Protecting and strengthening the environmental laws has always been a high priority for Senator Akaka, and he has consistently opposes attempts to weaken environmental protection measures. He has strongly supported the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and other environmental protection laws such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Ocean Dumping Act, and Endangered Species Act.

INVASIVE SPECIES

In Hawaii and in other parts of the U.S., invasive species have wreaked havoc in the environment. Senator Akaka championed the fight against invasive species by introducing S. 1541, the Public Land Protection and Conservation Act, and initiated and signed onto letters to his colleagues urging increased funding for programs to combat invasive species. He is an originating co-sponsor of the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act (NAISA), which strengthens and expands the National Invasive Species Act of 1996.

OCEANS, REEFS AND FISHERIES

Senator Akaka has been a strong advocate for healthy oceans and coral reefs, and the sustainable use of ocean resources. He was an originating co-sponsor of the Oceans Act in 1999, and has consistently supported bills and activities to clean up debris in the oceans, particularly around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. He has also supported:

• Establishment of the Northwestern Hawaiian Island (NWHI) Marine Sanctuary (although recently named a National Monument, Senator Akaka looks to continue to work with the Administration to preserve the unique cultural and natural resources of the NWHI),
• Monitoring of Hawaii's long-line fishing fleet to minimize inadvertent catches of endangered marine species,
• U.S. accession to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Treaty,
• U.S. Commission and the Pew Commission on Ocean Policy.

FORESTS

In 1992, Senator Akaka's bill, the Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Act was signed into law, resulting in new and expanded facilities at the Institute of Pacific Island Forestry and established the Hawaii Tropical Forestry Recovery Task Force. The Task Force was charged with creating a plan for rejuvenating Hawaii's tropical forests. He has also been a strong advocate for the preservation and protection of our national forests and wilderness on public lands.

NATIONAL PARKS AND REFUGES

Senator Akaka has been a strong advocate for expanding, enhancing and caring for the nation's and Hawaii's national parks and refuges. He was twice named a "Friend of the National Parks" by the National Parks Conservation Association based on his voting record. In addition, Senator Akaka sponsored many park bills for Hawaii that have been enacted into law. These include:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Adjustment Act of 1998 and of 2000,
• Pu`uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park Addition Act of 2001,
• Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Addition Act of 2003,
• Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Act of 2000,
• Palmyra Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

GLOBAL WARMING

Senator Akaka is very concerned about the impact of fossil fuel emissions on the health of our planet and believes that we must actively seek solutions to curb the buildup of greenhouse gases. Before the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, he supported carbon sequestration projects in forestry and credits for carbon dioxide reduction.

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