Speeches & Testimony

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my House colleagues to join Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado and me in recognizing the critical importance of the native plants of our country by cosponsoring our resolution designating the month of April as Native Plant Month.

Native plants are not just a vital part of our natural landscape; they are integral to the environmental health of our Nation. From supporting biodiversity to enhancing local ecosystems, native plants play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and resilience in our environment. They provide critical habitats for wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for agricultural productivity. They also help reduce our reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, prevent soil erosion and improve water quality. Beyond their environmental benefits, native plants are foundational to the cultural heritage of many indigenous communities, who have long depended on these plants for food, medicine, shelter and spiritual practices.

In my home state of Hawaii, our kuleana (responsibility) is to care for over 1,400 native plant species, nearly 90 percent of which are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. These plants are not only critical to the islands' biodiversity but also serve as living treasures that reflect the resilience and adaptation of life in an isolated, often harsh environment. The plants that thrive in Hawaii's diverse ecosystems—ranging from rainforests and drylands to volcanic craters and coastal areas—have adapted in remarkable ways to the unique conditions of the islands. They play an essential role in maintaining the delicate balance of these ecosystems, providing food, shelter and crucial support for the diverse wildlife that depends on them, such as native birds, insects and other species that are also found nowhere else in the world.

Beyond their ecological value, native plants in Hawaii hold profound cultural and historical significance for Native Hawaiian communities. For centuries, Hawaiians have relied on these plants for a variety of essential purposes, including as staple foods like taro (kalo) and breadfruit (‘ulu), which were central to their diet and agricultural system. These plants also provided medicinal benefits, with species like ‘a‘ali‘i (hopbush) and mamaki (pipturus) integral to the holistic health practices of Native Hawaiians. Additionally, many plants were used to create tools, clothing and materials for daily life. The fibers of hala (pandanus) and ki (cordyline) were woven into mats, baskets and garments, while the wood of native trees like koa was essential for building canoes and homes. These practices reflect the deep, sustainable connection that Native Hawaiians have long had with their land, or ‘aina, underscoring the importance of preserving these plants for both ecological and cultural continuity.

However, the survival of these plants is increasingly threatened by invasive species, habitat destruction and the shifting environmental conditions brought on by climate change. The native flora of Hawaii and other parts of our Nation face constant pressure from non-native plants that crowd out indigenous species, diminishing the richness of our ecosystems. Additionally, extreme weather events, rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns continue to jeopardize the health and viability of these plants.

If we are to preserve the irreplaceable native plants that have evolved over millennia, it is critical that we take action to protect them. Recognizing April as Native Plant Month will not only provide an opportunity to celebrate the diverse and invaluable plants across our country but also help raise awareness about the challenges they face. By designating this month, we can shine a spotlight on the importance of native plants in maintaining the ecological balance of our communities and encourage the public to take steps to protect and conserve these species.

As we face the ongoing challenges of habitat loss and invasive species, it is more important than ever that we recognize the role that native plants play in sustaining the health of our ecosystems. We must act now to raise awareness, promote conservation efforts and educate future generations about the importance of preserving these plants for the benefit of our Nation's biodiversity and cultural heritage.

I encourage all my colleagues to support this important initiative. Mr. Speaker, I ask for your cosponsorship of this resolution and for your partnership in raising awareness about the conservation and appreciation of native plants across our great Nation. Together, we can make a lasting difference.