A bill that would direct the U.S. Department of the Interior to evaluate whether Kaena Point should be designated as Hawaii’s first National Heritage Area has made it out of Congress and now awaits final approval by Pres. Joe Biden.
What You Need To Know
The bill, introduced in the House by U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Kai Kahele, both D-Hawaii, was approved by the Senate as part of a National Heritage Area package
U.S. Rep. Ed Cas noted that the state Department of Land and Natural Resources already has a management plan for the Kaena Point Stewardship Area
Rep. Kai Kahele Kahele said Kaena Point is significant to Native Hawaiians who visit the area for traditional cultural practices and spiritual connection
The proposed study would include the approximately 1,500 acres of both the State of Hawaii’s natural area reserve and the state park already in place at Kaena Point
The bill, introduced in the House by U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Kai Kahele, both D-Hawaii, was approved by the Senate as part of a National Heritage Area package. A companion measure in the Senate was introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii.
