Washington, D.C. – To recognize Lahaina’s historical, cultural, and ecological value, Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) introduced the Lahaina National Heritage Area Act yesterday, which would begin the process of potentially designating the Maui town as a National Heritage Area.
The Lahaina National Heritage Area Act would direct the National Park Service, in consultation with state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of this designation for Lahaina.
“Lele, or Lahaina, as it became known, has always been a place of historic, cultural, and ecological importance. As we look to rebuild, this designation would make clear the need to renew and revive the tradition and culture of this place that once was home to aliʻi and served as the capital of the kingdom of Hawaii,” said Rep. Tokuda. “We need to do all we can to support community-driven efforts to recognize special places like Lahaina for generations to come, and this designation would allow the federal government to do its part through available matching funds.”
National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress to support state and local conservation efforts through recognition, federal funding, and technical assistance. The National Heritage Area designation would unlock federal funding to help rehabilitate important sites, develop information tours, establish interpretive exhibits and programs, increase public awareness, or sponsor special events to highlight the area’s historic, natural and cultural heritage.
"Lahaina town represents a deep and rich plethora of historical, cultural, and natural resources that clearly illustrate the heritage of Lahaina's community," said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. "We mahalo Representative Tokuda in her efforts to establish Lahaina as a National Heritage Area, which will support the delicate preservation of Lahaina's unique and diverse cultural fabric."
"Mahalo for all the great efforts being done by Representative Jill Tokuda in steer heading this process at a national level to give reverence to Lahaina which is well deserved and very much overdue, highlighting the history and cultural integrity, creating a sense of place that was almost forgotten, allowing it to rise from these ashes and bringing hope to the people of Hawaii and abroad. We have one chance to do this right as a National Heritage Area,” said Ke’eaumoku Kapu of Na’Aikane o Maui Inc.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Ranking Member Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Ranking Member Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) are original cosponsors of the bill, along with, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39), Gregorio Sablan (D-MP-AL) and Rep. Ed Case (D-HI-01).
“A National Heritage Area designation, especially in the Lahaina area, will bring about important economic development and speed up recovery after the area was affected by the catastrophic Lahaina fire,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Residents and businesses are supportive of the initiative and the benefits that this designation would bring. I recently joined Congresswoman Tokuda in her district to see the devastation of the fire, and I agree that this feasibility study is an important first step to this process.”
There are 62 national heritage areas in the United States but none in Hawaiʻi. Kaʻena Point is currently being studied for designation. National Heritage Areas are not federally owned and do not restrict or infringe on the rights of any property owners.
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