Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8219) to require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land as the Lahaina National Heritage Area, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 8219

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.

(2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Hawaii.

(3) Study area.--The term ``study area'' means the census- designated place of Lahaina in Maui County in the State. SEC. 3. LAHAINA NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA STUDY.

The Secretary, in coordination with the County of Maui and in consultation with State and local historic preservation officers, State and local historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies, shall carry out, in accordance with section 120103(a) of title 54, United States Code, a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a National Heritage Area, to be known as the ``Lahaina National Heritage Area''.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. 8219, the bill now under consideration.

I rise to support Representative Tokuda's bill, the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act.

The town of Lahaina, located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, has an incredibly rich history. As the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1820 to 1845, it remains a center of commerce, tourism, and local pride. Until recently, Lahaina's historic district featured many impressive cultural sites, including a historic hotel, church, and courthouse.

Tragically, on August 8, 2023, a wildfire caused catastrophic destruction in Lahaina, becoming the deadliest wildfire in over a century. The fire destroyed over 2,200 structures and caused approximately $5.5 billion in damages. Many lost structures dated back centuries and held immeasurable value to Lahaina's people and culture.

Just one week after this devastating fire, a bipartisan congressional delegation I was leading joined the members of the Hawaii congressional delegation, including Representative Tokuda, to see the damage for ourselves firsthand. We were all stunned by the utter devastation that we witnessed there.

As Lahaina continues to recover from the trauma of that brutal natural disaster, local leaders have been exploring options that would allow the community to honor its past while promoting the natural and cultural resources it still retains.

H.R. 8219 takes a strong step in the right direction. This bill would require the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with State and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of designating the town of Lahaina as a national heritage area. A feasibility study is generally the first step in considering a national heritage area designation because it helps ensure that the studied area meets all appropriate criteria.

I commend Representative Tokuda for leading this effort that will empower local decisionmaking with respect to resource conservation and economic development. In the aftermath of a tragic event like the Lahaina wildfire, this emphasis on local concerns strikes me now as more critical than ever.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill and reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, this is a straightforward bill that will help a hard-hit community and provide it with options for how it can best bounce back.

I thank Representative Tokuda for advancing this important legislation on behalf of her constituents. I strongly support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

The yeas and nays were ordered.

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