File Photo of Maalaea Harbor by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

A blessing ceremony will be held on Wednesday for a new vessel on Maui that will support whale response and research efforts throughout the state.

The 38-foot Research Vessel Koholā was named after the Hawaiian word for whale.

It is based on Maui in the heart of the whale sanctuary at Mā‘alaea Harbor, several 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 planning to attend include National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration administrator, Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D; Guy Kaulukukui, deputy director, State of Hawai‘i, DLNR; Malia Chow, superintendent, NOAA HHWNMS; and Elia Herman, co-manager, State of Hawai‘i, DLNR, HHWNMS.

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• Ecosystem-Based Management Recommended for Whale Sanctuary
• Ritte and Kapahulehua named to Whale Advisory Council