rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/petition/honolua-cultural-preserve?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-petition-area-honolua-cultural-preserve' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Save Honolua Coalition https://actionnetwork.org/users/save-honolua-coalition/profile https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/petitions/photos/000/595/924/normal/banner_action_networ.png Petition to Designate Honolua Bay as a Protected Cultural Preserve We, the undersigned, call for the immediate designation of Honolua Bay as a Protected Cultural Preserve to preserve its ecological, cultural, and historical integrity. Why Honolua Bay Needs Protection Honolua Bay, part of the Honolua-Mokulēʻia Bay Marine Life Conservation District, is a place of profound cultural importance and a fragile marine ecosystem under increasing threat from commercial tourism, overcrowding, and environmental degradation. Despite its MLCD status, Honolua remains vulnerable to exploitation. Key reasons for this designation: Protect Native Hawaiian Heritage – Honolua Bay is a sacred place. Formal recognition as a cultural preserve will safeguard traditional practices, sacred sites, and ancestral connections to the land and ocean. Conserve Marine Life & Coral Reefs – Coral cover has plummeted from 42% in 1994 to less than 8% today, largely due to unchecked tourism and land-based runoff. Stronger protections are essential to prevent further damage. End Commercial Exploitation – Boat groundings, overcrowding, and pollution continue to harm the bay. Designation as a cultural preserve would prohibit commercial boat operations that prioritize profit over protection. Community-Led Stewardship – Honolua’s future must be guided by Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and local environmental experts, ensuring decisions align with traditional values and sustainability. Educate & Inspire Responsible Tourism – Visitors want to respect the land. Formal designation would establish clear guidelines and educational initiatives to encourage responsible, culturally aware access to the bay. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/679b264a435dc39b5d4e246c11472c85ce2726be