WASHINGTON, D.C. -- United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye announced that the Senate approved $3.84 million for important Hawaii initiatives, including an additional $1.04 million for the U.S. Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (IPIF) to continue development of its Hawaii and international forest research programs. Some of these funds will also be used to plan for new office and laboratory facilities for the IPIF in Hawaii.

"Continued research will lead to enhanced ecological protection, as well as economic returns from Hawaii's forests. Protection of Hawaii's native forests, which house more endangered plant and bird species than any other state, is of paramount importance. Yet, with the recent intensification of commercial forestry in Hawaii, there is a need for research on the growth of native, high-value tree species," stated Senator Inouye.

The Senate also approved $1 million for the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program. This funding will help the USGS obtain new seismic equipment to continue the monitoring and research activities of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on the Island of Hawaii. This important work will help us to better understand the processes that generate volcanic hazards, and to improve and expand critical monitoring capabilities by using a variety of new techniques and installing more sophisticated sensors.

"The Volcano Hazards Program has demonstrated a record of successful monitoring and hazard mitigation. In Hawaii, the program is monitoring the long-lived eruption of Kilauea Volcano and advising the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the safety of 2.5 million visitors each year, as well as local authorities charged with the protection of surrounding communities. In addition, USGS scientists are evaluating signs of restlessness that seem to portend the next eruption of Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on earth," stated Senator Inouye.

The Senate also approved $1.8 million to continue the valuable work of the Marine Minerals Resource Centers (MMRC), a joint venture project between the University of Hawaii, the University of Mississippi and the University of Alaska. Of the $1.8 million, the University of Hawaii will receive $600,000 to examine deep ocean mineral resources, provide training in all facets of marine resources development, and link academia and industry for underwater technology development and environmental protection and remediation. The MMRC is the only government sponsored university research program in the United States that addresses sustainable development of seabed minerals.

At the request of Senator Inouye and the Administration, the Senate approved $1 million to purchase 52 acres of private coastal lands in the lower Kipahulu district of Haleakala on the Island of Maui. The lands are highly scenic, contain significant archeological sites, and are integral to the lower Kipahulu district of Haleakala. Lawrence Rockefeller has held these lands for the Haleakala National Park in open space for many years and has offered them to the Park Service at this time for half their appraised value. The Haleakala National Park preserves the outstanding features of Haleakala crater and protects the unique and fragile ecosystems of Kipahulu Valley, the scenic pools along `Ohe`o Gulch, and many rare and endangered plant and animal species. In 1980, the park was designated a Biosphere Reserve.

In addition, the Senate also included $200,000 to operate and maintain 26 acres recently donated to the National Park Service by the Queen Emma Foundation for addition to the Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site located in North Kohala on the Big Island. Many regard this site of King Kamehameha's great war temple as the most historically significant structure in the State of Hawaii.

The Senate approved $33 million to continue funding American Samoa's government operations, infrastructure and capital improvement projects. $23 million is for the operational needs of the American Samoa Government, and $10 million is for badly needed construction of public works and social service needs.

In addition, the Senate included $100,000 to operate the newly established American Samoa National Park. One of the newest of the national parks, the American Samoa park includes rainforests and coral reefs on three separate islands, and is home to many native tropical species including: 450 species of plants, flying foxes (fruit bats), 45 species of birds, 200 species of coral and 900 species of fish. Two species of endangered sea turtles use park waters and beaches.

These provisions are included in the Fiscal Year 1998 Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which will now face a joint House-Senate Conference and final Senate vote before its transmittal to the White House.