THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	42
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO PROCLAIM JUNE 8TH OF EVERY YEAR AS WORLD OCEAN DAY.

     WHEREAS, the concept of World Ocean Day was established in 1992 at the United Nations Earth Summit; and

     WHEREAS, it is an opportunity for the world to celebrate and recognize the significance of the world ocean to our lives; and

     WHEREAS, protecting the world ocean is critical to maintaining our planet's ecosystem and essential to human health and well‑being; and

     WHEREAS, the world ocean encompasses seventy per cent of the surface of our planet, yet less than one per cent of the world ocean habitat is protected; and

     WHEREAS, ocean environments around the world are collapsing, primarily due to over‑fishing, pollution, invasive species, and unsustainable coastal development; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and its distinction as being the farthest removed islands from any other body of land in the world make it an appropriate participant in World Ocean Day; and

     WHEREAS, the early Hawaiians were masters at understanding and respecting the ocean through long distance voyaging and careful resource management; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii is the proud steward of the largest portions of protected ocean in the world with coral reef ecosystems that contain over five thousand known species of marine plants and animals; and

     WHEREAS, roughly twenty-five per cent of the marine plants and animals found in Hawaii's ocean are found nowhere else in the world; and

     WHEREAS, World Ocean Day will help commemorate the progress toward the effective management of Hawaii's native ecosystem; and

     WHEREAS, the ocean is an integral part of every facet of the lives of the people of Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, World Ocean Day is an opportunity to promote public awareness and educate the public, adults and children alike, about conserving and protecting our fragile marine environment; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, that the President of the United States is requested to proclaim June 8th of every year as World Ocean Day, to promote and help increase awareness of our ocean's fragile ecosystem through cultural exchanges, educational projects, and mindful consideration by all; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Governor of the State of Hawaii, Hawaii's congressional delegation, the Mayor and the Chairperson of the Council of each county, the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife Services, United States National Marine Fisheries Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Land and Natural Resources and its divisions of Aquatic Resources and Boating and Ocean Recreation, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Kai Makana, Malama Hawaii, Save Honolua Coalition, Polynesian Voyaging Society, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Girl Scouts of America, Parents and Children Together Program, Youth Conservation Corp, Damien High School, Farrington High School, Punahou High School, Radford High School, Chaminade University, Hawaii Pacific University, Keahiakahoe Canoe Club, and Pearl Harbor Canoe Club.

Report Title: 

World Ocean Day; June 8th