Dear Governor of Hawaii, Hawai’i State Legislature & DLNR,

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.