Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation that would enable the National Park Service to acquire a valuable parcel of land at the southern tip of the Island of Hawaii for inclusion in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP).

My bill, which is supported by the Administration, would revise HVNP's enabling act to allow the Secretary of the Interior to use appropriated funds to acquire a certain 1,951-acre tract of privately held land on the southern boundaries of the park. HVNP's existing statutory authority precludes the acquisition of additional contiguous properties except by donation.

Mr. President, the small parcel of land that the Park Service wishes to acquire is clearly defined by the "Great Crack," a landform which extends to the summit of the Kilauea Caldera and is characterized by extensive pili grasslands. The area contains historic and prehistoric laval flows with related geological features, major lava tube systems of significant biological and cultural value, and over two miles of coastal environment with associated cultural sites and marine resources.

Located adjacent to HVNP's designated Wildnerness Area, one of the most remote areas of wilderness in Hawaii, the proposed acquisition would be managed as undeveloped land sharing the same wilderness qualities of natural quiet, grand vistas, and solitude.

Mr. President, the acquisition of this parcel will significantly enhance the environmental and cultural values of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. I hope that my colleagues will support this measure.

Thank you, Mr. President. I ask unanimous consent that the full text of my bill be printed in the Record following my remarks.