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 President Joe Biden.

What You Need To Know

  • The bill, introduced in the House by U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Kai Kahele, both Democrats, 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 Democrats, 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.

“Kaena Point, largely state-owned, is the perfect candidate for an NHA in Hawaii given its truly unique cultural, historic and environmental heritage and qualities,” Case said. “I fully expect the required study to confirm that Kaena Point holds valuable resources that reflect our country’s heritage and are worthy of conservation and recognition.”

Case noted that the state Department of Land and Natural Resources already has a management plan for the Kaena Point Stewardship Area.

“With a NHA designation, we can unlock federal funds to support existing local plans for Kaena Point,” he said. “The local community will be fully involved in both the study and, in the event of NHA designation, in its stewardship.”

Kahele, who is winding down his time in Congress, said Kaena Point is significant to Native Hawaiians who visit the area for traditional cultural practices and spiritual connection.

“The potential establishment of Kaena Point as a National Heritage Area will ensure the conservation and preservation of the unique cultural, archaeological and ecological features and species found nowhere else in Hawaii,” Kahele said.

The measure focuses on the undeveloped area of Kaena Point on the west end of Oahu, from Makua to Waialua. It is the site of the last intact sand dune ecosystem in Hawaii. The area also includes a leina ka uhane, an important recognized cultural site that, according to Hawaiian tradition, is where the souls of the deceased leap into the next plane of existence. It is home to various protected species, including the Hawaiian monk seal, Laysan albatross and ohai flower.

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.

NHAs are designated to recognize and protect the nation’s unique conservation, recreation, historic, cultural, education and preservation areas. NHAs can receive federal funds to help local communities preserve and manage such resources. There are currently 55 designated NHAs.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii.