[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 52 (Friday, March 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E233-E234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF APRIL 2025 AS NATIONAL NATIVE PLANT MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 21, 2025

  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my House colleagues to 
join Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado and me in recognizing the 
critical importance of the native plants of our country by cosponsoring 
our resolution designating the month of April as Native Plant Month.
  Native plants are not just a vital part of our natural landscape; 
they are integral to the environmental health of our Nation. From 
supporting biodiversity to enhancing local ecosystems, native plants 
play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and resilience in our 
environment. They provide critical habitats for wildlife, including 
pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for 
agricultural productivity. They also help reduce our reliance on 
chemical fertilizers and pesticides, prevent soil erosion and improve 
water quality. Beyond their environmental benefits, native plants are 
foundational to the cultural heritage of many indigenous communities, 
who have long depended on these plants for food, medicine, shelter and 
spiritual practices.
  In my home state of Hawaii, our kuleana (responsibility) is to care 
for over 1,400 native plant species, nearly 90 percent of which are 
endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. These plants are 
not only critical to the islands' biodiversity but also serve as living 
treasures that reflect the resilience and adaptation of life in an 
isolated, often harsh environment. The plants that thrive in Hawaii's 
diverse ecosystems--ranging from rainforests and drylands to volcanic 
craters and coastal areas--have adapted in remarkable ways to the 
unique conditions of the islands. They play an essential role in 
maintaining the delicate balance of these ecosystems, providing food, 
shelter and crucial support for the diverse wildlife that depends on 
them, such as native birds, insects and other species that are also 
found nowhere else in the world.
  Beyond their ecological value, native plants in Hawaii hold profound 
cultural and historical significance for Native Hawaiian communities. 
For centuries, Hawaiians have relied on these plants for a variety of 
essential purposes, including as staple foods like taro (kalo) and 
breadfruit (`ulu), which were central to their diet and agricultural 
system. These plants also provided medicinal benefits, with species 
like `a`ali`i (hopbush) and mamaki (pipturus) integral to the holistic 
health practices of Native Hawaiians. Additionally, many plants were 
used to create tools, clothing and materials for daily life. The fibers 
of hala (pandanus) and ki (cordyline) were woven into mats, baskets and 
garments, while the wood of native trees like koa was essential for 
building canoes and homes. These practices reflect the deep, 
sustainable connection that Native Hawaiians have long had with their 
land, or `aina, underscoring the importance of preserving these plants 
for both ecological and cultural continuity.
  However, the survival of these plants is increasingly threatened by 
invasive species, habitat destruction and the shifting environmental 
conditions brought on by climate change. The native flora of Hawaii and 
other parts of our Nation face constant pressure from non-native plants 
that crowd out indigenous species, diminishing the richness of our 
ecosystems. Additionally, extreme weather events, rising temperatures 
and unpredictable rainfall patterns continue to jeopardize the health 
and viability of these plants.
  If we are to preserve the irreplaceable native plants that have 
evolved over millennia, it is critical that we take action to protect 
them. Recognizing April as Native Plant Month will not only provide an 
opportunity to celebrate the diverse and invaluable plants across our 
country but also help raise awareness about the challenges they face. 
By designating this month, we can shine a spotlight on the importance 
of native plants in maintaining the ecological balance of our 
communities and encourage the public to take steps to protect and 
conserve these species.
  As we face the ongoing challenges of habitat loss and invasive 
species, it is more important than ever that we recognize the role that 
native plants play in sustaining the health of our ecosystems. We must 
act now to raise awareness, promote conservation efforts and educate 
future generations about the importance of preserving these plants for 
the benefit of our Nation's biodiversity and cultural heritage.
  I encourage all my colleagues to support this important initiative. 
Mr. Speaker, I ask for your cosponsorship of this resolution and for 
your partnership in raising awareness about the conservation and 
appreciation of native plants across our great Nation. Together, we can 
make a lasting difference.

[[Page E234]]

  

                          ____________________