Why These Distances Matter

Being a respectful viewer of protected marine species honors their Hawaiian cultural and spiritual significance as native species. Keeping the federally established distances also prevents multiple types of harm that come from people getting too close.

Swimmers keeping distance from sea turtle

Every living thing has a role

When we make sure not to disturb animals, we get to experience and benefit from their natural way of life.

The populations of ‘īlioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seal),  nai‘a (spinnerdolphin), honu (green sea turtle), and koholā (humpback whales) have been struggling to thrive in the face of many pressures.

We humans must focus our attention on relieving those pressures and the very least we can do is not disturb them by trying to get too close or otherwise interact with them.

Pono people respect and protect wildlife by always keeping their distance. There has never been a historical, cultural, or spiritual acceptance of swimming with these marine species in Hawai‘i.

 

“Inā mālama ‘oe i ke kai, mālama no ke kai iā ‘oe—if you care for the ocean, the ocean will care for you.

This Hawaiian proverb eloquently expresses the reciprocal relationship so important to maintaining healthy and productive natural systems and using and managing resources sustainably. As with indigenous peoples across the Pacific, kanaka maoli (Hawaiian people) held reciprocal relationships with their island environment, communities, and ancestors—relationships that were essential for survival and that persist today. The foundational element of this relationship with nature is that kanaka (human beings) and their environment share a familial relationship. Inherent in this relationship is practice of self-restraint and concern about the well being of future generations. Rules that guide behavior are often tied to spiritual beliefs concerning respect and reverence for the ‘āina, the virtues of sharing and not taking too much, and a holistic perspective and understanding of organisms and ecosystems that emphasize balance and coexistence.” (Maui Nui Makai Network, 2020, p. 7)

 

Why these distances matter

Research has shown getting closer than these distances may result in:

  • Separation of mothers and their young.

  • Disruption of migratory patterns.

  • Disruption of social groups.

  • Disruption of resting activities.

  • Interference in breeding and/or reproductive and rearing activities.

That’s why laws have been created to set specific viewing distances and to ban certain actions and activities.

Boy sitting on paddleboard in the ocean with dolphin in the distance

More and more people are showing they are respectful and care by never getting too close to wildlife, especially these endangered and threatened species.