Kauai 2009 Travel Planner - (Page 21) THE ENDANGERED MONK SEAL In the 1980s, Koloa town was ¯ completely restored. Today, the little town beside the big Banyan tree is a busy center of restaurants and shops and serves a community of residents and visitors with a host of services including banking, TUNNEL OF TREES. PETER FRENCH cleaners, post office and medical facilities. With its sunlit mixture of old and new, resort and rural, there’s lots to see and do on the sunny South Shore. Just one more side to Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i’s Island of Discovery™. ROBERT COELLO Approximately 1,200 Hawaiian monk seals live around the tiny, uninhabited islands and atolls of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands . There are less than 25 Hawaiian monk seals that call the waters and beaches of Kaua‘i home . Hawaiian monk seals are one of the more endangered species on earth . Please remember when you see a monk seal resting on the beach that it’s in its native habitat. While always a glorious sight, this marine mammal is not a zoo animal there to provide entertainment . Never approach a monk seal on the beach (stay at least 120 feet away). It should go without saying, but you’d be surprised: Don’t throw things at a monk seal or shout to get its attention or otherwise try to cause one to move. Yes, take a picture from a respectful distance, but leave the flash off. And please brief your children as well . Besides being the right thing to do, there are strict state and federal laws prohibiting the harassment of marine wildlife such as the Hawaiian monk seal, sea turtles, dolphins and the most famous winter resident, the humpback whale . Be assured these laws are strictly enforced in Hawai‘i and provide for severe penalties . The Kaua‘i Monk Seal Watch Program has more information at www.kauaimonkseal.com . Bonding is invited. The special Endless Escape rates at Sheraton Kauai Resort make it easy for families to make new memories. Take a serene walk on the sun-kissed Po‘ipu Beach or enjoy a day of thrilling ocean activities. Spend ¯ hours at our swimming pools, reconnect at the nearby golf course or explore the incredible natural wonders of Hawai‘i’s oldest island. Whatever you choose, you can be sure you’ll have a great time. Ask us about our Endless Escape rates. Book today or for more information call 1-866-716-8109 or visit sheraton-kauai.com KAUA‘I Hawai‘i’s Island of Discovery™ SKAU-16705_4-625X7.indd 1 21 10/6/08 3:08:07 PM http://www.sheraton-kauai.com http://www.sheraton-kauai.com http://www.kauaimonkseal.com
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