Introduction of a Bill Authorizing Expansion of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Kahuku Hawai'i

INTRODUCTION OF A BILL AUTHORIZING EXPANSION OF HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK KAHUKU, HAWAI'I -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 04, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. ED CASE
OF HAWAII
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2004

Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill to authorize expansion of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park located on the Island of Hawai'i.

This bill would authorize expansion of the park's boundaries to allow the National Park Service to acquire 656 additional acres between the 1,000 and 2,000-foot elevation marks in the Kahuku district makai (oceanside) of State Highway 11. This property, which is a part of the historic Kahuku Ranch, most of which has already been added to the Park, includes extensive natural and cultural resources. These Kahuku lands encompass the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa, one of the most massive volcanoes in the world.

The geologic features of the proposed acquisition-three large pit craters-provide vestiges of native forest and other unique attributes. The property also includes ranch buildings, walls, and pasture lands that are reminiscent of nineteenth and early twentieth century ranching and contain remnant ranchlands that are not currently represented to the public by any National Park in Hawai'i. These buildings would provide public, office, educational, and research space for a much-needed satellite headquarters for this portion of the 333,000-acre park. And locating these services in these historic structures will preserve more of the natural resources of the park in an unspoiled condition.

The property also provides magnificent open landscape views and vistas that offer a glimpse into a cultural landscape that has remained unchanged for decades.

The geologic, biologic and cultural resources contained on this property will also enhance the quality of the park for its legislated purpose and as a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. In addition, the park has a well-developed partnership with adjacent landowners in management of native ecosystems and historic landscapes and acquisition of this makai section of Kahuku will help to facilitate this partnership.

The Hawaii House of Representatives passed H.R. No. 56 in the 2001 session supporting acquisition of the Kahuku Ranch as part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Hawaii State Senate passed a similar resolution.
I would be very grateful for the support of my colleagues for this important bill. Mahalo!