Schatz Visits Hanalei, Kīlauea National Wildlife Refuges, Meets With Kaua‘i Chamber Of Commerce

LIHUE – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today visited the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge and the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge and Lighthouse on Kaua‘i, where he toured habitat restoration projects and discussed cooperative management of kalo farms and the protection of waterbird species with refuge staff. Since the joining the Senate, Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has helped secure millions of dollars for the National Wildlife Refuge System, which includes the two Kaua‘i sites visited today.

“Kauai’s wildlife refuges provide the space for native wildlife and ecosystems to thrive, while also giving local communities a place to farm sustainably and practice cultural traditions,” said Senator Schatz. “These are the kinds of places we must continue protecting. We will keep working to make sure Kaua‘i has the federal funding it needs to preserve its land and natural resources.”

Following the refuge visits, Schatz met with the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce leadership to provide an update on the administration’s efforts to cut federal funding and his work to protect Kaua‘i County. He also answered questions from Chamber members on the new Republican tax law, federal funding cuts, and recent tariff policies and their impacts on small businesses.

“The Trump administration’s funding cuts and tariff policies are making it harder for small businesses to operate,” said Senator Schatz. “On Kaua‘i, I had a chance to hear from entrepreneurs about the impact of those policies and discuss how we can continue working together to protect small businesses, workers, and Kaua‘i’s local economy.”

Senator Schatz at the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge

Senator Schatz tours the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge

Senator Schatz at the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse

Senator Schatz speaks to members of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce

###