Mr. AKAKA - Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a bill to reauthorize the Kalaupapa National Historical Park Advisory Commission, an advisory group to Kalaupapa National Historical Park. The park was established by statute in 1980 (P.L. 96-565) to provide for the preservation of the nationally and internationally significant resources of the Kalaupapa settlement on the island of Molokai in the State of Hawaii -- the residents, culture, history, and natural resources. The purpose of the park is to provide a well-maintained community in which the Kalaupapa Hansen's disease patients are guaranteed that they may remain at Kalaupapa as long as they wish, and to protect the current lifestyle of these patients and their individual privacy. The Act provides that the preservation and interpretation of the settlement be managed and performed by patients and Native Hawaiians to the extent practical.

Section 108 of the enacting legislation establishes the Kalaupapa National Historical Park Advisory Commission consisting of 11 members, appointed by the Secretary of the Interior for terms of five years. Seven of the members are patients or former patients elected by the patient community. Four members are appointed from recommendations made by the Governor of Hawaii, and at least one of these is Native Hawaiian. The appointments are not compensated.

The Advisory Commission is an important body providing input and advice to the Secretary of the Interior on policy concerning visitation to the park and other matters. It is remarkable that 25 years have passed since enactment of the bill establishing the park and Commission; and at the end of the 2005 calendar year, the Advisory Commission expires. Mr. President, it is important to continue the work of the Commission, which is to provide a voice for the patients and residents to be heard on matters concerning their home. I and my cosponsor Senator Inouye urge favorable consideration of this legislation in a timely fashion, so that the Commission can continue its business and advisory functions.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the RECORD.