The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act, a bill introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda.

The bicameral legislation directs the National Park Service, in coordination with Maui County and other state and local partners, to study the suitability and feasibility of a National Heritage Area designation for Lahaina. The bill passed the House on December 4 and now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

The Lahaina National Heritage Area Study Act was also cosponsored by Representative Ed Case (D-HI).

The National Park Service currently oversees 62 National Heritage Areas across the country, none of which are in Hawaii.

AP Photo