The U.S. House of Representatives took final action today on S. 254, the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Addition Act of 2003, legislation authored by U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) that will allow an adjustment of the Park's boundaries to permit the purchase of permanent facilities for Park administrative purposes. The facilities purchased will also be used for curatorial purposes and visitor inquiries. S. 254 was taken up and passed by the full House at the request of Congressman Ed Case (D-Hawaii), who introduced the House version, H.R. 546, and who spoke on the House floor in support of S. 254.

"I am very pleased that the House passed Senator Akaka's legislation as that fast-tracks this initiative directly to the President's desk," said Case. "This expansion is vital for the improved administration not only of Kaloko-Honokohau, but all of the National Park Service's cultural and historic resources along the Kona Coast, from Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site in the north to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in the south."

"I am pleased to see that the House has passed S. 254 today," Senator Akaka stated. "The measure offers a much-needed and cost-saving move for the Park, and will provide visitors with an interpretive center that will help them understand the cultural and historical treasures of the Park. Rather than erecting a new building and disturbing the resources within Park boundaries, the better option is to locate the facilities nearby on an already-developed parcel. This legislation will allow that to happen."

The Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park was created in 1978 to preserve, interpret, and perpetuate traditional Native Hawaiian culture. The ocean makes up over half of this 1,160-acre Park, and the boundaries include the Kaloko and `Aimakapa fishponds and `Ai`opio fish trap. There are also several heiau, or historic religious sites, found in the Park.

In 2001, 54,000 people visited Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. In 2002, 70,000 people visited the Park, an increase of 16,000 visitors. The authority to expand the boundaries of the Park, as provided in the bill, allows the Park to acquire land with a facility for administrative personnel and visitors with the opportunity to learn about the Park. It will be up to the Park Service to take advantage of this opportunity to acquire a facility. Senator Akaka stated, "I am pleased to help Park Service personnel in their service to interpret and share Hawaii's unique historical and cultural heritage."