President Biden Signs Hirono, Tokuda Bill to Study Designating Lahaina as National Heritage Area Into Law

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, President Joseph R. Biden signed into law 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 and unanimously passed the Senate last month.

"The historic, natural, and cultural resources found in Lahaina tell a nationally significant story and the devastating August 2023 wildfires shed light on how special this town is to our communities and to the country," said Senator Hirono. "I am proud President Biden signed the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act into law, as this bill will place Lahaina under consideration to become a National Heritage Area, helping to ensure that this town is celebrated and appreciated for generations to come."

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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