section 2305(a).
25

SEC. 2306 COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN AND IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS

(Subpart Q, Part 922)

§ 922.184 Prohibited Activities

(a) The following activities are prohibited and thus unlawful for any person to conduct or cause to

be conducted.

(1) approaching, or causing a vessel or other object to approach, within the Sanctuary, by any 

means, within 100 yards of any humpback whale except as authorized under the Marine Mammal 

Protection Act (MMPA), as amended, and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as amended;

(2) operating any aircraft about the Sanctuary within 1,000 feet of any humpback whale except when 

in any designated flight corridor for takeoff or landing from an airport or runway or as authorized 

under the MMPA and the ESA;

(3) taking any humpback whale in the Sanctuary except as authorized under the MMPA and the ESA;

(4) possessing within the Sanctuary (regardless of where taken) any living or dead humpback whale 

or part thereof taken in violation of the MMPA or the ESA;

(5) discharging or depositing any material or other matter in the Sanctuary; altering the seabed of the 

Sanctuary, or discharging or depositing any material or other matter outside the Sanctuary if the 

discharge or deposit subsequently enters and injures a humpback whale or humpback whale 

habitat; provided that:such activity requires a Federal or State permit, license, lease, or other 

authorization, and is conducted:

• without such permit, license, lease, or other authorization; or

• not in compliance with the terms or conditions of such permit, license, lease, 

or other authorization.

(6) interfering with, obstructing, delaying or preventing an investigation, search, seizure or 

disposition of seized property in connection with enforcement of either of the Acts or any 

regulations issued under either of the Acts.

(b) The prohibitions in paragraphs (a) (1) - (5) of the §922.184 do not apply to activities necessary to

respond to emergencies threatening life, property or the environment; or to activities necessary for

valid law enforcement purposes. However, while such activities are not subject to paragraphs (a) (1)

- (5) of the §922.184, this paragraph (b) does not exempt the activity from the underlying prohibition

or restriction under other applicable laws and regulations (e.g. MMPA, ESA, and CWA).
26

EXCERPTS FROM HAWAI‘I’S 

WILDLIFE LAW

These excerpts from the State of Hawai‘i’s Wildlife Law are provided for information only. Before

relying on any portion of these rules as they appear here, reference should be made to the

official rules as issued by the State of Hawai‘i, Department of Land and Natural Resources.

TITLE 13, CHAPTER 124, HAWAI‘I ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

[Effective March 2, 1998]

§13-124-1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to conserve, manage, protect, and enhance

indigenous wildlife.... 

§13-124-2 Definitions. As used in this chapter unless context requires otherwise:

"Board" means the board of land and natural resources.

"Department" means the department of land and natural resources.

"Endangered wildlife" means any species, subspecies, or population of wildlife that has been

officially listed by the federal government as endangered and any species, subspecies, or population

of indigenous wildlife listed in, but not limited to the exhibit entitled "Exhibit 2, Chapter 13-124,

Endangered Wildlife in Hawai‘i’" and as updated, which is located at the end of this chapter and

incorporated by reference.

"Export" means shipment to any point outside the State;

"Indigenous wildlife" means any species or subspecies of animal, including migratory forms,

occurring or living naturally in Hawai‘i without having been brought to Hawai‘i by humans and listed

in, but not limited to, the exhibit entitled "Exhibit 1, Chapter 13-124, Indigenous Wildlife of Hawai‘i and

as updated, which is located at the end of this chapter and incorporated by reference.

"Take" means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect endangered

or threatened species of wildlife, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.

"Threatened wildlife" means any species, subspecies, or population of wildlife that has been

officially listed by the federal government as threatened and any species, subspecies, or population of

indigenous wildlife listed in, but not limited to, the exhibit entitled "Exhibit 3, Chapter 13-124,

Threatened Wildlife in Hawai‘i and as updated, which is located at the end of this chapter and

incorporated by reference.

"Wildlife" means any member of any non-domesticated species of the animal kingdom, whether

reared in captivity or not, including any mammal, fish, bird, amphibian, reptile, mollusk, crustacean,

arthropod, or other invertebrate, and includes any part, product, egg, or offspring thereof, or the

dead body or parts thereof. 
27

§13-124-3 Prohibited Activities.

(A) With respect to indigenous wildlife..., and except as provided in subsections (D) and (E), no 

person shall or attempt to:

(1) Catch, possess, injure, kill, destroy, sell, offer for sale, or transport any such species, or any 

young or egg, or the dead body or skin thereof;

(2) Export any such species, or any young or egg, or the dead body or skin thereof from 

the State.

(B) With respect to endangered and threatened species of wildlife except as provided in subsection 

(E), no person shall or attempt to:

(1) Take, possess, process, sell, offer for sale, or transport any such species, any young or egg, 

or the dead body or skin thereof within the State;

(2) Export any such species, or any young or egg, or the dead body or parts thereof, from 

the State.

(C) No person shall remove, damage, or disturb the nest of any indigenous, endangered, or 

threatened species except as provided in subsection (E);

(D) (Regards introduced wild birds.)

(E) The prohibited activities in this section shall not apply to authorized employees of the department, 

or enforcement agents and inspectors of the department of agriculture and U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service when acting in the course of their official duties, or persons authorized by the 

board or its authorized representative and as provided elsewhere in this chapter. 

EXHIBIT 1, CHAPTER 13-124 - INDIGENOUS WILDLIFE OF HAWAI‘I

Indigenous Reptiles

Pelamis platurus - Yellow-bellied Sea Snake

Caretta caretta – Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Chelonia mydas agassizi – Pacific Green Sea Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea schlegelii – Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle 

Eretmochelys imbricata bissa – Pacific Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Lepidochelys olivacea – Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Indigenous Mammals

Monachus schauinslandi – Hawaiian Monk Seal
28

Balaenoptera physalus – Fin Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata – Minke Whale

Megaptera novaeangilae – Humpback Whale

Physeter catodon – Sperm Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris – Densebeaked Whale

Orcinus orca – Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens – False Killer Whale

Peponocephala electra – Melon-headed Whale

Globicephala macrorhynchus – Pilot Whale

Kogia bereviceps – Pygmy Sperm Whale

Tursiops gilli – Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin

Steno bredanensis – Rough-toothed Dolphin

Stenella attenuata – Spotted Dolphin

Stenella longirostris – Spinner Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba – Striped Dolphin

EXHIBIT 2, CHAPTER 13-124 – ENDANGERED WILDLIFE IN HAWAI‘I

Endangered Reptiles

Eretmochelys imbricata bissa – Pacific Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Dermochelys coriacea schlegelii – Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle 

Endangered Mammals

Monachus schauinslandi – Hawaiian Monk Seal

Balaenoptera physalus – Fin Whale

Megaptera novaeangilae – Humpback Whale

Physeter catodon – Sperm Whale

EXHIBIT 3, CHAPTER 13-124 –THREATENED WILDLIFE IN HAWAI‘I

Threatened Reptiles

Caretta caretta – Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Chelonia mydas agassizi – Pacific Green Sea Turtle

Lepidochelys olivacea – Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
29

WILDLIFE VIEWING RECOMMENDATIONS

FOR HAWAI‘I OCEAN USERS

NOAA’s National Ocean Service and NOAA Fisheries are members of the national

Watchable Wildlife Program, a collaborative effort by numerous federal and state

agencies, environmental groups and private industry working to promote

responsible wildlife viewing and nature appreciation. Together, we recommend

the following “Code of Conduct” for viewing wild mammals and sea turtles in

Hawai‘i.

(1) Please view wild marine mammals from an appropriate distance – at least 50 

yards for dolphins and monk seals. For humpback whales, approaches closer than 

100 yards are prohibited by regulation. Using binoculars and telephoto lenses 

offer a minimally intrusive viewing experience. Please also observe sea turtles from

a distance and do not attempt to touch, ride or feed them.

(2) Please give spinner dolphins their space in resting areas where mothers and calves

are especially vulnerable to human activities.

(3) Be aware that feeding wild marine mammals is illegal and feeding any wild 

marine wildlife causes them to become dependent on humans, changes their 

natural behaviors, and makes them vulnerable to injury from vessel strikes and 

illness from contaminated or inappropriate food.

(4) Always remember that wild marine mammals, like all wild animals, are 

unpredictable in their behavior, and can seriously injure people.

By following the “Code of Conduct”, you can make a difference by ensuring that

marine wildlife viewing will be rewarding today and for many generations to

come. The National Ocean Service and NOAA Fisheries hope your time spent

viewing Hawai‘i’s marine wildlife is memorable, enjoyable, educational, and safe.
30

100 yards

100 yards

1

GUIDELINES FOR WHALE WATCHING

A.GENERAL:

By regulation, no one is allowed to approach closer than 100 yards to a humpback whale.

B.AIRCRAFT:

By regulation,no one is allowed to operate any aircraft within 1,000 feet of a 

humpback whale.

C.BOATS/VESSELS:

No one may maneuver to closer than 100 yards of a humpback whale and vessel operators

must adhere to the following restrictions:

• Never operate faster than the speed of the slowest whale when paralleling or following.

• Always maneuver so as not to separate whales, especially a whale from a calf.

• Never use a vessel to herd or drive whales.

ACCEPTABLE MANEUVERS:

Side Approach

When a boat is approaching a

whale from either side it should

close to 100 yards and either

parallel or follow at that distance.

2

Head-On Approach

When a boat is in the pathofa whale,

it should maneuver out of the path

and then parallel or follow the

whales at a distance of 100 yards.

3

Rear Approach:

When a boat is overtaking a whale

it should close to 100 yards and

then adjust speed to that of the

slowest whale.

NOAA Fisheries is the Federal Agency responsible for protecting

whales under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972

and Endangered Species Act of 1973. To protect whales from

harassment and to promote a better public understanding of how

to avoid harassment of whales, NOAA Fisheries is providing these

guidelines for whale watching.
31

1

Running in front 

or cutting across a

whale's path.

2

Cutting the whale off

from deep water.

3

Surrounding 

the whale.

4

Placing your vessel between

the mother and calf.

5

Leapfrogging.

UNACCEPTABLE MANEUVERS:

Adherence to the above guidelines should prevent violations of the approach prohibitions and will help avoid harassment, which is the

disruption of the normal behavioral patterns of humpback whales. Such disruptions are usually manifested by, but not limited to:

rapid change in direction and/or speed; escape tactics such as prolonged diving and underwater course changes, underwater

exhalation or evasive swimming patterns, including swimming away rapidly on the surface; interruption of breeding, nursing, or

resting activities; actions by a female to shield a calf from a boat or human behavior, evidenced by tail swishing, slapping or by other

protective movements; or the abandonment of a previously frequented area.

Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines is essential for the protection of these endangered creatures. Failure to observe these

guidelines may result in harassment of whales, which is illegal. These guidelines are subject to change.

As in the past, NOAA Fisheries, the State of Hawai‘i, Department of Conservation and

Resource Enforcement (DOCARE), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), will

make every effort to protect the whales on their annual visit to Hawai‘i.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: 

NOAA Fisheries Enforcement (808) 541-2727 

NOAA Fisheries (808) 973-2937

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine

Sanctuary 1(800) 831-4888
32

FOR DOCUMENTING VIOLATIONS

1. Type of violation:(e.g. approach, harassment, other)

2. Date:

3. Time:

4. Location of violation:

5. Type of vessel/equipment used in violation

• Color(s):

• Length:

• Name/Home port:

• Identification numbers:

• Other descriptions:

• Last known direction headed:

• Speed

6. Weather on scene:

7. Visibility:

In order for law enforcement authorities to respond to a reported violation in a

timely manner and to successfully apprehend and prosecute violators, certain

information is critical. This information must be accurately documented and

reported to authorities immediately.

REMEMBER: WITNESSES ARE NOT TO APPROACH OR CONTACT VIOLATORS.

The following list is provided as a suggested guideline for obtaining and

documenting necessary information.

GUIDELINES
33

8. Sea conditions:

9. Behavior of animals prior to, during, and after incident:

10. Photographs/Video taken or available:

11. Description of violation or comments: (Use additional sheets if necessary)

12. Reporting party's name: (Please Print)

13. Temporary address & telephone number if non-resident:

14. Permanent address & telephone number:

15. Other witnesses:

Signature __________________________________________ Date _________________

NOAA Fisheries 

Office of Enforcement

300 Ala Moana Blvd. Room 7110

Honolulu, HI 96850

Phone: 

(808) 541-2727 (O‘ahu)

(808) 879-3699 (Maui) HI 96753

Fax (808) 541-3166

Hawaiian Islands Humpback 

Whale National Marine Sanctuary

Maui Office

726 S. Kl

-

hei Road, Kl

-

hei, HI 96753

Phone: (808) 879-2818/

1-800-831-4888

Fax (808) 874-3815 or 

O‘ahu Office

Phone: (808) 397-2651

Fax: (808) 397-2650

Kaua‘i Office

Phone: (808) 246-2860

Fax: (808) 246-2862

State Office

Phone: (808) 587-0106

Fax: (808) 587-0115
34

PHONE NUMBERS FOR O‘AHU

CONTACT SHEET

TELEPHONE

NOAA Fisheries Enforcement (808) 541-2727 or 

1-800-853-1964, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

U.S. Coast Guard 1-800-552-6458

Department of Conservation and Resource Enforcement

(DOCARE), State of Hawai‘i (808)587-0077

Violations of the Marine

Mammal Protection Act and/or

Endangered Species Act,

including Hawai‘i's Humpback

Whale Approach Regulations

NOAA Fisheries, 1-888-256-9840, 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Honolulu Police Department

911

Marine Mammal Strandings -

Whales, Dolphins, and 

Hawaiian monk seals

Marine Turtle Research Program, 

NOAA Fisheries (808) 983-5730

Monday - Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

DOCARE Conservation Hotline, State of Hawai‘i, 

(808) 587-0077 weekends, holidays, and after hours

Injured or Stranded Sea Turtles

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale

National Marine Sanctuary O‘ahu Office

(808) 397-2651

General Information

SITUATION CONTACT

[Important phone numbers for information and assistance]
35

[Important phone numbers for information and assistance]

PHONE NUMBERS FOR MAUI COUNTY (Maui, Moloka‘i, La-na‘i)

CONTACT SHEET

TELEPHONE

NOAA Fisheries Enforcement (808) 541-2727 or 

(808) 879-3699 (January-April); or 1-800-853-1964,

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

U.S. Coast Guard 1-800-552-6458

DOCARE, State of Hawai‘i, Maui (808)984-8110,

Moloka‘i (808)553-5190, La-na‘i (808)565-7916, after

hours dial "0" ask for enterprise 5469

Violations of the Marine

Mammal Protection Act and/or

Endangered Species Act,

including Hawai‘i's Humpback

Whale Approach Regulations

NOAA Fisheries, 1-888-256-9840, 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Maui County Police Department

(808) 244-6400

Marine Mammal Strandings -

Whales, Dolphins, and 

Hawaiian monk seals

Ma‘alaea to Makena (808) 278-3775 (pgr.) 

NOAA Sanctuary Volunteers

All other Maui Areas (808) 893-3172 (pgr.) or 

(808) 893-3050 (pgr.) Marine Option Program,

Maui Community College

Marine Turtle Research Program, 

NOAA Fisheries (808) 983-5730

Monday - Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

DOCARE, State of Hawai‘i, Maui (808) 984-8110,

Moloka‘i (808) 553-5190, La-na‘i (808) 565-7916, after

hours dial "0" ask for enterprise 5469 

Injured or Stranded Sea Turtles

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale

National Marine Sanctuary Maui

Office (808) 879-2818

General Information

SITUATION CONTACT
36

NOAA Fisheries Enforcement (808) 541-2727 or 

1-800-853-1964, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

U.S. Coast Guard 1-800-552-6458

DOCARE, State of Hawai‘i, Hilo (808) 974-6208,

Kona (808) 323-3141, Kamuela (808) 887-6196,

after hours dial "0" and ask for enterprise 5469

Violations of the Marine Mammal

Protection Act and/or Endangered Species

Act, including Hawai‘i's Humpback Whale

Approach Regulation

NOAA Fisheries, 1-888-256-9840, 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Hawai‘i County Police Department

(808) 935-3311

Marine Mammal Strandings -

Whales, Dolphins, and 

Hawaiian monk seals

Marine Turtle Research Program, 

NOAA Fisheries (808) 983-5730

Monday - Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

DOCARE, State of Hawai‘i, Hilo (808) 974-6208, Kona

(808) 323-3141, Kamuela (808) 887-6196, after hours dial

"0" and ask for enterprise 5469

Injured or Stranded Sea Turtles

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale

National Marine Sanctuary Maui

Headquarters Office 

1-800-831-4888

General Information

SITUATION CONTACT

PHONE NUMBERS FOR HAWAI`I (Big Island)

[Important phone numbers for information and assistance]

CONTACT SHEET

TELEPHONE
37

PHONE NUMBERS FOR KAUA‘I

NOAA Fisheries Enforcement (808) 541-2727 or 

1-800-853-1964, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

U.S. Coast Guard 1-800-552-6458

DOCARE, State of Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i (808) 274-3521, after

hours dial "0" and ask for enterprise 5469

Violations of the Marine

Mammal Protection Act and/or

Endangered Species Act,

including Hawai‘i's Humpback

Whale Approach Regulations

NOAA Fisheries, 1-888-256-9840, 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Kaua‘i County Police Department

(808) 241-6711

Marine Mammal Strandings -

Whales, Dolphins, and 

Hawaiian monk seals

Marine Turtle Research Program, 

NOAA Fisheries (808)983-5730

Monday - Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

DOCARE, State of Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i (808) 274-3521, after

hours dial "0" and ask for enterprise 5469

Injured or Stranded Sea Turtles

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National

Marine Sanctuary Kaua‘i Office 

(808) 246-2860

General Information

SITUATION CONTACT

[Important phone numbers for information and assistance]

CONTACT SHEET

TELEPHONE
38

Sanctuary boundary areas

Federal Land

Hawai‘i

Kaho‘olawe

L

-

ana‘i

Ka‘

-

llio

M

-

ok

-

olea

Pua‘ena Pt.

M

-

ahie Pt.

O‘ahu

Moloka‘i

Makapu‘u Pt.

Kapahulu Seawall

‘

-

Il

-

lo Pt.

Cape H

-

alawa

L

-

lpoa Pt.

Maui

‘Upolu Pt.

Ke

-

ahole Pt.

Hanamanioa

Lighthouse

Kaua‘i

Ni‘ihau

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale

National Marine Sanctuary

Boundary Areas Extend From Shoreline to 100-FathomIsobath with the Exception of Specific Exclusion Areas.
39

Sanctuary boundary areas

Federal Land

Kaua‘i

H

-

a‘ena S.P.

K-a‘iliu Pt.

Hanalei Bay R.

Mokolea

‘Anini R.

Sea S.

K-llauea Point

N.W.R.

Waiaka‘ea S.B.H.

Kaumuali‘i Pt.

Waialua M. Waialua River S.P.

Hanam

-

a‘ulu R.

and N.M.S.E. #12

Ahukini RecreationPier S.P.

H

-

ono‘onapali

N.A.R

N

-

a Pali Coast

S.P.

Nu‘alolo Kai

S.P.

Miloli‘i S.P.

Polihale S.P.

Barking Sands PacificMissle Range Facility

K

-

lk

-

laola H.

Waimea Recreation Pier S.P.

Makaweli R.

Port Allen H.

Kukui‘ula H.

K

-

oloa R.

Makah

-

u‘ena Pt.

Hul

-

a‘ia N.W.R.

Niumalu R.

N

-

awiliwili H. and

N.M.S.E.

Princeville

Airport 

L-lhu‘e

Airport

Port Allen

Airport



100-Fathom Isobath
40

Sanctuary boundary areas

Federal Land

Pua‘ena Pt. P

-

up

-

ukea M.L.C.D.

M

-

alaekahana

S.R.A Sea S.

Sacred Falls S.P.

Kahana River

Ma-hie Pt.

Kahana Valley

S.P.

Sea S.

He‘eia S.P. &

He‘eia S.B.H.

Coconut Island Hawai‘i

Marine Laboratory Refuge

Makani Kai M.

Ka-ne‘ohe Y.C.

Enchanted Lakes

and Kailua R.

Bellows A.F.B.

Waim

-

analo Bay

S.R.A.

Sea S.

Makai R.

Makapu‘u Pt.

State Wayside

Koko Head R.P.

Hanauma Bay M.L.C.D.

Hawai‘i Kai M.

Maunalua Bay R.

Paik

-

o Lagoon State W.S.

Waik

-

lk

-

l

M.L.C.D.

Sans Souci

S.R.A.

Kapahlu

Seawall

‘

-

Aina Moana

S.R.A.

Ala Wai S.B.H.

Ala Moana R.P.

Kaka‘ako W.P.

Sand Island S.R.A.

Honolulu Harbor

Ke‘ehi Lagoon

Honolulu

International

Airport

Pearl Harbor

N.B.

Hickam A.F.B.

Barbers Point

N.A.S.

Ko ‘Olina S.B.H.

Barbers Point H.

P

-

oka‘

-

l

Bay Fisheries

Management Area

Waia‘nae B.H.

M

-

akua-Ka‘ena S.P.

Ka‘ena Point

N.A.R. Dillingham A.F.

Hale‘iwa H.

Kaiaka S.P.

O‘ahu



100-Fathom Isobath

Kl-
41

Sanctuary boundary areas

Federal Land

Moloka‘i and L a- na‘i

Mo‘omomi Dunes

Preserve

Pa-l a-‘au S.P.

Kalaupapa

Airport

Kalaupapa

N.H.P.

Oloku‘i N.A.R.

Kamal

-

o H.R.

Kaunakakai H.

Kaunakakai Landing

& N.M.S.E. #9

Hale O Lono H.

and N.M.S.E. #8



Sea S.

Sea S.

Sea S.

La-na‘i

Airport

Sea S.

Kaumalapau H.

and N.M.S.E. #10

Sea S.

Sea S. Sea S.

M

-

anele-Hulupo‘e

M.L.C.D. M

-

anele Bay B.H. & N.M.S.E. #11

100-Fathom Isobath
42

Sanctuary boundary areas

Federal Land

Kahului

Airport 

Hana

Airport

Kapalua West

Maui Airport  N.M.S.E. #5 and

Kahului H.

M

-

aliko R.

Sea S. Sea S.

Sea S.

Sea S.

Ke‘anae R.

Sea S.

Sea S.

Wai‘a-napanapa S.P.

H

-

ana Bay R. Haleakal-a N.P.

‘A

-

hihi-K

-

lna‘u N.A.R.

M

K

-

akena S.P.

-

lhei R.

Ma-‘alea H. and

N.M.S.E. #7

M

-

ala W.

Lahaina H. and

N.M.S.E. #6

Honolua-Mokul

-

e‘ia

Bay M.L.C.B.

Kapalua West

Maui Airport

Sea S.

Sea S.

Maui

100-Fathom Isobath\
43

Sanctuary boundary areas

Federal Land

‘Upolu

Airport

Hilo

International

Airport



Kea-hole

Airport 

Hawai‘i Sea S.

Pu‘u o ‘Umi

N.A.R.

WaimanuN.E.R.R.

Laup

-

ahoehoe R.

Hilo H. & N.M.S.E. #1Reeds Bay S.B.H.Wailoa Wampan B. & S.B.H.

Pohoiki R.

MacKenzie S.R.A.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes

National Park

Sea S.

Punalu‘u R.

Kaulana R. Ka Lae N.H.L.D.

Manuk

-

a

N.A.R.

Miloli‘i R.

K

-

ip

-

ahoehoe N.A.R.

Pu‘uhona o HonaunauN.H.P. H

-

onaunau R.

Kealakekua BayS.H.P Kealakekua Bay M.L.C.D. & U.P.

Keauhou B.H.and N.M.S.E. #4

Kaloko-Honok

-

ohau N.H.P.

Old Kona Airport 

H

S.R.A.

-

apuna Beach S.R.A.

LapakahiS.H.P.

Lapakahi M.L.C.D.

Sea S.

Honok

-

ohau B.H. and N.M.S.E. #2

Old Kona Airport M.L.C.D. Kailua-Kona W.

PuakoWaialea Bay M.L.C.D.

Kawaihae B.H. & N.M.S.E. #3

M

-

ahukona S.B.H.

100-Fathom Isobath
44

1.

2. 6.

7. 3.

4.

5.

8.

L

-

ahaina

Harbor

Kaumalapau 

Harbor

M

-

a‘alaea

Harbor

M

-

anele

Harbor

Hale o Lono

Harbor

Ala Wai

Harbor

Kaunakakai

Harbor

Kawaihae

Harbor

Exclusions:

The following harbors are excluded from the Hawaiian IslandsHumpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Boundaries.1. L

-

ahaina Harbor, Maui. 1:11,365

2. M

-

a‘alaea Harbor, Maui. 1:15,174

3. Hale o Lono Harbor, Moloka‘i. 1:12,2434. Kaunakakai Harbor, Moloka‘i. 1:33,8215. Kaumalapau Harbor, Lana‘i. 1:14,6216. M

-

anele Harbor, Lana‘i. 1:7,291

7. Ala Wai Harbor, O‘ahu. 1:19,7178. Kawaiahe Harbor and Small Boat Basin, Hawai‘i. 1:40,707

The Hawaiian Islands

These maps were produced by the Office ofPlanning (OP) for planning purposes. It shouldnot be used for boundary interpretations orother spatial analysis beyond the limitations ofthe data. Information regarding compilationdates and accuracy of the data presented canbe obtained from OP.Sources:Exclusion Zone Boundary - OSP and NOAA, 1995.Coastline - USGS DLG files, 1:24,000, 1963.
45

NOTES
46

NOTES
THE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY SYSTEM

MAUI

Main Office Allen Tom

726 S. Kl

-

hei Road, Carol Carey

Kl

-

hei, HI 96753 Cindy Hylkema

(808) 879-2818 Claire Cappelle

1-800-831-4888 Joylynn Oliveira

(808) 874-3815 (FAX) Liz Russell

O‘AHU

6700 Kalaniana‘ole Hwy. #104 Naomi McIntosh

Honolulu, HI 96825 Christine Brammer

(808) 397-2651

(808) 397-2650 (FAX)

NOAA FISHERIES - PACIFIC ISLANDS AREA OFFICE 

1601 Kapiolani Blvd. #1110

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96814-4700 

(808) 973-2937

KAUA‘I

Kukui Grove Executive Center

4370 Kukui Grove St. Suite 206

Ll

-

hu‘e, Hawai‘i 96766

(808) 246-2860 Jean Nishida 

(808) 246-2862 (FAX) Souza

STATE 

Department of Land Jeffrey Walters

& Natural Resources Liza Simon

1151 Punchbowl St. Rm. 330

Honolulu, HI. 96813

(808) 587-0106

(808) 587-0115 (FAX)

NOAA FISHERIES OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT

300 Ala Moana Blvd. Rm. 7110

Honolulu, Hawai`i 96850

(808) 541-2727

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the National Marine Sanctuary System is to manage marine areas of special national 

significance to protect their ecological and cultural integrity for current and future generations. To achieve

this mission, the goals of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are: to protect

the humpback whale and its habitat, to educate and interpret for the public the relationship of humpback

whales to the Hawaiian Islands marine environment, to manage selected uses of the sanctuary and to 

provide for the identification of marine resources and ecosystems of national significance for possible

inclusion in the sanctuary.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

www.hihwnms.nos.noaa.gov