NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Celebrates Opening of New Learning Center  

April 23, 2009 — NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco joined Senators Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka, Hawaiian cultural practitioner Kimokeo Kapahulehua, and other state and local community leaders at the April 13 grand opening of the Sanctuary Learning Center for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii.

From left, facing camera: Laura Thielen, director of Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, and Hawaiian cultural practitioner Kimokeo Kapahulehua celebrate the grand opening of the Sanctuary Learning Center for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Maui. Photo credit: Fiona Langenberger, HIHWNMS.

The new 4,600-square-foot, single-story learning center is located next to the sanctuary office building, adjacent to the historic Ko’ie’ie Hawaiian fishpond and sanctuary waters. The center provides facilities for research and classroom space for school groups and public awareness programs aimed at protecting Hawaii’s humpback whales and ocean habitats.