Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono

State of Hawaii National Estuarine Research Reserve ($100,000)

The requested funding would be used to initiate the process for establishment of a National Estuarine Research Reserve in Hawaii.

As the lead state institution, UH-Hilo will be responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive site selection process, preparation of the environmental impact statement and management plan, and basic characterization of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the proposed site.

The only region in the United States not covered by the network of estuarine reserves is the one that includes the Hawaiian Islands, western Pacific islands, and eastern Pacific islands. As such, this represents the only missing link in this comprehensive national network of NERR sites dedicated to not only the study of important ecological, evolutionary, geographic, socio-economic, and cultural issues related to human use of coastal zone resources, but also  to the stewardship of some of the nation’s most fragile and vital areas. Hawaii is unique in both its ecological and cultural diversity, providing a critical model in the understanding of intersecting issues of culture, climate change, coral reef health, and marine, aquatic, and terrestrial biodiversity. The island of Hawaii is a “living laboratory” offering the broadest range of climate types of any similarly sized landmass in the world. In no other place can scientists study, in the space of a single day, all but two of the climate zones on earth.

Recipient: University of Hawaii at Hilo
200 West Kawili Street
Hilo, HI 96720-4091

Why this is a good use of taxpayer dollars: This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the Hawaiian Islands, western Pacific islands,
and eastern Pacific islands is the only region in the United States not covered by the national network of estuarine reserves. As such, this represents the only missing link in this comprehensive national network of NERR sites dedicated to not only the study of important ecological, evolutionary, geographic, socio-economic, and cultural issues related to human use of coastal zone resources, but also to the stewardship of some of the nation's most fragile and vital areas.