WASHINGTON, D.C. -- United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye announced that the Senate Committee on Appropriations approved $1.2 million for important Hawaii environmental initiatives, including $500,000 for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue the Ala Wai Canal Watershed Improvement Project to restore the most polluted water body in the state, and enhance the cultural and environmental quality of surrounding urbanized neighborhoods with funds previously secured by Senator Inouye. Local residents formed an advisory committee, and agency experts formed a technical panel, all with the intent of providing the opportunity for the Ala Wai watershed community, in partnership with business and government, to shape the future of the Ala Wai Canal and nearby watershed communities.

"Volunteers formed project planning committees to prioritize water quality and community enhancement projects, and to prepare project proposals for approval by the Ala Wai Advisory Committee and funding by the Hawaii Department of Health. Some of the projects under consideration include the construction of taro lo'i, stream bank stabilization and revegetation, establishment of open space and Hawaiian ceremonial plant cultivation areas, restoration of wetlands, and the development of watershed stewardship curriculum for the public schools," said Senator Inouye.

"The Ala Wai Canal serves as an important recreational and ecological resource on Oahu, but it does not meet Clean Water Act standards with potentially unsafe levels of fecal coliforms, pesticides, metals, and other water quality contaminants," continued Inouye.

The Committee also approved $500,000 for the EPA's Office of Sustainable Ecosystems and Communities to assist the communities on the Islands of Molokai and Maui with ongoing water quality issues associated with the rehabilitation and management of Native Hawaiian fishpond aquaculture. Over the last several years, the residents of Molokai and Maui have dedicated considerable time and energy to devising strategies for the revitalization of Native Hawaiian fishponds. Through community efforts, guidelines have been developed in the areas of reconstruction and stock management of these fishponds.

"These fishponds are a living link to ancient Hawaiian history and culture, and provide wonderful opportunities for education and community growth, as well as economic development," stated Senator Inouye.

In addition, the Committee included $200,000 for the University of Hawaii and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture to develop agriculturally based environmental clean up technologies in Hawaii. These funds will complement $4 million secured annually by Senator Inouye in the Defense Appropriations bill to harness and develop those natural processes that break down and mitigate hazardous materials.

These initiatives are included in the Fiscal Year 1999 Veterans Affairs, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations bill which will now go to the full Senate for consideration. It will then face a joint House-Senate Conference and final Senate vote before its transmittal to the White House.