MR. AKAKA– Mr President, I rise today to introduce legislation that will prohibit commercial air tour operations over Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.

When Congress first established the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in 1916, the intent was to preserve the integrity and peace of the park’s nearly 400 square miles of volcanoes, rivers, forests, wildlife and sacred sites. In the last few decades, however, the growth of the air tourism industry has considerably interrupted the tranquility of Hawaii’s National Parks. Air tourism has had an adverse impact on the ability of Native Hawaiians to practice peaceful protocols of sacred sites. The sound from aircraft activity can significantly impinge on the solemnity of sacred sites and ceremonies.

Sacred sites, including the airspace of the designated locales, are an important resource for the Hawaiian people and we must do what is necessary to ensure that the value of these sites is not diminished. By prohibiting air tourism over these areas, the Hawaiian Sacred Sites Noise Reduction Act affords Natives Hawaiians, residents and visitors to our beautiful state the peace and tranquility to enjoy these sacred sites. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.