NATIVE HAWAIIAN NAME FOR NORTHWESTERN HAWAIIAN ISLANDS UNVEILED

March 2 - Mrs. Laura Bush, joined by Governor Linda Lingle and Lt. Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr., today unveiled the new native Hawaiian name for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) Marine National Monument. Mrs. Bush, who visited the NWHI's Midway Atoll, Eastern Island and Sand Island for the first time this week, announced the new name as Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, which symbolizes the genealogy of the Hawaiian Islands.  "The naming of these islands represents another historic milestone in the seamless partnership among state and federal governments, environmental conservationists, and native Hawaiian organizations to protect this special island chain while preserving its natural and cultural resources for future generations," Governor Lingle said.

Participants at the ceremony included Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Secretary of Commerce David Sampson, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Jim Connaughton, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Director Peter Young, native Hawaiian leaders, and environmental conservationists.

• Watch the ceremony.