Jessica Wooley Honors Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve

State Reps gathered at the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives just before the presentation. Credit: Toni Parras/ NOAA

On March 12, 2013, Hawaiʻi State Representative Jessica Wooley honored the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (NWHI-CRER) and expressed gratitude for those exceptional individuals who have shown outstanding commitment to establishing Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

During a presentation on the floor of the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, Rep. Wooley presented certificates to Tim Johns, current Chairperson of the NWHI-CRER Advisory Council, Louis "Uncle Buzzy" Agard, long time commercial fisherman and vigorous advocate for NWHI conservation efforts, and ʻAulani Wilhelm, NOAA's Monument Superintendent, for their dedication over the past 15 years to protect these remote islands, which extend almost 1,200 miles northwest from Niʻihau.

Jessica Wooley gives a moving speech honoring the efforts of those who work to protect the remote NWHI. Credit: Toni Parras/ NOAA

First, Representative Lee gave an overview of the history of Papahānaumokuākea, the largest public conservation trust in the United States, bigger than all the U.S. national parks combined, and the third largest marine protected area in the world.

In 2000, President Clinton created the NWHI Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, continuing the various protection efforts of the region enacted over the century. In 2006, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument was established by Presidential Proclamation 8031, with contiguous boundaries to include the NWHI Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, as well as the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge, the Battle of Midway National Memorial, Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary, and overlaid with the Hawaiʻi State NWHI Marine Refuge. A year later, the Monument was re-named with its Hawaiian name "Papahānaumokuākea."

Hawaiʻi State Representative Jessica Wooley (far left) looks on as members of the State congratulate Tim Johns (2nd from left), ʻAulani Wilhelm (center) and Uncle Buzzy (at right, in lei) after presenting them with a proclamation. Credit: Toni Parras/ NOAA

In 2008, Papahānaumokuākea was designated as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area by the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Monument is the second marine protected area in the United States to receive such designation, and one of thirteen worldwide, including the Florida Keys, the Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Islands. In 2010, Papahānaumokuākea was inscribed as the United States' first mixed (natural and cultural) World Heritage Site, currently the only mixed site in the country and one of 29 in the world.

After honoring the site, Rep. Wooley called upon each individual to honor them individually, starting with Timothy Johns, 10-year member of the NWHI-CRER Advisory Council and current chair. As Director of Hawaiʻi's Department of Land and Natural Resources from 1998 to 2000, Tim was instrumental in making the idea of a large marine protected area in the NWHI a reality.

Uncle Buzzy and Jessica Wooley. Credit: David Swatland/ NOAA

"There are so many things I can say about Tim Johns and his leadership and his capability and his cooperative nature at brining everybody to the table no matter how difficult," said Wooley. "Without his leadership, I really don't know that we'd be here today recognizing the Monument."

Wooley then honored ʻAulani Wilhelm, NOAA Superintendent for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, recognizing her concern for all interests during some very difficult negotiations about how the islands would be protected, and for bringing the place to the people. "She is a model of leadership," said Wooley.

Finally, Wooley honored Louis "Buzzy" Agard (aka Uncle Buzzy), for his passion in building a foundation of support since the 1990s for what has become one of the largest marine protected areas and World Heritage sites in the world, and for bringing attention to both the natural and cultural attributes of the region.

Representative Wooley occupies one of the Conservation seats on the NWHI Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council, which meets quarterly to address issues pertaining to the management and protection of the reserve.

For more information about the Reserve Advisory Council, click here