A blessing ceremony is going to be held today for a new vessel in Maui waters that will support whale response and research efforts throughout the state.
The 38-foot Research Vessel is named Koholā, which is Hawaiian for whale. It will be based on Maui at Mā'alaea Harbor, which is a few miles from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary facilities in Kihei. The blessing will be led by sanctuary advisory council member Kimokeo Kapahulehua. Dignitaries expected to attend the blessing include National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration administrator, Jane Lubchenco; Guy Kaulukukui, deputy director, State of Hawai'i, DLNR; Malia Chow, a superintendent at NOAA; and Elia Herman, co-manager, State of Hawai'i, also of the DLNR.
