I support expanding the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument to protect offshore open water areas, seamounts, submerged reefs, guyots, and banks as well as species including monk seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, seabirds, sharks, billfish, and tuna. Large, fully protected marine reserves are the strongest policy for protecting sharks and other marine life. This sacred region also provides a setting for Native Hawaiians to access for spiritual communication and interaction with these resources.
Please expand the monument to the full extent of the U.S. EEZ surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, but excluding areas around Ni‘ihau and Kaua‘i. Please ensure the monument is as large as possible and leave your birthplace a legacy for future generations.