FEATURED
| Sat, Apr 6, 2024 | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm |
| Mon, Apr 15, 2024 | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
| Tue, Apr 16, 2024 | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Public comment
NOAA will accept public comment on the proposal from March 1 – May 7, 2024. The state of Hawaiʻi is also holding a public comment process under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter 343, the Hawaii Environmental Policy Act, as a joint process.
NOAA and the state of Hawaii will co-host meetings to gather public input. We welcome comments in both English and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) at all public meetings:
April 6, 2024, 9 a.m. to Noon HST - Virtual Meeting
Website to register to attend the virtual meeting: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8965381966366040671
April 15, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
76 Kamehameha Ave
Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720
April 16, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST - Kahaluʻu Kona, Hawaiʻi
Kamehameha Schools, Kahaluʻu Makai Educational Center
78-6780 Aliʻi Drive
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi 96740
Virtual or in-person meetings may end before the time noted above if all participants have concluded their oral comments.
You may also submit comments through the following methods:
Electronic Submission
Submit all electronic comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for docket NOAA-NOS-2021-0114. Click the "Comment Now!" icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
Send any hard copy public comments by mail to PMNM-Sanctuary Designation, NOAA/ONMS, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.
The Designation Process
NOAA initiated the sanctuary designation process on November 19, 2021, when it published a notice of intent to begin the process and solicited public comment. NOAA received more than 80 comments during the public comment period. NOAA reviewed and considered all public scoping comments and a team of staff developed the draft management plan, draft environmental impact statement, and proposed rule which are now available for public comment. NOAA will again consider all public comments received on these draft designation documents before determining how to move forward.
