MAZIE K. HIRONO

2^ND^ DISTRICT, HAWAI\`I

\-\-\-\--

MEMBER OF CONGRESS

**Congress of the United States**

**House of Representatives**

**Washington, DC 20515**

**Speech of Hon. Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii**

**in the U.S. House of Representatives**

**Introduction of the Ka'u Coast Preservation Act**

**March 29, 2007**

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Ka\`u Coast
Preservation Act, a bill directing the National Park Service to assess
the feasibility of designating coastal lands on the Ka\`u Coast of the
island of Hawaii between Kapao\`o Point and Kahuku Point as a unit of
the National Park System.

Late last year, the National Park Service issued a reconnaissance report
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.

Although under significant development pressure, the coastline of Ka\`u
is still largely unspoiled. The study area contains significant natural,
geological, and archaeological 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, native bees, the endangered and very rare
Hawaiian orangeblack damselfly (the largest population in the state),
and a number of native endemic 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 archaeological 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,
archaeological, 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. I believe a full feasibility
study, which was recommended in the reconnaissance survey, will confirm
that the area meets the National Park Services high standards as an area
of national significance.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.