Committee hears Abercrombie's Wildlife bill

In testimony at the hearing this afternoon, Abercrombie told the Subcommittee: 

“Chairman Gilchrest and Members of the Subcommittee, I appreciate your holding this hearing today.  One of the bills being considered is H.R. 2866, the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act of 2005.  H.R. 2866 would authorize the expansion of the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge on the north shore of Oahu.  I introduced this measure along with my colleague Congressman Ed Case.  Senators Inouye and Akaka have introduced the companion measure, S. 1165, which was recently reported favorably out of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works with minor technical corrections.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) established the Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in 1976 in order to protect all four species of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds (Hawaiian stilts, coots, moorhens and ducks) and other migratory birds.  Currently, the refuge consists of approximately 260 acres, in two separate units.  All of these lands are now owned by the FWS. 

“Campbell Estate and the Fish and Wildlife staff in Hawaii have been working for about 15 years to expand the refuge by approximately 800 acres.  The additional acreage will connect the two distinct parcels and incorporate significant coastal property.

“Connecting these parcels is necessary to create a protected flyway for these rare and beautiful birds.  For years, nature lovers have been able to enjoy the wildlife on the refuge on their own or through one of the free public tours given by volunteer guides. 

“The expansion will also allow for flood mitigation measures to proceed to prevent future occurrences in the adjacent town of Kahuku.

“Campbell Estate is a willing seller.  If this legislation does not pass, this land will be put out for sale on the open market.  We now have the opportunity to protect two miles of beautiful beach property, the last pristine coastal dune system on Oahu, and wetland habitat for 75 endangered plants, animals and insects.

“This measure has the full support of the Hawaii Congressional delegation as well as the Kahuku community.  I look forward to working with this Subcommittee on H.R. 2866.”

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