Hirono, Schatz, Tokuda, Case, King-Hinds Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Commemorate 70 Years of IPIF

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI), and U.S. Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-MP) introduced a resolution recognizing the 70^th anniversary of the United States Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) in Hilo, HI. IPIF has been serving the Pacific region-which not only covers Hawaii, but an area equivalent to the continental United States-since 1956. As the only research facility of its kind in the region, IPIF is uniquely equipped to study and monitor forests in real time, which promotes conservation, helps to lower costs, and prepares communities for natural disasters.

"The State of Hawaii and the U.S. islands across the Pacific Ocean are home to forests with hundreds of native species found nowhere else in our country. For 70 years, The Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry has conducted research and developed solutions to address some of our native forests' most pressing threats, such as Rapid Ohia Death," said Senator Hirono. "As this regime continues to attack scientific research at every turn, I will continue fighting for facilities including IPIF that work every single day to ensure that our native forests have a future."

"There's no substitute for the research and expertise that Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry has cultivated over 70 years, working to tackle some of the trickiest challenges in Hawaii's environment, including Rapid Ohia Death. As a warming planet threatens our forests and ecosystems, now is the time to deepen our investments in IPIF, not retreat from it," said Senator Schatz.

"The Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry is more than a research hub; it is where scientific innovation meets our deep-rooted commitment to stewardship of our aina," said Representative Tokuda. "For seven decades, the IPIF team has worked to protect the native species that make our islands unique, ensuring our forests and watersheds remain resilient for future generations. Having this hub on Hawaii Island is essential to connecting federal support to the pacific island forest researchers and communities who need it."

"Native Hawaiians teach that our forests are essential to all life and embrace a deep sense of responsibility to sustain and protect all that is the wao nahele," said Representative Case. "The IPF has fulfilled its kuleana for our own special and unique forests with deep commitment and true love for seven full decades. I join with my delegation colleagues in recognizing and appreciating its dedication to preserving and protecting our forests and their critical role in lessening climate change, providing an ecosystem for plants and wildlife, and securing a supply of fresh water vital to sustaining life."

IPIF is the only research facility of its kind in the region, which not only covers the State of Hawaii, but also the U.S. territories of Guam and American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and through the Compact of Free Association, the nation-states of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

"IPIF's 70-year legacy underscores the importance of sustained investment in Pacific research institutions that serve not only Hawaii and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, but also the other Pacific territories and the Freely Associated States. For thousands of years, Pacific peoples have maintained an ancient and enduring connection to these islands and their natural environment. This work helps carry that stewardship forward by strengthening resilience across our island communities, improving disaster preparedness, and protecting the natural resources that sustain our way of life," said Congresswoman King-Hinds (R-MP).

This resolution celebrates IPIF's legacy of environmental research, innovation, and conservation, reaffirming Congress' support for IPIF.

Despite IPIF's importance in the region and unique ability to study the Pacific island forests, the Trump Administration announced a plan to close IPIF as part of a broader effort to close the majority of U.S. Forest Service research facilities earlier this year.

To read the full text of the resolution, click here.

Senator Hirono has long championed forest conservation and research initiatives in Hawaii and across the nation. Last month, she urged Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies leadership to include funding for the U.S. Forest Service and Rangeland Research and Development Programs (Forest Service R&D) in the upcoming fiscal year (FY2027) funding bill, which the Trump administration zeroed out. In February 2026, Senator Hirono introduced a bill establishing a minimum staffing level and ensuring adequate resources be provided for the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry and Institute of Tropical Forestry in Puerto Rico. In October 2025, Senator Hirono urged U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to reconsider the Trump Administration's decision to eliminate funding for the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), which supports critical research that helps our country in facilitating conservation management, as well as understanding and responding to environmental threats. In September 2025, she introduced the Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act to expand research and grant funding opportunities to help combat pests and diseases affecting tropical plants including coffee plants, macadamia trees, and other iconic Hawaii staples. Senator Hirono has also introduced the Continued Rapid Ohia Death Response Act, in each Congress since 2022. This legislation would help restore native forests in Hawaii by enabling federal agencies - including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) - to more closely coordinate with the State of Hawaii to prevent the spread of Rapid Ohia Death.

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