Federal Lands Subcommittee Chairman Tom McClintock (R-CA) issued the following statement on a report released from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) management of the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, located northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii.

“Americans were assured that this refuge would maintain the historical significance of Midway Atoll, yet they have often been denied access to the Refuge and FWS has failed to consult the International Midway Foundation regarding these policies,” McClintock stated.

“I thank the GAO for conducting this report," he added. "We will work to ensure the agency is held to account, that the rule of law is obeyed and concerned parties are heard.”

The GAO report, requested by the Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs Subcommittee in 2014, found that FWS demolished seven historic structures since 2012 without providing any public notice or involvement whatsoever, which is in violation of regulations implementing the National Historic Preservation Act.

The release of this GAO report coincides with the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, which took place from June 3-7, 1942. The Battle of Midway was one of the most important battles of World War II, a turning point for the Allies in the Pacific Theater, and one of the most decisive naval battles in world history.