Protects a unique coastal wetland ecosystem
and one of the last wild coastlines of its kind in the U.S.
(KAHUKU, Hawaii) – Senator Daniel Inouye, elected officials, community leaders and students were some of those who today celebrated the expansion of the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge in Kahuku. Some of the last existing wild coastal wetland and dune habitats which have been under private ownership for more than a century will be placed in public trust as part of a newly expanded James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge thanks to Senator Daniel Inouye and Hawaii’s congressional delegation, the James Campbell Company and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1976 with approximately 150 acres under a $1 a year lease with the Estate of James Campbell. Over the last several years, through the leadership of Senator Daniel Inouye and Hawaii’s congressional delegation, Congress appropriated a total of $22 million to acquire and expand the refuge to a total of approximately 1,100 acres.
The Kahuku coastline is one of the few remaining wild coastlines of its kind in the U.S. This expansion will protect some of these wetland and dune habitats for rare and endangered animals and plants. Among them are four endangered water birds found only in Hawaii: the koloa (Hawaiian duck), the ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot), ‘alae‘ula (Hawaiian moorhen) and the ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt). The area is also important to the survival of numerous migratory birds. As many as 25 different types of North American water birds, ducks and geese spend their winters in Hawaii. Among them are protected birds such as the kolea (Pacific golden plover), the kioea (bristle-thighed curlew) and a wide variety of migratory ducks.
Hawaii’s coastline is unique in the U.S. as it sustains a number of plants and animals that are found only in Hawaii. Among these are the ‘ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua (endangered Hawaiian monk seal), threatened honu (green turtles) and endangered ‘ohai (a native pea plant also known as Sesbania tomentosa).
“The federal government must do whatever it can to protect Hawaii’s unique and pristine environment so all the world may enjoy it," said Senator Daniel Inouye. "Protecting our environment and preserving our native and indigenous species and habitats must be a top priority. By dedicating this land, we connect with our past, enjoy these resources today, and preserve them for future generations.”
“Thanks to Senator Inouye and Hawaii’s congressional delegation, a significant national heritage has been protected for the sake of our children and grandchildren,” said James Campbell Company CEO Steve MacMillan. “After being the stewards of this heritage for more than a century, we are pleased to have been able to play a role in placing this land in the public trust forever.”
"Since the establishment of the first National Wildlife Refuge in 1903, the United States has recognized the importance of conserving special places for wildlife," said Robyn Thorson, Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Region. "With the changes ahead for our global environment, wildlife refuges are of even greater importance. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is honored to be the steward for these lands and our nations natural resource heritage."
“I am proud of my work with Appropriations Chairman Inouye to support the congressionally-directed funding necessary to facilitate this land transfer that will preserve precious Kahuku coastline in perpetuity,” said Senator Daniel Akaka. “With so few natural coastal areas remaining on Oahu, this refuge will be a critical habitat for endangered Hawaiian birds, monk seals, sea turtles and plants, and a priceless heirloom for Hawaii residents and visitors for years to come.”
“Hawaii is often cited as the endangered species capital of the world. The national system of wildlife refuges are key because they provide protected areas where threatened and endangered species can thrive. One of the most important of these areas is the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, and its expansion marks a significant step forward to advance the cause of wildlife protection,” said Congressman Neil Abercrombie, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee who introduced legislation in the House to expand the refuge on Oahu’s North Shore.
“This expansion preserves a valuable part of Hawaii’s natural history and beauty for generations to come. I appreciate the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proactive efforts in protecting the coastal and wetland habitats of rare and endangered species,” said Congresswoman Mazie Hirono. “Today’s dedication goes a long way toward supporting the preservation and protection of plants and animals unique to Hawaii.”
More than half of the world’s population lives within 60 miles of a seacoast. A significant number of our country’s beaches have been lost or significantly narrowed due to urban development. In addition, U.S. wetlands are disappearing at a rate of 58,500 acres each year. Over the past 200 years, we have lost more than half of the wetlands in the U.S. Of the remaining 100 million acres of the nation’s wetlands, a mere 5 percent are precious coastal wetlands, a fragile fringe of habitats along our shorelines that support a diverse array of plant and animal life.
About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the worlds premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve Americas fish, wildlife, and plants. James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge is one of 551 Refuges, including 22 in the Pacific Islands, that stretch across every State and Territory in the Nation. For more information visit .
