[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 106 (Thursday, August 3, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S8817]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. AKAKA:
  S. 3804. A bill to prohibit commercial air tour operations over 
Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Kaloka-Honokohau National 
Historical Park, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, and 
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site; to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation.
  Mr. AKAKA. Mr President, I rise today to introduce legislation that 
will prohibit commercial air tour operations over Kalaupapa National 
Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Pu`uhonua o 
Honaunau National Historical Park and Pu`ukohola Heiau National 
Historic Site.
  When Congress first established the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in 
1916, the intent was to preserve the integrity and peace of the park's 
nearly 400 square miles of volcanoes, rivers, forests, wildlife and 
sacred sites. In the last few decades, however, the growth of the air 
tourism industry has considerably interrupted the tranquility of 
Hawaii's National Parks. Air tourism has had an adverse impact on the 
ability of Native Hawaiians to practice peaceful protocols of sacred 
sites. The sound from aircraft activity can significantly impinge on 
the solemnity of sacred sites and ceremonies.
  Sacred sites, including the airspace of the designated locales, are 
an important resource for the Hawaiian people and we must do what is 
necessary to ensure that the value of these sites is not diminished. By 
prohibiting air tourism over these areas, the Hawaiian Sacred Sites 
Noise Reduction Act affords Natives Hawaiians, residents and visitors 
to our beautiful state the peace and tranquility to enjoy these sacred 
sites. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of 
legislation.
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