FOR OUR VISITOR INDUSTRY

KMSWP members hope that the entire business community can contribute to our efforts toward preservation of the Hawaiian Monk Seal. Generous endorsements from Kaua`i Mayor Bryan Baptiste, former Kaua`i Mayor Maryanne Kusaka and Kaua`i Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susan Kanoho support this goal. After reading the few brief paragraphs below, please click to your category of business on the bar at the top.

THE SITUATION

For many reasons, Kaua`i is a destination unlike almost any other, but the Hawaiian Monk Seal makes it unique. There is no place else on earth where a marine mammal as endangered as the HMS shares beaches with such a large number of people.

THE PROBLEMS

While most visitors show great respect around the seals, there have been unfortunate incidents: throwing stones and sand at sleeping seals to get their attention and raise their heads, loud noisemaking to make them bark, and even parents trying to put children on a seal for a photo. The most common disturbance of HMS are simply unknowing newcomers getting too close, making noise, or directing flash photos in their faces.

THE SOLUTION

We have witnessed immediate improvement when we are able to inform guests about the HMS, it's severely endangered status, and especially, its need to rest without disturbance. Armed with knowledge, people readily understand that the seals are hauled out on beaches for a vital reason (needed rest), not as visitor's exhibit.

WHY?

Almost everyone is aware of the unprecedented HMS births at Po`ipu Beach Park, and the subsequent publicity (local, CNN, N.Y. Times, Internet, etc.). Now, many visitors actually arrive at some beaches looking for seals, instead of happening upon them. With a continuous, comprehensive effort, two goals can be met. First, we can help to ensure survival of a species native to our islands, and important to our ecosystem. Secondly, encouraging proper viewing behavior sustains another Kaua`i "wonder" that delights many, many tourists.

HOW?

All sectors of the visitor industry can help. KMSWP has designed a reader-friendly sheet with viewing guidelines for visitors. Suggested methods of distribution vary depending on the type of company. In all cases, however, the only contribution involved is the cost of printing and replacement. Please click on the above bar to view suggested methods of participation for your business. Endorsements, answers to two frequent questions, and the printable viewing guidelines are aslo available above.

MAHALO

In the fall of 2001, we will be posting a Mahalo page on this website to thank businesses and organizations in our community for their participatiopn. Please notify us if you choose to support Kaua`i and KMSWP in this way, so we can add your business's name to the Mahalo page.

KMSWP
P.O. Box 1898
Koloa, Hi. 96756 or e-mail: KMSWP@kauaimonkseal.com