[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 113 (Thursday, August 1, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S6219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. HIRONO:
  S. 1432. A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the 
suitability and feasibility of designating portions of the Ka'u Coast 
in the State of Hawaii as a unit of the National Park System; to the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Ka`u Coast 
Preservation Act of 2013, a bill directing the National Park Service to 
assess the feasibility of designating certain coastal lands on the Ka`u 
Coast of the island of Hawaii as units of the National Park System.
  The National Park Service conducted a reconnaissance survey in 2006 
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.
  Since the time of the initial reconnaissance report and my 
introduction of this Act in previous Congresses, two additional 
properties in the Ka`u that deserve evaluation have come to my 
attention: the Kahuku Coastal Property, also known as Sands of South 
Kona and Road to the Sea, and the Nani Kahuku `Aina property adjacent 
to Pohue Bay. I have added these areas to the study area for the full 
resource study.
  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, the endangered Hawaiian bat, native bees, 
the endangered and very rare Hawaiian orange-black damselfy, the 
largest population in the State, and a number of native 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.
  As this process evolves, the successful preservation of this pristine 
land will depend on the federal government working closely with local 
stakeholders, seeking their input, and collaborating with them to 
address concerns as they arise. I encourage the National Park Service 
to continue working with all involved to ensure this coastline is 
preserved for decades to come.
  I believe a full feasibility study, which was recommended in the 
reconnaissance survey, will confirm that the area meets the National 
Park Service's high standards as an area of national significance.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.
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