Jerry Okamoto, Patricia Boehm, David Schofield, Jennifer Maldonado, John JohnsonJune 11th and 12th NOAA held its 3rd Annual Pacific Islands Region Marine Mammal Response Network Meeting. On Thursday Lt. Governor Duke Aiona signed a commemorative monk seal state bill. Above is a photo of the event.
As a volunteer who participated in the actual lobbying for this bill I would like to acknowledge a couple of people who attended this meeting but were not a part of the photograph. I personally believe these folks deserve a big MAHALO for their time and passion in front of the legislators during February and March.
- Karen Rohter brought her classroom of students to the state house and they were fantastic. It was the testimony of these children that really rang true!
- Barbara and Robert Billand, who continuously show their love and passion for these animals. I will never forget Barbara's descriptive story of their daily experiences on the beach.
- finally there is Georgette Yaindl, who was not part of the audience, but without her relentless efforts none of this would have been done.
There were many many people who wrote letters and their testimonies read into the record, and then there were the folks who were able to testify in person. Many of them I don't know their names but I still want to extend a THANK YOU to all. Jerry Okamoto gave an eloquent acknowledgement to the importance of this bill and all the hard work by all the volunteers! I wish I had it in writing because it was really something special! And I have to thank Patty for the many photos of Chester (how can anyone resist that face?)
~donna~
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