Monk Seals Receive Support In Legislature
Tuesday, February 26th, 2008
Sen. Jill Tokuda introduced two bills this session to to promote outreach and educational programs regarding the endangered Hawaiian monk seal species. Senate Bill 2464 designates the seal as the state mammal and Senate Bill 2465 designates the third Saturday in April as Hawaiian Monk Seal Day. The bills received testimony in unanimous support from over 50 parties. Students from five schools attended the bills’ hearing, including those from St. Andrews Priory School, pictured above.
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of only two native mammals in Hawai`i. (Photo courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Mackenzie Wales, a 10th-grader at Sacred Hearts Academy, told the Economic Development and Taxation Committee members that the two bills would uphold the Hawai`i state motto,”The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” After the hearing, committee members voted unanimously to pass the bills.
