HONOLULU — Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr. have signed a proclamation declaring February as "Humpback Whale Awareness Month" in Hawai'i, according to a news release.

The goal of Humpback Whale Awareness Month is to enhance public awareness of Hawai'i's official state marine mammal and increase public involvement in ocean stewardship.

Hawai'i is home to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, the only marine-protected area in the nation solely devoted to humpback whale protection.

In the official proclamation, Lingle and Aiona encourage Hawai'i citizens "to commit to the protection of Hawai'i's spectacular humpback whales for future generations."

"I invite the public to enjoy the sanctuary's Humpback Whale Awareness Month activities and celebrate the homecoming of our amazing humpbacks," Lingle said.

The sanctuary is celebrating Humpback Whale Awareness Month by offering a variety of special activities around the state. Activities vary from lunchtime whale watches to special lecture presentations at various venues. Find out more about getting involved in Humpback Whale Awareness Month at: http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

"We continue to need the kokua of our boating community to reduce the occurrence of vessel-whale collisions," said Laura H. Thielen, Department of Land and Natural Resources chairwoman. "We expect Humpback Whale Awareness Month will help get the word out about collision avoidance and other important ocean resources management priorities."

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is co-managed as a federal-state partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Land and Natural Recourses.

The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) seeks to increase public awareness of America's marine resources and maritime heritage by conducting scientific research, monitoring, exploration, and education programs.

In the Pacific Islands region, NOAA ONMS is a partner with the state in co-managing the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.