Happy 50th Anniversary Hanauma Bay !!!
Thank you to everyone who attended the 24 October 2017 celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hanauma Bayʻs designation as Hawaiiʻs first Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD). It was wonderful to see so many Friends, community members, and elected officials come together at Hanauma Bay to mark this milestone in Hawaiiʻs conservation history.
It was especially meaningful to me to be priviledged to read a personal letter from President Barack Obama who shared his life-long love for, and connection to, Hanauma Bay. Dedicated to everyone committed to the preservation of Hanauma Bay, the President ends his letter with Hanauma Bay “… remains a wonder, thanks to all of you who keep Hanauma that way – the State Department of Land and Natural Resources, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, and all the rangers, groundskeepers, cashiers, on-site staff, and volunteer Friends of Hanauma Bay. Thank you all for working together every day to preserve this extraordinary place in perpetuity.”
In addition to President Obama, Hanauma Bayʻs fifty year history of achievement was honored by US Senator Mazie Hirono, US Senator Brian Schatz, Governor David Ige, the Hawaii State Senate, the Hawaii House of Representatives, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, and the City and County of Honolulu City Council.
Mahalo nui loa to Senators Laura Thielen and Stanley Chang for co-sponsoring a letter of recognition and congratulations from the Hawaii State Senate; to Representative Gene Ward for sponsoring the Hawaii House of Representativesʻ 50th Anniversary Certificate; and to Councilmember Trevor Ozawa for sponsoring a congratulatory certificate for this event from the City and County of Honolulu City Council. The commendatory correspondence is attached.
The Friends has been instrumental in protecting the natural qualities of Hanauma Bay for the last 27 years, and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with State and City officials to protect and preserve Hanauma Bay.
Congratulations Hanauma Bay – Well Done!
Lisa Bishop
President
Friends of Hanauma Bay
