Last month, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument celebrated its 11th anniversary. Instead of lauding this important ocean conservation milestone, President Donald Trump placed this global treasure under review and asked us once again to express whether it is worthy of full protection.
As two people who have been deeply engaged in the creation and management of Papahanaumokuakea, we know how strongly Hawaii’s people feel about protecting this incredibly special place — one that is globally recognized as a world heritage treasure. For over 20 years, our community has weighed in. From the original campaign to establish a coral reef ecosystem reserve, to the public call to create a national marine sanctuary and then a monument under President George W. Bush, to the expansion approved by President Barack Obama last year, Papahanaumokuakea has enjoyed overwhelming support for meaningful protection.
This support is evident in the current review ordered by Trump. As reported in the Star- Advertiser, more than 5,000 residents formally expressed their support for Papahanaumokuakea, led by Gov. David Ige and Hawaii’s congressional delegation. Nationally, more than 2.7 million Americans submitted comments on behalf of national monument protections overall, a remarkable display of grassroots support for our conserved lands and waters.
Separately, another review process threatens marine conservation areas and is proceeding at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The president’s budget proposal, which includes significant cuts to the agencies responsible for managing Papahanaumokuakea, is under consideration on Capitol Hill.
Hawaii must continue to raise our voice in support of our oceans and places we hold most dear.
Papahanaumokuakea is one of the most extraordinary marine environments on the planet — a 1,200-mile stretch of islands, atolls and reefs that remind us what a healthy ocean looks like. It is also a significant wahi kupuna (ancestral place) for Native Hawaiians, which prompted our Hawaiian community and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to become heavily involved in management and be formally designated as a co-trustee alongside federal and state agencies.
During the various campaigns for Papahanau- mokuakea, proponents met with local officials, reached out to commercial fishing operators, and listened to the public. Since the beginning, the state of Hawaii has been an engaged partner in Papahanaumokuakea, incorporating its marine refuge into the monument’s boundaries. The state’s formal role in the area’s management was strengthened in the most recent monument expansion.
The effectiveness of this distinctively Hawaii-born model of ocean conservation has been undeniable. Strong management has resulted in a near-zero record of illegal fishing and the strongest water quality standards in the country for discharge and ballast water. Research investments have contributed to groundbreaking science, and access by Native Hawaiian researchers and cultural practitioners has deepened our understanding of its cultural value and inspired our young people. Also, the monument has enabled our Native Hawaiian community to access important resources, like seabird feathers, no longer available elsewhere.
What’s more, Papahanau- mokuakea has significantly contributed to Hawaii’s economy, having directly contributed an estimated $100 million to the state’s economy in its first 10 years alone.
As the late Uncle Buzzy Agard, an esteemed kupuna, always reminded us, the Northwestern Hawaiian islands are a puuhonua — a place of refuge from increasing human impacts — for Hawaii and island Earth. He understood that life on our planet depends on life in our oceans.
Papahanaumokuakea is that place of refuge, and it will continue provide for us — if we do our part. We strongly urge the Trump administration to keep Papahanaumokuakea intact.
Aulani Wilhelm is senior vice president for oceans, Conservation International, and founding NOAA superintendent for Papahanaumokuakea.
Kekuewa Kikiloi is assistant professor at the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, and chairman of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument Cultural Working Group.
