For those who have dived Hawaii and are inclined toward a little activism,
thought this might be of interest.  Anybody ever dive the reefs near the
uninhabited islands located west of the main Hawaiian Islands that are
mentioned below.  Is that area as intriguing as it sounds?  I suspect it's
not easy or cheap to find a commercial outfit that goes there.
-Mark B.

>->
> >WHAT: The Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Department of
> >the Interior, the State of Hawaii, and the Western Pacific Fisheries
> >Management Council, requests comments on a number of specific issues
> >pertaining to the protection of the coral reef ecosystem of the
> >Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The comments received will be used to inform
> >the Departments as they develop recommendations for the President on a new,
> >comprehensive management regime to increase protection for the coral reef
> >ecosystem.
> >
> >Comments are requested on the following issues related to the coral reef
> >ecosystem of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
> >
> >(1) Those qualities of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands coral reef
> >ecosystem that are most important to be preserved through new, strong and
> >lasting protections;
> >(2) The current threats to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands coral reef
> >ecosystem;
> >(3) The future threats to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands coral reef
> >ecosystem;
> >(4) The types of activities and uses (including culturally significant
> >uses) that are appropriate in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands;
> >(5) The types of activities and uses that are inappropriate in the
> >Northwestern Hawaiian Islands; and
> >(6) The types of management tools, actions, and approaches that should be
> >used to ensure strong and lasting protection of the Northwestern Hawaiian
> >Islands coral reef ecosystem.
> >
> >In addition, the Departments welcome comments on the bulleted items set
> >forth in the President's Memorandum of May 26, 2000 (available at
> >www.ecr.gov/nwhi).
> >
> >WHEN: Comments may be provided in person, by mail, fax or email.  There
> >will be seven public meetings on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands
> >initiative.  The dates, times and locations are listed below.  Comments
> >must by received by August 2, 2000.  Comments should be sent to the U.S.
> >Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, Suite 3350, 110 South
> >Church Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701, ATTN: Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
> >Comments may also be sent to the Institute's website at www.ecr.gov/nwhi.
> >
> >WHERE: There will be seven public meetings on the Northwestern Hawaiian
> >Islands initiative.  The dates, times and locations are as follows:
> >
> >July 21 1-4 p.m.   Washington, D.C.- Department of Commerce
> > Auditorium (14th and Constitution Ave. NW)
> >July 24 6-9 p.m. Oahu- Kalihi Kai Elementary School Cafeteria
> >July 25 6-9 p.m.   Maui- Baldwin High School Auditorium
> >July 27 6-9 p.m.   Kona- Kealakehe High School Cafeteria
> >July 28 6-9 p.m.   Hilo- Hilo High School Cafeteria
> >July 31 6-9 p.m.   Kauai- Kauai Community College Cafeteria
> >August 1  6-9 p.m. Molokai- Mitchell Pauole Center
> >
> >Any changes in dates, times or location shall also be posted in the local
> >media.  This information may also be found at www.ecr.gov/nwhi.
> >
> >WHO: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marla Steinhoff, NOAA, (301)
> >713-3155, ext. 208; or Jessica Jenkins, DOI, (202) 219-0710.
> >
> >On May 26, 2000 President William Jefferson Clinton announced his intention
> >to provide strong and lasting protection for the coral reef ecosystem of
> >the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.  The President signed a Memorandum
> >directing the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, in cooperation with
> >the State of Hawaii and in consultation with the Western Pacific Fishery
> >Management Council, to develop recommendations for a new, coordinated
> >management regime to increase protection for the coral reef ecosystem of
> >the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and provide for sustainable use.  The
> >President also directed the Departments of the Interior and Commerce to
> >conduct "visioning sessions, which would provide opportunities for public
> >hearing and comment to help shape the final recommendations."
> >
> >The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of uninhabited islands
> >over 1200 miles long located west of the main Hawaiian Islands. The coral
> >reef ecosystem of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands encompasses
> >approximately 10,000 square kilometers and is home to a diverse and unique
> >assemblage of fish, invertebrates, birds, sea turtles, marine mammals and
> >other species, including many species found nowhere else on Earth.
> >Federally protected species include the threatened green sea turtle, the
> >endangered leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles, and the only remaining
> >population of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
> >