April 1, 2009
Hawaii Recognizes World Ocean Day
BY: Emily Fisher
Hawaii may have been the last state admitted to the union, but they have become the first state to recognize June 8 as World Ocean Day.Thanks to the tip from Honolulu Girl Scout Troop Leader Teri Skillman, who reports that her troop, 401, with the support of Kai Makana, Nature Conservancy, the Dept. of Land and Natural Resource, and individuals in the community, convinced the state legislature to add World Ocean Day, June 8, to the list of recognized holidays. The amendment, which was passed unanimously by the House & the Senate, reads:”…Establishes June 8 of each year as World Ocean Day to celebrate the blessings of the oceans, improve international relations, and increase public awareness of conservation management of the ocean environment.”Mahalo, Hawaii!