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Natural and Cultural Resources
E Pane Mai Ka Nonoi O Nohili
Answering the Requests of Nohili

Protecting the Natural and Cultural
Resources of Kaua‘i

Nohili Dunes
Green sea turtles.

The Navy manages natural and cultural resources on PMRF including leased and easement lands. Conservation management of natural and cultural resources is a priority for both stewardship and mission readiness. This includes activities such as protecting the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi), green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), wetlands, archaeological sites, iwi kūpuna (Native Hawaiian ancestral human remains), and historic buildings and structures. The Navy also protects natural and cultural resources, including Native Hawaiian sacred resources, against encroachment. PMRF’s awareness of the importance of Native Hawaiian cultural values is embodied in the phrase: E Pane Mai Ka Nonoi O Nohili – Answering the Requests of Nohili.

Below are links to some of the ongoing stewardship programs at PMRF:

The PMRF Cultural Resources department demonstrates extensive community outreach efforts by actively engaging with various stakeholders. Department personnel coordinate with lineal descendants and representatives of local cultural groups, attend community meetings, and consult with Native Hawaiian Organizations (NHOs) in the event of requests to visit culturally significant areas or significant discoveries. The department also facilitates access for educational institutions and cultural practitioners, supports cleanup initiatives, and collaborates with local associations. Additionally, the department organizes and participates in ceremonies to honor cultural heritage and works closely with NHOs on important projects, such as the construction of burial crypts and repatriation efforts. These activities highlight PMRF's commitment to preserving and respecting cultural resources through comprehensive and inclusive community engagement.

Marine Species Research and Monitoring

The Navy continues to be a world leader in marine species research and monitoring, having funded marine research programs, surveys, and data collection efforts since 1992. The Navy has committed approximately $250 million over the past decade to marine mammal and in-water acoustic research.

The Navy’s research objective is to increase understanding of marine mammal reactions to sound and provide a more robust scientific basis for estimating the effects on marine mammals from Navy activities.

Hawaiian monk seal.
Laysan Albatross