Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 20, 1995                   TAG: 9504200099
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Los Angeles Times
DATELINE: HONOLULU                                LENGTH: Medium

MEASURE WOULD TRANSFER ISLANDS TO HAWAII'S RULE

A bill before Congress would extend Hawaii's borders more than 2,000 miles across the Pacific, from the renowned battle site of Midway to a lush, coconut-fringed hideaway called Palmyra.

The expanded version of the 50th state also would include Johnston Atoll, home of the world's largest chemical weapons incinerator. And that makes some state officials wary of the offer.

The proposal to transfer several Pacific islands to Hawaii's jurisdiction is part of a plan to abolish the Interior Department's Office of Territorial and International Affairs, a move backed by both the Republican majority in Congress and the Clinton administration. The office is no longer needed, they contend, since most territories, such as Guam, are now self-governing.

Hawaii would gain jurisdiction over seven unincorporated territories still administered by the U.S. government. Along with Midway, Johnston and Palmyra atolls, they are Baker, Jarvis and Howland Islands and submerged Kingman Reef.

The move doesn't add up to much in terms of population or land mass. Only Midway and Johnston are inhabited, with fewer than 2,000 people between them. Altogether, the territories boast just 7 square miles of land. Three miles of sea surrounding each of them also would go to the state.

But while it falls short of the Louisiana Purchase, the novel notion of expanding this oceanic state interests Gov. Ben Cayetano, who would have the right to accept or reject the offer.

``The potential is tremendous,'' he said recently, pointing to ecotourism, fishing, undersea mining and even a low-security prison as possible options. ``We are putting together a fact-finding team to explore the economic opportunities.''

But Democratic Reps. Patsy Mink and Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii question what liabilities might come along with the new territory, from environmental cleanup to law enforcement.

``I don't see any advantage for Hawaii,'' Mink said. ``We would have to assume a lot of responsibility, financial and otherwise. I have numerous problems with the use of Johnston Atoll.''

Precisely what Hawaii would get out of the deal is not clear. Introduced by Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., the Insular Areas Consolidation Act would transfer jurisdiction but not title. Most of the islands would remain federal property and continue to be managed by the U.S. government.

Legal experts are trying to sort out just what the implications are, before the legislation moves forward. Hawaii could gain some say in activities on or near the islands, and the right to levy taxes. Making the territories formally part of a state also might strengthen U.S. claims to the 200-mile exclusive economic zone around them.

``This legislation makes sense based on history and geography,'' said Jim Maiella, Gallegly's spokesman. ``It is not our intent to transfer financial liability. There's no hidden agenda.''