Kaua`i Monk Seal Watch Program (KMSWP) has several ongoing projects. All of them are designed to involve our entire community in protecting endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals (HMS).

EDUCATION-ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

In April 2001, KMSWP volunteers began visiting public school classrooms islandwide to present an hour-long program about Hawaiian Monk Seals. By offering this program annually at the fourth-grade level, we hope to eventually reach all of Kaua`i's children. The goal of our lesson plan is to raise students' awareness and concern for the HMS. Recognition of proper human behavior in the presence of seals is the cornerstone of our effort. Each presentation includes photos/slides, sharing of knowledge and experiences relative to the HMS, and plenty of question - and - answer time.

In spite of the lengthy April 2001 teachers’ strike in our state, and the inevitable schedule changes, over 85% of Kaua`i's fourth-graders received the program. For the 2002 season, we extended the efforts to include private schools. During the spring of 2003, we reached nearly 100% of our intended audience, with all ten of our public schools, and five of our six private schools hosting the KMSWP presentation.

The success of the annual education effort has exceeded everyone’s expectations. Our goal from 2004 onward is total participation each year. Many classes have sent us notes, cards, and student artwork --- a few samples of which can be seen from time to time on our Gallery page. KMSWP volunteers thank all the fourth-grade students and their teachers.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Tourism is Kaua`i's foremost industry, bringing thousands of people to our coastline monthly. A tiny population of endangered native Hawaiian Monk Seals call Kaua`i's shores home. The resultant mix is tenuous and is a primary focus of our work at KMSWP.

In late September 2000, KMSWP initiated a program designed to draw Kaua`i's visitor industry into the monk seal preservation efforts. We asked hotel and condominium managers to place in each guest room a notice containing proper behavioral information for visitors approaching seals at the beach. Many have graciously donated the printing and distribution costs. They quickly realized the mutual benefits of preserving a species as well as a major tourist attraction. At present, our information is available in over 1,400 guest rooms. Our hope is that in the not-too-distant future, all properties will be on board.

Starting in November 2000, three of our major tourist-oriented publications had agreed to print the same guidelines. In donating the space, one publishes the information in each edition, and two print it on a space-available basis. A fourth publication joined the effort en November 2001. We are steadily developing plans to include other sectors of the tourism industry.

Information is now available online for various types of businesses in the visitor industry, accompanied by generous endorsements from Kaua`i Mayor Bryan Baptiste, former Kaua`i Mayor Maryanne Kusaka and Kaua`i Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susan Kanoho.

IMPROVED RESPONSE

Some KMSWP volunteers have been working diligently with state and federal agencies, as well as local lifeguards at key beaches, to coordinate all HMS haulouts and plan a response to potential births in popular beach areas. The 2000 births (Po`ipu, Maha`ulepu) and the 2001 birth (Po`ipu) were unexpected events in high-use areas. Our responses were largely praised in the community, but improvement is a consistent goal. Assessment of past seasons, coupled with forethought regarding future births, will always help to create our new emergency response procedures.

MAHALO PAGE

In late 2001, KMSWP posted a Mahalo page containing the names of lodging, transportation, media and activity-related businesses which supply our information to visitors. KMSWP thanks these companies on behalf of the many visitors who have expressed their appreciation for the behavioral guidelines, and other HMS information.

FUTURE PROJECTS

Improved Perimeter Signage. We would like to upgrade from the small yellow signs currently in use to cordon off seals resting on the beach. New signs should have higher visibility and greater clarity. Preliminary discussions have included possibilities such as directional arrows to route pedestrians around seals, or perhaps tailoring signage to individual locations. Cost will be a significant factor. Therefore, supporting KMSWP will be key when we address this issue, in coordination with federal and state agencies.

Hotel Presentations. KMSWP volunteers plan, in early 2004, to begin creating a program of presentations for our visitors interested in Hawaiian Monk Seals. Current outlines envision this as a fairly regular event, hopefully taking place in beachfront hotel areas.

Community Fairs. In March 2003, KMSWP hosted its first informational booth at the annual Family Ocean Fair at the National Wildlife Refuge, Kilauea Point. Based on the success of that initial effort, we hope to participate at Kilauea once again in 2004, and perhaps at the county fair in Lihue around Labor Day each year.