The Hawaiian monk seal officially took its place yesterday as Hawai'i's state mammal, a designation that wildlife conservation officials hope will raise public awareness about the endangered species.

"The monk seal is an iconic species," said David Schofield, Marine Mammal Response Coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The "charisma" exuded by the monk seal and its lovable image "represent the things that humans are attracted to," he said.

Staff and volunteers of NOAA gathered with Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona to observe the signing of the bill into law at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Schofield said the bill to designate a state mammal was an effort to generate awareness for the plight of the Hawaiian monk seal, described by experts as one of the world's most endangered species.

There are only about 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals, and their population has been declining by 4 percent each year, NOAA coordinator Tracy Worth said.

Experts estimate that about 80 to 100 Hawaiian monk seals remain in the main Hawaiian islands.

"If they go away, that points to bigger issues throughout the entire ecosystem," Schofield said.

He said the induction of the animal as an official state symbol is "a sign of increasing public momentum and we definitely see good things happening."

The humpback whale, also an endangered species, will remain the state marine mammal.