French Polynesian Delegates Visiting Hawaii

By Associated Press

POSTED: 09:36 p.m. HST, Jun 27, 2010

Delegates from France and French Polynesia are visiting Hawaii as part of a scientific and cultural exchange program.

Two delegates from the Marquesas Islands visited the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument with the Holo i Moana cultural and research cruise.

Others from French Polynesia went to Kaneohe to learn about the restoration of taro patches, fishponds and upland forests.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday the exchanges are the result of a bilateral agreement signed last year.

Officials from the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and the Office of Marine Sanctuaries are due to visit French Polynesia within the year.