Waianae fisherman and professor are named to marine committee

Two people from Hawaii are among 11 new members of the Marine Protected Area Federal Advisory Committee.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Tuesday the U.S. Commerce Department has appointed Waianae fisherman William Aila to the committee to represent rural Hawaii and native Hawaiians.

The department appointed Hawaii Pacific University assistant professor K. David Hyrenbach to represent the natural science field.

The 30-member panel meets twice a year to advise the Commerce and Interior departments on marine protected areas.

Hawaii is home to the nation’s single largest conservation area: the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.