S. 4464/H.R. 1908

Ka‘ena Point National Heritage Area Act

STATEMENT OF MICHAEL A. CALDWELL, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, PARK PLANNING, FACILITIES, AND LANDS, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BEFORE THE SENATE ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE ON NATIONAL PARKS CONCERNING S. 4464 AND H.R. 1908, BILLS TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO ASSESS THE SUITABILITY AND FEASIBILITY OF DESIGNATING CERTAIN LANDS AS THE KAENA POINT NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA. 

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

Chairman King, Ranking Member Daines, and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to present the Department of the Interior’s views on S. 4464 and H.R. 1908, bills to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land as the Kaena Point National Heritage Area. 

The Department supports S. 4464 and H.R. 1908.  However, we would like to note that there are 21 previously authorized studies for potential units of the National Park System, potential new national heritage areas, and potential additions to the National Trails System and National Wild and Scenic Rivers System that have not yet been completed and transmitted to Congress.

S. 4464 and H.R. 1908 would authorize the National Park Service to conduct a study of the Kaena Point area to determine if it meets the criteria for designation as a national heritage area.

This study that would be authorized by this legislation would gather information to help determine whether this area of Hawai’i contains an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural resources that represent distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States; are worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; and would be best managed through partnerships among public and private entities.  The study would include public engagement and be conducted in consultation with the various stakeholders in the area.  The Department believes it is vitally important to assess whether the right conditions exist to form and implement a successful national heritage area before Congress acts to designate a proposed national heritage area. 

Chairman King, this concludes my statement.  I would be pleased to answer any questions you or other members of the Subcommittee may have.

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