Ka'ena Point National Heritage Area Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1908, the Ka'ena Point National Heritage Area Act. I wish first to recognize and say ``mahalo,'' or thank you, to my partner in our Hawaii congressional delegation, Representative Kaiali'i Kahele, who co- introduced this bill with me.

Our bill directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to study whether Ka'ena Point, a treasured wilderness area on the western tip of the island of O'ahu, should be designated as a national heritage area, or NHA. The 3-year study would evaluate whether Ka'ena Point holds invaluable resources that reflect our country's heritage and are worthy of conservation and special recognition nationally. Such a designation would also offer critical support to our local community in Hawaii to conserve the area for present and future use.

I am certain that Ka'ena Point is a perfect candidate for NHA designation. It houses a rich cultural and environmental history. It is the location of one of Hawaii's most sacred places, a leina a ka `uhane, a leaping place of souls where, according to native Hawaiian tradition, the spirits of the recently deceased leap from this realm to the next.

As one of the last few remaining and easily accessible wilderness areas on O'ahu, the sand dunes of Ka'ena Point are home to a number of endemic and endangered species, such as the Hawaiian monk seal, laysan albatross, and the ohai flower.

Our bill will ensure the full collaboration of the local community in preserving the traditions and pristine nature of Ka'ena Point. The community, our local organizations, fishers, hikers, and neighborhood groups, will be fully engaged throughout the study process and, if the area is eventually designated as an NHA, will be integral partners in the area's management.

Finally, I also thank the chairs and ranking members of my full Committee on Natural Resources and Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, and our staffs for your understanding and support of our proposal.

And yes, to the ranking member, I look forward to showing you Ka'ena Point as soon as you can come out.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source