H.R. 1925

South Kona National Heritage Area

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I

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1925

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 16, 2021

Mr. Kahele (for himself and Mr. Case) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

A BILL

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land as the South Kona National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the South Kona National Heritage Area.

2.

Definitions

In this Act:

(1)

Heritage area

The term Heritage Area means the South Kona National Heritage Area.

(2)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

(3)

State

The term State means the State of Hawaii.

(4)

Study area

The term study area means Hawaii County in the State of Hawaii.

3.

Study

(a)

In general

The Secretary, in consultation with State and local historic preservation officers, State and local historical societies, State and local tourism offices, and other appropriate organizations and governmental agencies, shall conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a National Heritage Area, to be known as the South Kona National Heritage Area.

(b)

Requirements

The study shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on whether the study area—

(1)

has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural resources that—

(A)

represents distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States;

(B)

is worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; and

(C)

would be best managed—

(i)

through partnerships among public and private entities; and

(ii)

by linking diverse and sometimes noncontiguous resources and active communities;

(2)

reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the story of the United States;

(3)

provides outstanding opportunities—

(A)

to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; and

(B)

for recreation and education;

(4)

contains resources that—

(A)

are important to any identified themes of the study area; and

(B)

retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting interpretation;

(5)

includes residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and State and local governments that—

(A)

are involved in the planning of the Heritage Area;

(B)

have developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants in the Heritage Area, including the Federal Government; and

(C)

have demonstrated support for the designation of the Heritage Area;

(6)

has a potential management entity to work in partnership with the individuals and entities described in paragraph (5) to develop the Heritage Area while encouraging State and local economic activity; and

(7)

has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by the public.

4.

South Kona National Heritage boundaries

The South Kona National Heritage Area shall include an area between Ka Lae to Honomalino Bay in Hawaii County with the specific boundaries to be established by the Secretary, based on the feasibility study for the Heritage Area.

5.

Report

Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes—

(1)

the findings of the study under section 3; and

(2)

any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary.