Hawaii Cetacean Rehabilitation Facility
The Hawaii Cetacean Rehabilitation Facility (HCRF), named Pōolamau in Hawaiian, developed as a partnership between UH-Hilo and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), is the only facility in Hawai‘i and the Pacific region dedicated to the humane care and treatment of injured, sick, and out-of-habitat whales and dolphins. Phase 1 of the project includes several trailers for an office, storage and a food prep kitchen, and the facility's 25,000-gallon saltwater Critical Care Pool. Since the HCRF focuses on caring for the various forms of Kanaloa (Ocean Deity).
Pōolamau refers to the transition of these Kanaloa as they embark on a journey, returning to a thriving life in the pō of the ocean’s depths or returning to the pō that is the realm of the gods. This hale is named to best facilitate and honor the delicate transitions of our beloved Kanaloa.
UH-Hilo's HCRF is authorized by NOAA Fisheries to house 18 species of whales and dolphins, up to 15 feet long and can accommodate 1-2 small whales or dolphins at a time. Phase 2 plans include a larger pool to accommodate larger whales, mass strandings, and a swim-out pool for animals to begin swimming , diving, and feeding on life fish before release.
The HCRF is directed by Dr. Jason Turner (Director) and Ms. Jennifer Turner (Assistant Director) both of UH-Hilo. Volunteers from the Hilo Marine Mammal Response Network (HMMRN), comprised of UH-Hilo students and community members, support the facility with their time and efforts.
For more information or to volunteer with the HMMRN visit our website at HMMRN.org
Mission StatementCommitted to the humane care and treatment of injured, ill, and out-of-habitat cetaceans, Hawaii Cetacean Rehabilitation Facility supports the development and dissemination of new knowledge in an effort to support the conservation of marine species. To achieve this mission, HCRF will:
February 25th, 2011: Hawaiian Monk Seal (HMS) Response TrainingDetails: This training workshop teaches volunteers how to respond to Hawaiian Monk Seals when they are hauled out (resting) on beaches or the rocky coastline. It is required for any volunteer who would like to respond to HMS sightings. Due to the Hawaiian Monk Seal’s extremely low population numbers, of only about 1,100 left, and 4% decline each year, it is extremely important to protect these critically endangered species, and to educate the public about them. Every time a seal is sighted in Hawaii, an HMS Response is conducted. HMS response is always done in groups of at least two people. This workshop teaches volunteers how to photograph the seals from a distance, how to set-up seal protection zones and how to talk to the public about these critically endangered species. We strongly encourage every volunteer to attend this training at least once and then again every semester for review and practice. If you would like to attend, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it March 1st, 2011Volunteers NeededTuesday, March 1, 8:45 -11:30.Aloha all, The Hilo Marine Mammal Response Network (HMMRN) and the Hawaii Cetacean Rehabilitation Facility (HCRF) are hosting a field trip for Keaau School on Tuesday, March 1, 9-11:30. We need volunteers to assist with this event. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 808-769-1118 if you are available from 8:45-11:30 on Tuesday. Volunteers will be assisting with activities for kids including: keiki beach response, keiki Hawaiian monk seal response, and assisting with a tour of the facility. Mahalo!
Laura J. Knight HMMRN Volunteer Coordinator
Monthly MeetingHMMRN's next monthly meeting is coming up soon, so mark your calendar! The meeting will be on Tuesday, March 1st, at 6:15pm in Marine Science Building Room 101.
In addition, merchandise will be for sale! So be sure to show up a little early, bring a notebook, pen, and maybe even some cash. RSVP is not required. |
