Eight Molokai residents, federal marine fisheries officials and scientists said aloha to the beloved Molokai Hawaiian monk seal “KP2” at a blessing at the Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu on Wednesday afternoon.<\/p>\n
KP2, who captured the hearts of many on the Friendly Isle while he frolicked at Kaunakakai Wharf, will be soon heading to California to receive surgery for his cataracts. […]<\/p>\n
Moving the nearly 2-year-old seal to Oahu angered some Molokai residents. They named him Hoailona, which means a special seal with a special purpose, said Molokai resident Walter Ritte. They wanted the seal that educated the people and played with their children to stay on Molokai.<\/p>\n
Some residents complained that NOAA did not give them notice about moving KP2. But Schofield said there might have been a misunderstanding because NOAA officials notified the public about the move in July.<\/p>\n
But on Wednesday, Schofield said scientists and residents came together and brought closure to the issue.<\/p>\n
“They are in such trouble,” Schofield said of the Hawaiian monk seal. “We don’t have time to bicker.” […]<\/p>\n