Kihei Maui, HI - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii will be awarded the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s 2004 Steward of the Sanctuary Award at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Education Center on Wednesday, August 18, 2004. Senator Inouye is being honored for his tremendous vision and leadership for the National Marine Sanctuary System and specifically for his dedication and support of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

"I am humbled to be selected as the recipient of this prestigious award," said Senator Inouye, a tireless champion of the marine environment. "Our marine sanctuaries are key to protecting and nurturing marine life. They also serve an important role in educating the public. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is particularly significant for Hawaii, given how the ocean and its creatures have always been an integral part of the life and culture of the islands."

“It is an honor to pay tribute to Senator Inouye for all of his support throughout the years. He and his staff have been champions in working to help educate citizens about the positive influences for the region that could come from the site’s designation. He is a true leader and visionary for the ocean” Lori Arguelles, NMSF Executive Director said.

Mayor Alan Arakawa of Maui County, Timothy Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmospheres for the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration and Nainoa Thompson of the Polynesian Voyaging Society will attend and make remarks during The Groundbreaking Ceremony. Immediately following the ceremony there will be an open house where attendees can tour the education center and view displays, observe Fishpond Hukilau, kids dancing, and Hokulea.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is one of 13 national marine sanctuaries created under the U.S. Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. The shallow, warm waters surrounding the HIHWNMS constitute one of the world's most important habitats for the endangered humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and the only place in U.S. coastal waters where humpbacks reproduce. Scientists estimate nearly two-thirds of the entire North Pacific population of humpback whales migrates to Hawai`i each winter (approximately 4,000 to 5,000 whales) to breed, calve and nurse their young. The sanctuary’s waters provide shelter for humpback whales and have become a premier whale watching destination in the United States.

The humpback whale sanctuary focuses its efforts on a variety of issues, including supporting the work of marine researchers, coordinating and participating in community outreach projects, developing educational displays, and working cooperatively with local organizations, agencies and volunteers to address resource protection and public awareness.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the private, non-profit partner to the federally managed National Marine Sanctuary Program. Through public and private sector partnerships, the Foundation creates conservation-based programs designed to preserve, protect and promote theses underwater treasures. The Foundation works to complement the outreach and education efforts of the nationwide network of marine sanctuaries.