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Posted: Saturday, April 2nd, 2005 6:38 AM HST

Lawmakers support fed protection of Oahu's wetlands

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) Lawmakers today passed a resolution to urge Hawaii's congressional representatives to push for National Park status for Kawai Nui Marsh. The resolution to support seeking federal protection for the wetlands unanimously passed a joint hearing of Water, Land and Agriculture, and Intergovernmental Affairs. In February, the Kawai Nui Marsh complex in Kailua on Oahu was designated as one of America's wetlands of international importance. It is one of only 22 wetlands to qualify. Historians say Oahu's earliest Hawaiians made their homes on the shores of Kawai Nui marsh and left behind the ruins of heiau, or Hawaiian temples. Muriel Seto, who for four decades has advocated for protecting the marsh, says the marsh is home to at least four endangered native bird species. (Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved.)