[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCTION OF THE KA`U COAST PRESERVATION ACT

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                          HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Ka`u Coast 
Preservation Act, a bill directing the National Park Service to assess 
the feasibility of designating coastal lands on the Ka`u Coast of the 
island of Hawaii between Kapao`o Point and Kahuku Point as a unit of 
the National Park System.
  Late last year, the National Park Service issued a reconnaissance 
report that made a preliminary assessment of whether the Ka`u Coast 
would meet the National Park Service's demanding criteria as a resource 
of national significance.
  The reconnaissance survey concluded that ``based upon the 
significance of the resources in the study area, and the current 
integrity and intact condition of these resources, a preliminary 
finding of national significance and suitability can be concluded.'' 
The report goes on to recommend that Congress proceed with a full 
resource study of the area.
  Although under significant development pressure, the coastline of 
Ka`u is still largely unspoiled. The study area contains significant 
natural, geological, and archeological features. The northern part of 
the study area is adjacent to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and 
contains a number of noteworthy geological features, including an 
ancient lava tube known as the Great Crack, which the National Park 
Service has expressed interest in acquiring in the past.
  The study area includes both black and green sand beaches as well as 
a significant number of endangered and threatened species, most notably 
the endangered hawksbill turtle (at least half of the Hawaiian 
population of this rare sea turtle nests within the study area), the 
threatened green sea turtle, the highly endangered Hawaiian monk seal, 
the endangered Hawaiian hawk, native bees, the endangered and very rare 
Hawaiian orange-black damselfly (the largest population in the state), 
and a number of native endemic birds. Humpback whales and spinner 
dolphins also frequent the area. The Ka`u Coast also boasts some of the 
best remaining examples of native coastal vegetation in Hawaii.
  The archeological resources related to ancient Hawaiian settlements 
within the study area are also very impressive. These include dwelling 
complexes, heiau (religious shrines), walls, fishing and canoe houses 
or sheds, burial sites, petroglyphs, water and salt collection sites, 
caves, and trails. The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs through 
the study area.
  The Ka`u Coast is a truly remarkable area: its combination of 
natural, archeological, cultural, and recreational resources, as well 
as its spectacular viewscapes, are an important part of Hawaii's and 
our nation's natural and cultural heritage. I believe a full 
feasibility study, which was recommended in the reconnaissance survey, 
will confirm that the area meets the National Park Services high 
standards as an area of national significance.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

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