NOAA has released for public comment the draft designation documents for the proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary
FR Notice
NOAA will accept public comment on the proposal from March 1 – May 7, 2024. The state of Hawaiʻi is also holding a public comment process under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter 343, the Hawaii Environmental Policy Act, as a joint process.

April 6, 2024, 9 a.m. to Noon HST – Virtual Meeting
April 8, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST – Honolulu, Oʻahu-Aloha Tower, Multipurpose Room 3
April 9, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST – Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu-Heʻeia State Park
April 10, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST – Waiʻanae, Oʻahu Waiʻanae District Park Gym
April 11, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST – Waimea, Kauaʻi-Waimea High School Cafeteria
April 12, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST – Hanalei, Kauaʻi-Waipā Foundation – Keanolani Hale
April 15, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST – Hilo, Hawaiʻi-Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
April 16, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST – Kahaluʻu Kona, Hawaiʻi-Kamehameha Schools, Kahaluʻu Makai Educational Center
April 17, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST – Kahului, Maui-Maui Community College Dining Room
April 18, 2024, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. HST – Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi-Kūlana ʻŌiwi

You may also submit comments through the following methods:
     1. Electronic Submission – Submit all electronic comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for docket NOAA-NOS-2021-0114. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
     2. Mail – Send any hard copy public comments by mail to PMNM-Sanctuary Designation, NOAA/ONMS, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Bldg 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.

Council Correspondence
2023.04.14 Council Ltr to ONMS on MEA
2023.05.31 Ltr from NOS
2024.02.14 Council Response to ONMS on MEA