Senate District 23 includes the diverse communities from Kunia Camp, around the North and Windward Shores, all the way to Heeia and Ahuimanu. Ours is a spectacular district that includes most of the remaining agricultural lands on Oahu and prominent bays and estuaries from Waialua to Kaneohe Bay.  On the most populated island in the Hawaiian chain, it’s nice to still find a piece of country.

 

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve, on the western edge of District 23 has one of the largest seabird colonies in the Hawaiian chain, about 400 or so Laysan Albatross, and it is the only place where you can observe them at close quarters without supervision. Monk seals, nesting birds, and other native Hawaiian coastal species have sought protection at Kaena Point. We are honored to have this preserve in our district as it has the potential to become a safe refuge for native species that cannot survive elsewhere.

 

During the winter months, the big waves at the Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay, demonstrate why this is birthplace of big wave surfing.  Meanwhile, in the summer, jump off the rock at Waimea Bay into the shimmering waters or head across the street to hike up to Waimea Falls and explore the flora and fauna of Waimea Valley Audubon Center.

 

The Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie exhibits the varied and different cultures of Polynesia. Visit recreated traditional villages of Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti and Tonga (to name a few) and then stay for the luau.  

 

Kualoa Ranch, a generations-old family-owned ranch, is not only a working ranch but has multiple activies. Here, you can spend the day riding ATV’s or horses, kayak to a secret island, take a tropical jungle zip-line tour and see where movies like Jurassic Park and Pearl Harbor were filmed.

 

At the eastern boundary of our District lays Heia fish pond. This is a perfect example of one of the oldest forms of aquaculture: trapping fish in shallow tidal pools and providing a sustainable supply of fish.  600-800 years ago, ancient Hawaiians created the massive wall measuring about 1.3 miles long and encompassing 88 acres of brackish water. Thanks to recent volunteer efforts, this pond has been transformed from neglected and overrun with invasive species to once again thriving with fish.

 

I am honored to highlight a few of the different and varied features we have to offer in District 23. Thank you to all the constituents who make up this very special area.