Prior to the COVID-19 crisis and shutdown, Hanauma Bay on Oahu drew approximately 3,000 people every day. The City & County of Honolulu closed the marine preserve back in March and the public has been asking when it will be reopened.
The timeout has been a badly needed respite for the popular attraction. Scientists have been studying the water quality and overall health of our reef and reef fish and collecting data to quantify what has been happening in the absence of crowds. The City is also moving to raise the entrance fee for visitors and come up with a plan to better manage our resources.
Our guests today:
- Brian Neilson, administrator, state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources;
- Kuulei Rodgers, principal investigator, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology's Coral Reef Ecology Lab; and
- Nathan Serota, public information officer, City & County of Honolulu, Department of Parks and Recreation.
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