Our History
1990 was a critical year for Hanauma Bay in terms of balancing conservation interests and visitor needs. The enactment of the City & County’s public access regulations and the initiation of the Hanauma Bay Education Program served to coalesce the conservation effort to slow the destructive activities of the overwhelming crowds of the 1980s.
These were important steps, however, the movement lacked visible broad-based support. Recognizing this, Peter Rosegg, of the Honolulu Advertiser, wrote an editorial requesting interested persons to call a hot-line and identify themselves as part of the community that supported the preservation initiatives. Those who called ultimately became the first of many citizens to form the Friends of Hanauma Bay. The Friends of Hanauma Bay have proven to be effective environmental advocates in government, neighborhood boards, and public hearings. Members’ efforts give vital support to the community through conservation and preservation initiatives.
The Department of Parks and Recreation has recognized the Friends of Hanauma Bay as the official adopting agency for Hanauma Bay. In this capacity, it is responsible for annual clean-up events and special projects performed in collaboration with the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Manager.
The Friends of Hanauma Bay (FOHB) is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the conservation of coastal and marine environments, emphasizing stewardship of the natural resources of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
What We Do
We seek to:
- Foster conservation efforts related to coastal and marine environments
- Serve as an informed advocate for the Bay
- Support the Hanauma Bay Education Program in their mission at the Bay
- Recognize and support the work of the Nature Preserve management and staff
- Encourage and support the advancement of marine-related research
- Promote the creation and expansion of other marine protected areas
We strive to instill an appreciation of Hanauma Bay and a desire to care for it in all who visit and enjoy its splendor. We believe that achieving these goals at Hanauma Bay will have a larger impact that will extend to all of Hawaii’s coastlines and reef ecosystems.
Beach Clean-ups: On a quarterly basis, FOHB sponsors a community cleanup of the Nature Preserve. Removing this waste prevents it from being deposited in Hanauma Bay by storm run-off and subsequently impacting the coral reef ecosystem of the Bay.
Monitoring: Many of our members are avid snorkelers and provide informal monitoring of the reef and its inhabitants through regular, often daily, snorkeling visits.
Research Support: By awarding small grants, we support scientific research related to Hawaii’s coral reef ecosystems and marine protected areas.
Outreach: FOHB participates in outreach activities at community events. At these events, we promote conservation and sustainable management of Hawaii’s reefs.
Incentives for Hawaii students: FOHB participates in the annual Hawaii Science & Engineering Fair by awarding a cash prize to the best marine related research project. Through science fair awards, FOHB hopes to encourage young scientists to study coral reef ecosystems.
Advocacy: FOHB members have proven to be effective environmental advocates in government, neighborhood boards, and public hearings. We help inform and mobilize community members to represent the best interests of Hanauma Bay and Hawaii’s near-shore resources whenever possible.
Educational Support: FOHB provides support and financial resources to the Hanauma Bay Education Program. Education program volunteers serve as ambassadors of the Bay and educate visitors about reef etiquette and stewardship. Our support helps finance volunteer recognition efforts and educational supplies.
Contact
Mailing Address
PO Box 25761 Honolulu, HI 96825-0761
2021 Friends of Hanauma Bay Officers and Board
You may click on any Officer or Board Member name to send an email
Officers:
- President, Lisa Bishop
- Vice President, Sid McWhirter
- Treasurer, Leslie Briggs
- Secretary, Leslie Briggs
Board Members:
- Steve Oppenheimer
- Ron Bregman
- Dick Baker, Emeritus
Other Staff:
Partner Links
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
The official website of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve managed by the City & County of Honolulu.
The Snorkel Safety Study
The Snorkel Safety Study has unraveled the way snorkeling can lead to fatal and non-fatal drownings.
FOHB Scholarships GoFundMe Page
Please contribute to our scholarship program for deserving high school seniors.
Sea Grant College Program
Learn more about the Bay’s educational and volunteer programs managed by the UH Sea Grant College Program.
Dailies from the Bay
A photographic blog by Larry Winnik documenting the marine life sightings at Hanauma Bay.
Box Jellyfish Calendar
Locals Tip: Check-out the Waikiki Aquarium Box Jellyfish Calendar prior to visiting Hanauma Bay.
List of Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Products
When visiting Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Please Use ONLY Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Products. USE NO PRODUCTS CONTAINING OXYBENZONE!
When shopping at Amazon please select Friends of Hanauma Bay under their amazonsmile program. A portion of each purchase will be donated by Amazon to Friends of Hanauma Bay. You can link to amazonsmile by clicking on the banner below!
