About Us

Malama na Honu

Mission Statement

To protect Hawaiian sea turtles through education, public awareness and conservation, all in the Spirit of Aloha.

Who We Are

Mālama i nā honu (Protect the Turtles) is a tax-exempt non profit entity that was created in 2007 to become the successor to the “Show Turtles Aloha” campaign originated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Turtle Research Program in 2005. Our organization is made up of over 95 dedicated and knowledgeable volunteer “Honu Guardians” who are on the beach every day of the year to prevent intentional and inadvertent harassment of the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles as they bask peacefully on the beach and to provide educational outreach to the public by imparting facts about the turtles, explaining their behaviors and creating an awareness of the ongoing need to protect this “threatened” species.

Persons interested in helping the Honu at Laniakea may do so through donations, symbolic Honu adoptions or by volunteering their time at the beach. 

BOD PICTURE 2024

Board of Directors


Tammy Tootell

President

Christine Fisher

Treasurer

Sheila Mackertich

Secretary

Debbie Herrera

Board Member; Volunteer &
Education Coordinator

Karen Cheek

Board Member

Don Porter

Board Member; Fund Raising Chairman

Tim Wesely

Board Member

Consultants


Joanne Pettigrew

Founder & Historian

Jim Kennedy

Director Emeritus

HONU GUARDIANS

Noteworthy Service by Mālama i nā honu Beach Volunteers

Most Lifetime Beach Hours Protecting the Honu & Educating the Public - 6/30/2024
1. Janis Honda 4,997
2. Debbie Herrera 4,301.58
3. Sonny Sampaga 2,889
4. Don Porter 2,181.75
5. Bruce Beck 1,923.25
6. Joe Murphy 1,772.25
7. Bev Murphy 1,729.25
8. Jan Shea 1,671.75
9. Donna Orr 1,617
10. Gayle Kriese 1,524
11. Tim Wesely 1,459.75
12 Vickie Dela Cruz 1,405.25
13. Jim Kennedy 1,257.50
14. Joanne Pettigrew 1,174
15. Laura Luger 1,070.50
16. Luanna Meyer 946
17. Chuck Roberts 846
18. Lolita Ayala 812.25
19. Erynn Tait 806.50
20. Tammy Tootell 773.25
Most 2024 Beach Hours Protecting the Honu & Educating the Public - 6/30/2024
1. Bruce Beck 216.50
2. Janis Honda 206.50
3. Debbie Herrera 144.50
4. Christine Fisher 142.25
5. Stephanie Sharpe 86.50
6. Sadie Hausman 80.75
7. Whitney Mauldin 78.50
8. Tim Wesely 72.25
9. Ryan Siu 71
10. Karen Cheek 68.25
11. Lena Park 66.25
12. Bob Coggins 66.25
13. Sheila Mackertich 64.25
14. Don Porter 63.50
15. Emma Alvarez 62.50
16. Rita Metzinger 62.25
17. Daniel Fisher 58.75
18. Kendra Morgan 53.25
19. Jennifer Traggorth 53.25
20. Kristen Schou 52.75