Aloha kakou! Happy Fourth of July! I am pleased to join you to celebrate "Turtle Indpendence Day."

For 13 years, the Mauna Lani and Sea Life Park Hawaii have worked together to tag and release over 100 endangered Hawaii Green Turtles, honu oma`oma`o in Hawaiian, into the Pacific Ocean. The four to be released today are part of an innovative educational loan program.

This educational species restoration program has expanded public awareness of the threats endangering the honu, and highlights efforts underway to preserve and restore the species. The four honu about to be released were nurtured at Sea Life Park and in the Mauna Lani saltwater ponds.

Programs like this one represent the essence of the Hawaiian practice of malama kai, care for the sea, which is so important in the Native Hawaiian culture.

The United States, and nations around the world, are engaged in initiatives to ensure a cleaner, healthier marine environment and conserve our oceans, reefs, and marine resources. Given the importance of the ocean to our recreation and nourishment, it is essential that we share responsibility to protect our oceans and coasts as a beautiful and bountiful resource for our children.

I congratulate the Mauna Lani and Sea Life Park for their efforts to protect these majestic and graceful creatures and their ocean habitat. Mahalo nui loa for a job well-done.