National Park Service Completes Draft Study of Honouliuli that Hirono Helped to Commission with Inouye in 2009

Press Release

Senator Mazie K. Hirono applauded yesterday's announcement by the National Park Service that Honouliuli Internment Camp has been identified for potential inclusion as a National Historic Site or National Monument into the National Park System. The study that led to this announcement, the Honouliuli Internment Camp Special Resources Study Act of 2009, was requested by Senator Daniel K. Inouye as part of the Interior Appropriations bill in 2009. A stand-alone bill was also introduced by Senator Inouye in the 111th Congress, with Hirono introducing the companion bill in the House of Representatives. Senator Daniel Akaka and Congressman Neil Abercrombie were cosponsors of the bill.

"I am pleased the National Park Service is moving forward to help preserve and protect the historic Honouliuli Internment Camp. It is important not just to the thousands of Japanese Americans from Hawaii who were sent to internment camps in the islands or the U.S. mainland, but also for all Americans," said Hirono. "It is timely that this study comes as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States."

Of the 17 sites assessed in the Honouliuli study relating to internment in Hawaii, the Honouliuli Internment Camp was determined to be a viable addition to the National Park System. This proposal will be open for public comment through July 15, 2014. The National Park Service will also host a series of eight meetings throughout Hawaii and one virtual meeting during the comment period. After the public comment period closes, Congress will be given a final report identifying a course of action from the Secretary of Interior.

Hirono visited Honouliuli Internment Camp on August 28, 2009 and was briefed by Brian Niiya of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.

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