THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

53

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

 

STATE OF HAWAI'I

 
   


SENATE RESOLUTION

 

SUPPORTING the GOALS OF THE hawai'i watchable wildlife program AND ENCOURAGING COLLABORATION AMONG ALL FEDERAL, STATE, AND COUNTY AGENCIES, AS WELL AS NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, AND PRIVATE SECTOR IN PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE VIEWING AND NATURE-BASED TOURISM THAT BENEFIT THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII.

 

 

WHEREAS, Hawai'i is endowed with an abundant natural diversity and scenic splendor; and

WHEREAS, residents and visitors enjoy and appreciate our native wildlife species, including forest birds, seabirds, reef fish, whales, dolphins, turtles, and the Hawaiian Monk Seal; and

WHEREAS, the conservation and stewardship of the unique biological diversity of Hawai'i is critical to the natural and cultural heritage and quality of life of the residents of Hawai'i; and

WHEREAS, Watchable Wildlife programs have been created throughout the United States through partnerships between state and federal resource agencies, commerce and highway departments, the tourism industry, conservation organizations, and local communities; and

WHEREAS, Watchable Wildlife programs are designed to integrate wildlife-related recreation, education, conservation, of Hawai'i's diverse wildlife and habitats; and

WHEREAS, more than 255,000 residents and tourists travel to Hawai'i's natural areas to view the State's diverse wildlife each year; and

WHEREAS, nature-based tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of Hawai'i's $10,000,000,000 tourism industry and wildlife viewers spent more than $295,000,000 on equipment and trip expenditures in Hawai'i; and

WHEREAS, a partnership of federal and state agencies and private organizations are forming a steering committee to establish a Watchable Wildlife Program in the State of Hawai'i that is contemplated to include a wildlife viewing guide, directional road signs, onsite interpretive exhibits, public education, and visitor industry training; and

WHEREAS, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration has provided a generous matching grant of $40,000 as seed money to raise additional partnership funds for the project; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawai'i, Regular Session of 2002, that this body supports the goals of the Hawai'i Watchable Wildlife Program, and encourages collaboration among all federal, state, and county agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, and private sector in promoting responsible wildlife viewing and nature-based tourism that benefit the people of the State of Hawai'i; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Hawai'i Watchable Wildlife Program