Posted on: Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Bill seeks to extend wildlife refuge
By Frank Oliveri
Advertiser Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — The House has passed a bill that gives the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the authority to expand the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge by 234 acres.
"I am hopeful that once the bill passes the Senate that the Fish and Wildlife Service will move rapidly to accept these incredibly generous donations," Case said. "I will also seek appropriations to acquire the other lands and will look at other options, such as grants and land exchanges, to make this expansion a reality."
The refuge is a key habitat of Hawai'i's state bird, the nene, and several native seabirds. It is also the location of a pristine ecosystem at the lower reaches of the Kilauea River on Kaua'i.
"The refuge provides invaluable habitat for many native seabirds, including the Laysan albatross, the red-footed booby, and the wedge-tailed shearwater, as well as the nene," Case said.
The refuge was established in 1985 on 31 acres. It was later expanded to 203 acres through land acquisitions in 1993 and 1994. It is the home of one of the largest waterfalls in the state and has become a tourist destination, with more than 300,000 visitors a year.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Ed Case, was approved by voice vote Monday. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. The land adjacent to the refuge in Kaua'i is a mix of two donated parcels and three other parcels that would need to be purchased.
