U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda Advocates for Community Involvement in Kalaupapa Peninsula Management
U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda is actively engaging with the National Park Service (NPS) regarding the future management of the Kalaupapa Peninsula in Hawaii. The area, historically significant as a former colony for people with Hansen's Disease, is undergoing changes as the number of remaining patients dwindles. Tokuda met with NPS Superintendent Nancy Holman to discuss the suspension of twice-weekly hiking tours, emphasizing the need for community consultation in decision-making processes. Tokuda criticized the lack of a listening session with the community, existing patients, or their families before the tours were initiated. She highlighted the importance of protecting Kalaupapa and ensuring that Native Hawaiians are given priority in tour operations, as mandated by federal legislation. Tokuda's involvement comes amid concerns that recent changes to national parks elsewhere, such as in Utah, could serve as cautionary tales for Kalaupapa.