HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
223 |
TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO DECLARE MAY 23, 2004, AS "SEA TURTLE DAY" IN HAWAII.
WHEREAS, sea turtles are endangered and threatened globally; and
WHEREAS, although sea turtles are protected by law, their survival is threatened by a variety of factors, including:
(1) Destruction and degradation of their habitat;
(2) Ingestion of plastic and other debris;
(3) Entanglement and drowning in fishing nets;
(4) Pollution;
(5) Disease;
(6) Egg poaching; and
(7) Consumption of their meat and use of their shells;
and
WHEREAS, sightings of sea turtles in Hawaiian waters usually include the Green, the Hawksbill, and the Leatherback; and
WHEREAS, to the Hawaiian community, the sea turtle represents a strong spiritual connection to the past, as an Aumakua, as well as the future, as a symbol of change; and
WHEREAS, sea turtles are widely loved and admired by both residents and visitors to our state; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of this highly regarded creature, the Humane Society of the United States and The Honu Project aka World Turtle Trust, a Hawaii-based sea turtle conservation organization, have declared May 23, 2004, as "World Turtle Day"; and
WHEREAS, because sea turtles have such strong natural and spiritual ties with this state, it would be fitting that the State of Hawaii also declare a special day of observance for this important animal; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of a special day for the sea turtle would help to raise public awareness about the importance of the sea turtle and the need to protect it for future generations; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2004, the Senate concurring, that the Governor of the State of Hawaii is requested to declare May 23, 2004, as "Sea Turtle Day" in Hawaii; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Humane Society of the United States, and The Honu Project aka the World Turtle Trust.
OFFERED BY: |
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