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VIDEO: Senate Unanimously Passes Hirono, Tokuda Bill to Study Designating Lahaina as National Heritage Area

~ Video of Senator Hirono’s floor remarks is available here ~

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, a bill introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI). The bicameral legislation directs the National Park Service, in coordination with Maui County and other state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. The bill passed the House on December 4, 2024 and now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“The devastating August 2023 wildfires that claimed over 100 lives and destroyed much of Lahaina shed light on how special this town is, not only to the Maui community, but also to Hawaii and the country,” said Senator Hirono. “The historic, natural, and cultural resources found in Lahaina tell a nationally significant story and this bill will help ensure that story can continue to be told and appreciated for generations to come. Since 1984, there have been over 60 National Heritage Areas established across the country, none of which are in Hawaii—it is a fitting tribute that Lahaina is now under consideration to be one of our first. I’m glad the Senate has passed this legislation and look forward to President Biden signing it into law.”

“The Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act is about grounding its rebirth and rebuilding in the history, culture, and tradition of the ahupua?a that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawai?i. I am grateful and proud of the overwhelming bipartisan support our bill received in the House, and humbled and honored by Senator Hirono?s leadership and insistence on getting this passed by the Senate before the end of this Congress. I am hopeful the President will also see my bill as a necessary step forward in honoring and healing our community and in getting Lahaina the recognition she long deserves,” said U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02).

The Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act was also cosponsored by Representative Ed Case (D-HI).

The National Park Service currently oversees 62 National Heritage Areas across the country, none of which are in Hawaii. In 2022, the House passed Senator Hirono’s Kaena Point National Heritage Area Act to study designating Kaena Point on Oahu as a National Heritage Area.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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