Park, Director A Big Splash With Council

Waimanalo’s Sea Life Park and its new general manager, Valerie King (holding the certificate), were honored recently by the City Council for offering residents and visitors a half-century of entertainment, education and marine conservation. Present at the Jan. 28 ceremony were (from left) Councilmembers Joey Manahan, Trevor Ozawa, Ann Kobayashi, Carol Fukunaga, Ron Menor, Brandon Elefante and Kymberly Pine. Photo from Ron Menor’s office.

Honolulu City Council recently recognized Sea Life Park for its 50th anniversary and also its new general manager, Valerie King.

“During its five decades in Hawaii, Sea Life Park has helped kama‘aina and visitors alike learn more about sea life in a hands-on way and remains as Hawaii’s premier marine conservation organization,” stated City Councilman Ron Menor.

The park, which opened in 1964, attracts about 350,000 visitors each year for its dolphin, penguin, sea turtle, sea lion and wholphin exhibits and shows.

The park also manages a Seabird Rehabilitation Center that cares for injured seabirds, and a Green Sea Turtle Breeding Program that annually sends 800 baby turtles into the wild.

King began work at Sea Life Park last year, after more than 25 years in Hawaii’s visitor industry, including stints at Kualoa Ranch and Atlantis Attractions.

For more information on park activities, visit sealifeparkhawaii.com.