Hanauma Bay, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

On April 8, Friends’ Secretary Jennifer Barra presented certificates and cash prizes to three students and two teachers at the 52nd Hawaii State Science & Engineering Fair. Jennifer reported being very impressed with the variety of research projects and knowledge of the participants. The Friends’ awarded prizes for projects on marine-related subjects.

In the Junior Research category, the award was presented to Amy McBride, a sixth grader at Kainalu Elementary School, for her project titled “Water Quality”, which compared water quality at three windward beaches. She earned a $50 prize from the Friends and a copy of John P. Hoover’s “Hanauma Bay” book. Her teacher, Kathleen Saito also earned a $50 prize and a membership to the Friends.

In the Senior Research category, the winner of the $100 prize and copies of John P. Hoover’s “Hanauma Bay” book, was the team of Terah Summers and Serena Perry, tenth graders at Baldwin High School, for their project, “Three Fish, Two Fish, One Fish, No Fish” which compared protected and non-protected marine environments on Maui. Their teacher, Barbara Huntly also earned a $50 prize and a membership to the Friends.

The Friends have supported the Science Fair with awards for a number of years and look forward to next year’s event!

Announcing Ocean Awareness Training for O‘ahu – March 2009

View the color brochure - Marine conservation organizations are joining together to offer a special Ocean Awareness training in Waikiki during the month of March. The training promotes responsible use and stewardship of Oahu’s marine and coastal resources.

Participants also learn about current ocean conservation efforts and how to get involved. Those who complete all the training sessions and one field day component receive a C.O.R.A.L Card (Care of our Ocean, Reefs and Animal Life) that demonstrates their ocean knowledge.

The program is recommended for those employed or volunteering in the fields of marine education or recreation, and those who just want to learn more about Hawaii’s ocean environment. Instructors include university scientists, government agency staff, environmental educators, and conservation practitioners. A registration fee of $20 includes all program materials, refreshments, and parking at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. A flyer with more information is attached. To register, please contact oceantraining@gmail.com or 397-2651 ext. 249.

Public Information Meetings Scheduled on Possible Changes to Hawaii's Fishing Regulations

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) invites the public to participate in informational meetings to discuss possible regulations for certain marine fish species. Click here for more information.

Aloha Tia: A Beloved Friend of the Bay

Hanauma Bay lost a dear friend this week with the passing of Cynthia "Tia" Bond. Tia, along with husband Robin, worked to bring about significant
changes for the betterment of the Bay's wildlife and visitors, alike. After her retirement from the City and County of Honolulu, Tia devoted even more of her time to legislative efforts at both the City and State levels concerning the Bay. Tia was immediate past President of the Friends of Hanauma Bay, and shared her talents with a multitude of other community organizations. On behalf of the Board and the membership of the Friends of Hanauma Bay, we extend our sympathies to her family and friends. Next time you visit Hanauma Bay, please take a moment to pause and remember Tia's many accomplishments on everyone's behalf.

Nice article about Tia in the Honolulu Advertiser

FREE public lecture in Hawaii Kai on Monday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Conference Room, 6600 Kalanianaole Hwy. 3rd Floor, Hawaii Kai (Same Building as Roy's Restaurant) Click here for more information

The book features over 65 organizations in Hawai‘i that offer short-term volunteer opportunities with the islands’ land, ocean, and wildlife. Going beyond green, it’s a way to experience the islands that doesn’t just have less of an impact, but actually gives something back.

For more about the book, and to see a sneak preview inside, go to www.preservingparadisevolunteering.com -- the book can be purchased through the site, and at major bookstores such as Borders, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon; or directly from the publisher at www.islandheritage.com.

Marine conservation organizations are joining together to offer a special Ocean Awareness training on Oahu. Don't miss your chance to take part in this six-session course, which will provide multi-disciplinary knowledge of Hawaii's unique marine environment. Space is limited, register today! Click here for more information.

Meet local artist Bill Braden - Friends Invited to Environmental Saving Partnership Exhibition - click here for more information.

Read about the rescue and eventual release of this rare Hawksbill Turtle

Read about a Monk Seal's visit to Hanauma Bay's beach.

Click on the photo to view the video. A High Speed connection and Microsoft Windows is required.

Excellent new book, Hanauma Bay: Hawaii's Coastal Treasure by Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi, now available.

In her introduction, the author emphasizes that "Education is the primary goal of a trip to Hanauma Bay...[the book] provides a captivating introduction to one of O'ahu's top scenic attractions. You'll learn how the bay was formed, what significance it held in ancient times and why it's so important to care for its resources.

The book also spotlights the marine life, birds and plants you'll likely see at the preserve; the major exhibits and programs of its Marine Education Center, and several little-known facts about the area." Most photos were by Veronica Carmona and HBEP volunteer Larry Winnick (in book-signing photo with the author). The author graciously offers a portion of proceeds to the Friends of Hanauma Bay. The $12.95 hardbound book is available at the Bay gift shop and book stores elsewhere.

Island Heritage is a division of The Madden Corporation. For more than 25 years, the company has produced an attractive line of island-themed products including an extensive array of gift, children’s and reference books, as well as calendars, photo albums, candy, stationery and home products. Island Heritage also generously donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book to the FOHB.

The Madden Corporation is the largest product development company in the state of Hawai‘i and employs more than 150 people with offices on the islands of O‘ahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawai‘i, as well as Los Angeles and Hong Kong. The company recently opened its first Welcome to The Islands retail location at Ward Centre in Honolulu. For more information, visit welcometotheislands.com.

Please click here for additional book signing information and schedules

Please turn on your speakers and press the right arrow button to start.

Read about Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Hawaii from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) publication. This is an excellent publication to help understand the value of MPAs in Hawaii.

DLNR says, "The value of Hanauma Bay's fishery might be about $2,500 per year if it were open to fishing, but the recreational value is estimated at $35 million per year."

Click here to read this publication. (Note: This is a large file so a high speed connection is recommended)

You can also view a map of current MPAs.