Reserve Advisory Council and Papahānaumokuākea Honored at Hawaiʻi State Senate

Legislative leaders honored Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument at the Hawaiʻi State Senate on April 7, 2011. Senator Mike Gabbard presented a certificate to Monument leadership and members of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (RAC) to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Reserve, which paved the way for the establishment of Papahānaumokuākea in 2006. Founding RAC member Buzzy Agard was recognized by Senator Gabbard as the "heart and soul" of what has become one of the largest Marine Protected Areas in the world, and as the first mixed UNESCO World Heritage site in the United States. Agard is one of three Native Hawaiian representatives on the Reserve Advisory Council and was also a founding member of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Native Hawaiian Cultural working group. The Senate, commended the many conservation entities, organizations and management partners, who have been instrumental in the protection of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as a remarkable conservation area.

From left to right: Buzzy Agard, William Aila, Laura Thompson, Tim Johns, Dave Raney, Rob Toonen, Robert Smith, Linda Paul, Athline Clark, ʻAulani Wilhelm (Photo: NOAA)		Senator Clayton Hee delivers congratulatory remarks to members of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument managers (Photo: NOAA)
Uncle Buzzy Agard holds the congratulatory certificate as RAC members, Monument Managers and Senator Mike Gabbard look on (Photo: NOAA)