Update: Weather forces NOAA to host public meeting for proposed Papahānaumokuākea sanctuary virtually

9:34 a.m. April 12 update: A public meeting scheduled by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration regarding the proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary has been changed to virtual due to weather.

Click here to join the meeting, which will take place from 5-8 p.m. tonight.

No changes have been reported for Saturday’s meeting, which will take place at Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary School, located at 4319 Hardy St., in Līhuʻe, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Additional public comment meetings will be held on Hawai’i Island, Maui and Molokaʻi.

Original post: Following input from state and federal agencies, local communities and the public, NOAA has released for public comment its draft proposal to designate marine portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as a national marine sanctuary.

“The proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary would supplement and complement existing authorities, including the area’s designation as a marine national monument, which will continue to be in effect,” according to a NOAA statement.

NOAA and the state of Hawaiʻi now are co-hosting meetings throughout the islands to gather public input on the proposed national marine sanctuary. Meetings on Kaua‘i begin Thursday and run through Saturday.

• April 11, 5 to 8 p.m. – Waimea
  Waimea High School Cafeteria, 9707 Tsuchiya Road
  
• April 12, 5 to 8 p.m. – Hanalei
  Waipā Foundation – Keanolani Hale, 5-5785A Kuhio Highway
  
• April 13, 9 a.m. to noon – Līhuʻe
  Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary School, 4319 Hardy Street

A detailed description of the proposed sanctuary, as well as additional information about opportunities to provide public comment, can be found on the website for the proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. The public can also submit comments through May 7 through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Comments will be accepted in both English and ʻōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language).