United States Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-2nd District Hawai‘i, was on Kaua‘i yesterday to meet with constituents from Lihu‘e to Kilauea and hear various concerns regarding the island. As part of her visit Hirono took a tour of Kilauea Point National
United States Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-2nd District Hawai‘i, was on Kaua‘i yesterday to meet with constituents from Lihu‘e to Kilauea and hear various concerns regarding the island. As part of her visit Hirono took a tour of Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge to learn what the Fish and Wildlife Service is doing to preserve and maintain the popular North Shore attraction.
“One of my priorities in the U.S. Congress is to preserve Hawai‘i’s natural resources, particularly on the coastal areas,” Hirono said in a statement. “It is a commitment of mine and a commitment shared by many here on Kaua‘i.”
One stop on Hirono’s tour of the refuge was the Kilauea Point Lighthouse.
Though tours of the lighthouse aren’t given to the public, Hirono was taken inside to see what needs to be done for restoration.
Built in 1912, the lighthouse was a beacon to ships arriving from the Orient. Decommissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1976, the lighthouse and three lighthouse keepers’ homes were placed on the National Register of Historic Places three years later.
According to Bob Dieli, supervisory park ranger, the service would like to restore the lighthouse, including the original windows and ventilation. As part of the possible restoration project, the paint would need to be stripped due to lead paint issues.
“It won’t ever be a working lighthouse again, but it will stand out as an icon of the North Shore,” Dieli said.
Dieli estimated the work on the lighthouse would cost $500,000.
Hirono also toured Crater Hill and learned of a possible expansion to that area.
As part of her tour, Hirono met with officials from the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kilauea Natural History Association and the Kaua‘i Public Land Trust.
“Together, these groups and other members of the community are working hard to find creative ways to preserve Kaua‘i’s historic and natural treasures,” Hirono said. “It is always an inspiration to witness such dedication. Good and important work is being done on Kaua‘i and I will continue to make sure it gets the attention and assistance it deserves.”
Hirono’s congressional seat is up for grabs in November and she has announced she will seek re-election.
