[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 593 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 593

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         July 27, 2009.
Whereas August 21, 2009, marks the 50th Anniversary of President Dwight D. 
        Eisenhower's signing of Proclamation 3309, which admitted Hawaii into 
        the Union in compliance with the Hawaii Admission Act, enacted by the 
        United States Congress on March 18, 1959;
Whereas Hawaii is ``a place like no other, with a people like no other'' and 
        bridges the mainland United States to the Asia-Pacific region;
Whereas the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, was born in 
        Hawaii on August 4, 1961;
Whereas Hawaii has contributed to the diversity of Congress in electing--

    (1) the first Native Hawaiian to serve in Congress, Prince Jonah Kuhio 
Kalaniana`ole;

    (2) the first Asian-American to serve in the Senate, Hiram Fong;

    (3) the first woman of color to serve in Congress, Patsy T. Mink;

    (4) the first Native Hawaiian to serve in the Senate, Daniel Kahikina 
Akaka; and

    (5) the first Japanese-American to serve in the Senate, Daniel Ken 
Inouye;

Whereas Hawaii is an example to the rest of the world of unity and positive race 
        relations;
Whereas Pearl Harbor is a strategic military base for the U.S. in the Pacific 
        and also a historical site for the Nation, being the location of the 
        December 7, 1941, surprise Japanese aerial attack that thrust the Nation 
        into World War II;
Whereas Hawaii is home to \1/4\ of the endangered species in the United States;
Whereas Hawaii has 8 national parks, which preserve volcanoes, complex 
        ecosystems, a Hansen's disease colony, and other sites of historical and 
        cultural significance;
Whereas Kilauea ranks among the most active volcanoes on Earth;
Whereas President Bush nominated the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument 
        to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization 
        World Heritage Centre for consideration to the World Heritage List;
Whereas Hawaii has produced musical legends ranging from traditional favorites 
        such as Alfred Apaka, Don Ho, and Genoa Keawe, to Hawaii renaissance 
        performers such as Eddie Kamae, Raymond Kane, Gabby Pahinui, Israel 
        Kamakawiwo`ole, the Brothers Cazimero, and the Beamer Brothers, and 
        continuing on to contemporary stars such as Keali`i Reichel, Ledward 
        Kaapana, Jake Shimabukuro, and Raiatea Helm;
Whereas Hawaii is culturally rich, as the Hawaiian culture has been protected 
        through Hawaiian language immersion schools, hula competitions such as 
        the Merrie Monarch Festival, canoeing voyages undertaken by vessels like 
        the Hokule`a, and the continuing historic preservation of Hawaiian 
        traditions;
Whereas the Hawaii Statehood Commission has held a Joint Session of the Hawaii 
        State Legislature in honor of statehood and will be celebrating this 
        milestone with a public discussion and with the arrival of the USS 
        Hawaii; and
Whereas for all of these reasons Hawaii is a truly unique State: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes and celebrates the 
50th Anniversary of the entry of Hawaii into the Union as the 50th State.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.