Hi Sally. I love that you posted this. It blows me away how some people behave. This planet isn't just ours and people need to respect all life. Once again...great subject and beautiful pictures. Maybe I should retire to Hawaii. :)

Sally - How sickening to see such disregard! I'd say not just if you're relocating, but if you're a visitor, too.

there are a lot of laws here protecting the sea turtles.. I went to a park/preserve that also has a hatchery,.... it was so cool seeing all the babies

90% have the virus!?! Do they know what causes it? We have areas of our beaches sectioned off, where people are not allowed to go, so they don't disturb the sea turtle nests. And during hatching season, the oceanfront hotels and condos are not allowed to have any lights on outside at night, so the baby turtles don't get confused and head away from the water, instead of toward it. Apparently the glow of the moon's light on the water is what lures them to the sea. But of course, people break the law all the time and get arrested. I posted a blog about this a while back too. We have to help educate people.

Pamela: I was appalled!  I was nagging so loud everyone was copying me and pointing at them...lol! I tell you what we need people who care and not out to be "on stag".

Tom: I did add visitor...I better underline it because the majority of the people looking were tourists.

David:  While writing I was just thinking I want to see if it's possible to get an appointment at the University of Hawaii Marine Research Lab...it is right by Sea Life Park and they have monk seals, whales, turtles and such....I would love to bring more to everyones desktop!

Lisa: Same with that thing with the seals...I forgot to add that it has something to do with humans and what we are doing. (chemicals) I agree. It's wonderful to be able to see all this going on...it's a disgrace to see how some people handle it.

Wow.....cool post....great pictures....I love your backyard.  You're blessed.

Cool post, Sally. Wow, what a lot of info. I saw a National Geographic special on the sea turtles a number of years ago - it was fascinating. Good local content for buyers (and tourists).

Jeff

Larry: Thanks ....my backyard doesn't need mowing lol!

Jeff: I was all upset on Saturday after that. I had to work on that one and not get too critical. I guess it came out a little. Darn this wearing my heart all over the screen.

Sally you write some of the best Localism Posts on here.  They are interesting, well written, and educational.  Can beat those combinations.

Sally - Love your sea turtles. We have Ridley's here in Texas and they are small and cute. We saw several when we were vacationing last week. They would swim right up to you and they can get in trouble doing that. My hubby and I happen to respect the wild life and leave them alone, but a lot of yahoos don't.

You write the best posts!

George: You always have something nice to say about my Localism Posts...Okay, I guess they are pretty neat. I really start getting into it once I start. Thanks so much Buddy.

Linda: Thanks so much. Well, these guys are cute but they can bite....hard.  What's a yahoo?

Sally - I don't know what you call them in Hawaii, but in Texas they're idiots with no regard for wild life or people...live by their own rules.

Linda: Oh...we use some mightly strong hawaiian words..haha!

Ha! I think I like you....you're funny!

Sally,

Its sad to think that some people just completely disregard the laws that protect this species and in front of you...what were they thinking...!

Linda: So are you....oh. and your hubbie with the grocery store fish!  (that's how I remembered you hehe)

Suzanne: Well, I have a big mouth about some issues.  :)

Sally - What a lovely article.  It's easy to see that you love nature and all that is Hawaii.

Marlene: Thanks so much Marlene...you'll be here soon to enjoy once again too!

Sally, these animals are magnificent, I am so glad that man was arrested.  I wonder what they weigh, they look so big!  I know the Chinese have a high regard for the tortoise or turtle.  Beautiful post.

Thanks Carole! The Chinese believe they stand for wisdom. Pretty cool huh?

You post the most interesting material about Hawaii.  I learn something new and interesting every time I read one of your posts.  And you have such great photos!

Margaret: Lately, my husband is getting into going with me on "excursions" to take pictures...he's having fun actually. He takes with his (my old canon) and I take with my new kodak wide angle ...and we combine them so I can take the best of both!  That shot of Waimea Bay was taken atop Pupukea mountain (we went to the heiau...ancient temple and walked down a path an lo and behold...look at that view!) Thanks Margaret!

How sad that we humans have had such disregard for the other creatures of this earth! It makes one wonder what will still be here 1oo years from now?

Sally - They are like giant babies - so defenseless against the harm of the people. Your pictures are beautiful.

Joan: I totally agree...and if we all chip in and do our part then it'll all be around for our grandchildren and theirs too. With all that's going on I wonder too.

Paula: Yes, they are. It's really sad to see when people just don't care. What do they think this is? A Zoo? We have one in Waikiki.

Sally - I just booked my tour for the turtle farm in Grand Caman - I love these creatures - they are so much fun to watch and come in so many different sizes -

Sally, I enjoy your posts about the Honu and nature preservation very much.

Years ago when I was working in government research, part of my position was to make recommendations for a very large sandy hill and marsh area that projected out into a river. The area was being used by 4-wheelers for stunts etc.  In my research I found a number of species of turtles were using the sandy area for nests and the motorized vehicles were destroying these nests and eggs. Two of the species are on the 'watch' list here in Ontario and are close to being endangered.  My research and recommendations put an end to the use of the area by all motorized vehicles (signs were posted, barricades were built and penalties were enacted) and the turtles can now live and breed in peace.

It never ceases to amaze me that so many humans feel they are the be all and end all of life here on this earth and that everything was put here for their use and abuse.

Jo 

Sally, it's unbelievable to me that these creatures are just...RIGHT THERE!  Seals, and now turtles- you DO live in a paradise.  But, if I ever visit Hawaii, your words have driven home the importance of NOT TOUCHING- no matter how tempting.

Another wonderful post on such a fantastic place!  Laurie's right Sis, you do live in Paradise and we are lucky enough that you bring it into our homes with every post you write.

Sally-this post really tugs at the heart.  I can't believe that people are so desensitized to their actions towards any living species.  The sea turtle is so vulnerable and your post will really get the word out.  You write so beautifully Sally and your passion for Hawaii shines through. 

Sally--It is sad to think that anyone would consider hurting such beautiful creatures. I suppose kids see Finding Nemo and want to play with the turtles...but adults should know better and understand. Thanks for sharing this information!

Girl I would have done more then mumbled...  I would have had a downright fit right there on the beach, Hawaiian Style... Now remember, I'm not as polite as you are :)

Sally- WoW! I really enjoyed this post, reading about your excursion and your passion to help the endangered sea turtles. We have that too, where people will try to steal the eggs and step on the nests! I get so mad! I love Laie. I love the BYU campus there and the Polynesian culture center. So many great things right there. I always felt the spirit when I would visit Laie. Thanks again for the most beautiful photos as always. I like the thing you did on the outside of the photo, have no idea what you call it. Katerina

Sally-

I just know you put those "Turtles" on there to teach me a lesson :) :)  I might add that if you're a Photographer respect the "do not put your hands in the water" signs as well.........I got bit by one of these Turtles at the Aquarium in Maui while  trying to take an underwater photo......not fun, and of course it was my own fault :(

The worse part is we had gone on one of those  snorkeling excursions  and had been swimming with some Turtles for hours.  No problem at all. But the Photographer in me wanted a closer picture, so while at the aquarium I broke the rules.......Yes, Rules are made for a reason, and this time I will obey ALL :)   Wonderful Post, and an even better reminder how our behavior affects these wonderful creatures.

Sally - again you are so "in the know" about your state! Great photos and links! It's a shame that people disrespect nature. I love your articles, they teach me so much!

Thesa: Please take plenty of pictures and share them! I think I could handle holding those cute miniature ones...lol!

Jo:  These turtles come up on the beach just to go sun and sleep and then go swimming around. No vehicles as the beach is next to rocks and down a little erroded hill. I presume that one day they'll just get sick of everyone doing what they're doing and put up fences like they've been doing for the monk seals. It's hard to "police" these areas constantly and there are some that go beyond the barriers and harrass the creatures. It's the ones that "think" they're ENTITLED to do what they do.

Laurie: Yup...don't touch...you could lose a finger!

Lil Bro...thanks for coming by to enjoy. One day I'll see you...I just know it! :)

Julie:  When one lives in a place that is appreciated for its surrounding beauty then of course we feel the need to protect everything around us. Partial to animals/mammals etc. as well.

Teri: They just don't heed warnings...and then they regret it after when something happens.

Lysa: lol!  I'm sure you would have. I was grumbling and mumbling and instead of doing that I should have yelled at them something like 'are you out of your minds going so close with the baby?' arghh..

Katerina: My next story is about Laie. Not necessarily BYU...already did something about History of schools and such which that was included.

Kathy: I didn't go anywhere near...I have zoom..hahaha!  Especially after I heard they chase people too! I don't think I'd go swimming with any. Shhh....I haven't gone swimming in the ocean except with my husband in a little coral reefed pond at Koolina...three years ago....paranoid after "Jaws".

Mary: Thanks. It is a shame and glad you enjoy.

Cheryl:  I try hard to bring issues, information and such about Hawaii to everyone. Thanks.

Sally,  that's so sad.  I can't believe that someone would do that....so disrespectful.

But,  You have the Eco All Star Gold Star for the day!  Thanks for posting about the Turtles and remind people to respect them!

Steph:  WooHoo...thanks!  I'm a peaceful person...not with my mouth though hehe.

Sally,  I didn't mean you saying something.  :)  I meant the disrespectful  BLEEP BLEEP that was messing with the Turtle.  Just so you didn't think I meant you.  :)~  I would have said something also.

Steph:  I know that....I was talking about grumbling and making a lot of noise at those people :)

Sally, I can hear the ole pigeon english coming out now, even 20 yrs after being gone, Brah! What you think you doing? You don't know how for read? Of course it would be a little more harsh :) As for the baby, well you can use your imagination what I would have to say about that!

Lysa:  That's funny!  ....Stooooopid (for the baby)

Thanks for the informative and thoughtful post.  I was recenently scuba diving in Maui and had the opportunity to see sea turtles in the ocean > they are wonderful to watch when the swim, which was very deliberate and graceful.  They seemed to be very humble creatures.   I was impressed for certain.