Press Watch, Honolulu Star Bulletin, October 22, 2009
Molokai residents say a federal agency should not have removed a Hawaiian monk seal without their consent
Molokai residents flew to Oahu to protest a federal agency’s removal of a nearly blind Hawaiian monk seal from waters off Kaunakakai.
The residents, who held signs yesterday in front of the Waikiki Aquarium where the seal was taken, said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration removed the seal known as “KP2” without consulting the Molokai community.
They also said the seal should have been treated for cataracts months ago.
“The kids loved that seal,” said Molokai resident Karen Holt. “There was no opportunity to say goodbye. Nothing.”
Keiko Bonk, the Hawaii program director for the Marine Conservation Biology Institute’s monk seal campaign, said there needs to be more communication between the community and NOAA seal recovery officials.
Hanohano Naehu, who lives on Molokai, said federal officials need to find a better way of working with Hawaii residents in the recovery of the monk seals, especially with the animal’s numbers increasing on the island. […]