Collections – UHM Congressional Papers, Spark M. Matsunaga

Repository name: UH Mānoa Library, University Archives and Manuscript Collections, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection

Address: 2550 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI 96822

Hours of operation: Check website 

Rules or restrictions: Pencils only in reading room; must place bags in locker; check website for current information

Copy policies, duplication fees: Scanning workstation available; ok to photograph non-restricted material

Website: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/library/research/collections/archives/hawaii-congressional-papers-collection/

Parking: Paid parking on campus, very limited street parking in surrounding neighborhoods; accessible by bus

Video: Kealohi Minami, Research in the Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection

MATERIALS

Source of records: MANUSCRIPT-HCPC00001: Senator Spark M. Matsunaga Papers

Subjects, events, etc. covered: Matsunaga’s time as a representative during formative years of this project creates an abundant collection exploring various issues of H-3. Exploring alternative use of funds while also working at the congressional level to clear any obstructions to building H-3 was a common theme throughout these files illustrating Matsunaga’s position exploring various sides to the issue. These files consist of a wide range of document types, including correspondence between representatives on the congressional level, correspondence between the public and SMM sharing their stance on the topic, and internal memos documenting shifting support and opposition among senators leading up to the vote on the 1986 4(f) exemption. Areas that were mentioned in specific for historic preservation studies, subject of correspondence, studied in maps, and construction plans were Moanalua valley, North Hālawa valley, Ha‘ikū- valley, Ho‘omaluhia Park, Luluku and Halekou. Large maps of proposed routes of H-3 are included in these files along with multiple studies on the historical significance of various locations, including references to Pohaku ka Luahine and other heiau. The Omega Station was a recurring subject detailing construction, health concerns, and environmental impact. Legislation mentioned during this time include the Federal-aid highway act (1970, 1972) and the Anderson amendment to S.502 that permit funds used for other infrastructure projects beyond highways; Bills HR19504; Bill HR 16656; Highway Safety Act (1973); Interstate and Defense Highway Bill; Urban Mass Transportation Act (1964); a potential “public interest” waiver from Brooks-Murkowski amendment that would enable Japanese construction firms to bid on the contract for the Windward Viaduct section of the H-3. Files also include newspaper articles, records and reports, communications with staffers in office, and meeting notes.

Date range of records: 1963-1990, H-3 records are primarily between late 1960s-1980s

Volume/extent: 908 Linear Feet

Citation or location information (call number, collection number, record group, series, box, etc.) that would help a researcher request the materials:

Matsunaga papers: U.S. House: Subject files: Transportation (1967-1972, undated)

Matsunaga papers: U.S. House: Subject files: Land

Matsunaga papers: U.S. House: Subject files: Defense

Matsunaga papers: U.S. Senate: Legislative files: Bill files

Matsunaga papers: U.S. Senate: Staff files: John Tagami

Matsunaga papers: U.S. Senate: Subject files: Transportation: H-3

Anything digitized already?

Photos only

Parties mentioned:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation
  • U.S. Department of Interior
  • Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation
  • Governor George Ariyoshi
  • Senator Daniel K. Inouye
  • Senator Robert T. Stafford
  • Samuel K. Skinner (Secretary Transportation)
  • Frank F. Fasi
  • U.S. Energy Research and Development administration
  • Federal Highway Administration
  • Office of Hawaiian Affairs
  • Office of the Secretary of Transportation
  • Governor John A. Burns
  • Chamber of Commerce Honolulu
  • Kāneʻohe Community Council
  • Honolulu Advertiser
  • Washington Post
  • Honolulu Star-Bulletin
  • Citizens for Hawaii
  • Moanalua Gardens Foundation Inc.
  • Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
  • Windward Coalition to stop H-3
  • Hawaiʻi State Federation of Labor AFL-CIO
  • Construction and General Laborers’ Union
  • Estate of Samuel Mills Damon
  • Hawaiʻi Audubon Society
  • Life of Land
  • Sierra Club
  • Kāneʻohe Outdoor Circle
  • Kailua Community Council
  • Hawaiʻi Legal Services Project Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi
  • Windward Citizens Planning Conference
  •