Report Title:

Hawaiian Monk Seal Day

Description:

Designates the third Saturday in April as Hawaiian monk seal day.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2465
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to hawaiian monk seal day.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) is the only marine mammal whose entire species range lies within the United States.  It is one of only two endemic mammals found in Hawaii.

     On November 23, 1976, it was listed as an endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act and it remains listed as endangered today.  The population of the Hawaiian monk seal has been in a twenty-year constant decline and today there are approximately only twelve hundred remaining.  The majority of this population is in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, while there are an estimated eighty individuals living in the main Hawaiian Islands.

     The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries issued its Recovery Plan for the Hawaiian Monk Seal in 2007.  The plan outlines strategies for the recovery of the species and includes an increase in outreach and education to develop a culture of co-existence between humans and seals in the main Hawaiian Islands.

     The purpose of this Act is to designate a Hawaiian monk seal day to promote outreach and educational programs regarding the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§8‑   Hawaiian monk seal day. The third Saturday of April in each year shall be known and recognized as "Hawaiian Monk Seal Day"; provided that this day is not and shall not be construed to be a state holiday."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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