HANA - A Hawaiian monk seal and her pup are still cruising around the Hana area, and federal marine officials are cautioning the public to stay away from them.

The monk seal pup has not been officially identified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration yet, but it is known to the community as "Koki" - after his birthplace at Koki Beach, officials said.

The pup will soon be left to survive on its own, and people should respect the pup's space, said David Schofield, NOAA marine mammal response coordinator.

An informational meeting about the pup and what people can do to keep the animal safe will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at Helene Hall in Hana.

So far, NOAA officials said, the public has been very respectful of the seals, giving them a wide berth.

Schofield said he would not want Koki to turn out like KP2, a Hawaiian monk seal on Molokai. KP2 got so used to humans that he had to be removed from the area and will not be able to return to the wild because he is too dependent on people.

According to NOAA, the pup in Hana is one of only 1,100 Hawaiian monk seals alive today.

Tips for dealing with Hawaiian monk seals include:

* Stay at least 150 feet from the seal.

* Do not feed the seal.

* Do not have eye contact with the seal.

* Do not try to get the seal's attention.

* If the seal approaches, ignore it and quickly move away on land or exit the water.