Sen. Mazie K. Hirono continued her backing for the use of native plants during a visit to Lyon Arboretum where she toured the Native Hawaiian Garden, met with scientists and planted native species at the facility.

“Scientists at Lyon Arboretum are working to preserve native ecosystems through research, outreach, and propagation of plants native to Hawai‘i—many of which are endangered and important to our culture,” Sen. Hirono said. “The scientists I met with provided critical input in writing the Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act, and I look forward to continuing our work together as we advocate for its passage.”

SPONSORED VIDEO

“We are thrilled that Sen. Hirono visited Lyon Arboretum to learn about, and participate in, the work we do with endemic and endangered Hawaiian plants,” Dr. Marian Chau, Seed Conservation and Laboratory Manager, Lyon Aboretum, Hawaiian Rare Plant Program said. “We’re grateful for her initiative in introducing the Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act, which would empower the U.S. to better preserve our incredible biodiversity. This is especially important for Hawai‘i, which has more federally listed endangered plants than all other states combined.”

Introduced in July, the Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act would promote native plant research and use by: