[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 14 (Thursday, February 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 AUTHORIZING A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF DESIGNATING EAST MAUI AS A 
                         NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2002

  Mrs. MINK. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill directing the 
Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of 
establishing the East Maui National Heritage Area in the Hana district 
of East Maui in the State of Hawaii.
  National Heritage Areas contain land and properties that reflect the 
history of their people and may include natural, scenic, historic, 
cultural, or recreation resources. Conservation and interpretation of 
these resources are handled by partnerships among federal, state, and 
local governments and nonprofit organizations.
  East Maui is certainly an appropriate candidate for such designation. 
The Alliance for the Heritage of East Maui (AHEM), with assistance from 
the U.S. Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance 
Program and the Trust for Public Land, have been working for many years 
to explore ways to protect and interpret the extraordinary historic and 
natural resources of East Maui. They have already compiled a Resource 
Inventory that describes East Maui's extensive archaeological sites 
(ancient trails, burial sites, heiau (temples), petroglyphs, canoe 
landings, villages, traditional agricultural complexes); historical 
sites (battle sites, churches, courthouses, irrigation works, bridges, 
fish ponds, and much more); natural resources that include Haleakala 
National Park and numerous native forests, endangered species, wildlife 
preserves, streams, unique beaches--including a green sand beach and 
red cinder beach; and recreational resources that include several beach 
parks, recreation areas, trails, and natural area reserves.
  Anyone who has taken the drive along the coast of East Maui to Hana 
knows that this list does not begin to describe the extraordinary 
beauty and richness of the area. In addition to the physical attributes 
that make East Maui an excellent candidate for designation as a 
National Heritage Area, you can add a dedicated cadre of citizens who 
are committed to ensuring that the people of East Maui be involved in 
determining the future of the area. They want to be sure that local 
values and input are reflected in any management plan for a National 
Heritage Area for East Maui. Indeed, much of the research for the study 
has already been completed due to the dedication of the Alliance for 
the Heritage of East Maui. I especially want to recognize Elizabeth 
Russell, who has been a driving force behind this effort. The Maui 
County Council has also been very supportive of this initiative.
  At present, most of the nation's National Heritage Areas are located 
east of the Mississippi River. An East Maui National Heritage Area 
would be a marvelous addition to this program.

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