[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 19 (Monday, February 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF A BILL DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TO STUDY 
THE FEASIBILITY OF INCLUDING CERTAIN LANDS ALONG THE SOUTHEASTERN COAST 
              OF MAUI, HAWAII, IN THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

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                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 12, 2001

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing a bill to direct 
the Secretary of the Interior to study the feasibility of including a 
six-mile area of the island of Maui's southeastern shoreline from 
Keone'o'io and KanaloaPoint in the National Park Syustem.
  The area, which surrounds La Perouse (Keone'o'io) Bay, is rich in 
archaeological, cultural, historical, and natural resources. Important 
sites in the proposed park area contain remnants of dwellings, heiau 
(places of worship), fishing shrines, platforms, enclosures, shelters, 
walls, graves, and canoe hale (houses) that date back as early as 1100 
A.D. This portion of the southeast coast is also the home of unique 
native plants and animals, some of which are endangered.
  The County of Maui passed Resolution 00-136 on October 6, 2000, 
expressing its support for having this area designated as a National 
Park. The proposal has also been endorsed by the Maui County Cultural 
Resources Commission of the Department of Planning.
  While the State of Hawaii has expressed interest in managing and 
protecting these important resources, they have been unable to do so 
due to lack of funds. Operators of four-wheel drive vehicles are 
unknowingly destroying valuable resources at this site due to lack of 
supervision, signage, and cultural interpretation materials. This is a 
site of national significance, which deserves the level of protection 
only the National Park Service can provide.
  A grassroots community effort led by Mary M. Evanson of Makawao, 
Maui, has gained broad support on the island. Designation of this 
fragile area as a national park fits with the National Park Service's 
mission of preserving natural and cultural treasures for the enjoyment, 
education, and inspiration of future generations.

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