A high-ranking member of President Bush’s Cabinet is coming to Hawai‘i this weekend to discuss the administration’s environmental stewardship in the region. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez is not scheduled to stop on Kaua‘i, but will make appearances on
A high-ranking member of President Bush’s Cabinet is coming to Hawai‘i this weekend to discuss the administration’s environmental stewardship in the region.
Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez is not scheduled to stop on Kaua‘i, but will make appearances on O‘ahu, Maui and the Big Island Friday and Saturday.
On board the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ship “Oscar Elton Sette” in Honolulu harbor Friday afternoon, Gutierrez will participate in a grant presentation for the Western and Central Pacific Fishing Line Recycling Program.
The following morning, the secretary will travel by boat to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary from Kihei, Maui, to be briefed on NOAA conservation activities and how NOAA responds to stranded whales.
He will meet with the newest class of NOAA-trained volunteers who ride along on whale-watching charters to educate the public on conservation and whales.
Gutierrez will finish his trip early Saturday afternoon on the Big Island, touring the Kona Blue Aquaculture Operation in Kailua-Kona, a visit scheduled to coincide with the Bush administration’s proposed legislation to allow aquaculture operations in federal waters.
“Hawai‘i’s aquaculture output is expected to expand to over $200 million a year during the next 10 years and is an important component in Hawai‘i’s economic growth efforts,” a Department of Commerce release states.
