Press Watch, The Maui News, November 19, 2009
Eight Molokai residents, federal marine fisheries officials and scientists said aloha to the beloved Molokai Hawaiian monk seal “KP2” at a blessing at the Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu on Wednesday afternoon.
KP2, who captured the hearts of many on the Friendly Isle while he frolicked at Kaunakakai Wharf, will be soon heading to California to receive surgery for his cataracts. […]
Moving the nearly 2-year-old seal to Oahu angered some Molokai residents. They named him Hoailona, which means a special seal with a special purpose, said Molokai resident Walter Ritte. They wanted the seal that educated the people and played with their children to stay on Molokai.
Some residents complained that NOAA did not give them notice about moving KP2. But Schofield said there might have been a misunderstanding because NOAA officials notified the public about the move in July.
But on Wednesday, Schofield said scientists and residents came together and brought closure to the issue.
“They are in such trouble,” Schofield said of the Hawaiian monk seal. “We don’t have time to bicker.” […]