[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 70 (Wednesday, June 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  RECOGNIZING THE TIRELESS EFFORTS OF THE KIDS FOR CORAL ORGANIZATION

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                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize an 
organization from the island of Guam which has demonstrated its ability 
to raise community awareness of the importance of our oceans. It is 
befitting to bring such recognition to this organization, at this time, 
since the United Nations has dedicated this year to the Oceans of the 
world.
  The Kids for Coral organization, will celebrate its tenth year 
anniversary in the coming year. The organization's initial membership 
included only a handful of seventh grade students. Oddly enough, what 
began as a simple class project blossomed quickly to include all other 
middle and high school grade levels. The prompt response from other 
students demonstrates a new generation's willingness to weigh in on 
issues that lay by the wayside on the agenda of policy makers.
  The continued existence of the organization confirms its commitment 
to raise interest in caring for the coral reefs which surround our 
tropical island. I am sure that some can argue that that which is 
closest is sometimes forgotten. This may be the case with Guam's reefs. 
However, despite the maturation of Kids for Coral's original members, 
its organization continues to grow and pursue its goals of awareness 
and preservation. This growth assures that coming generations will work 
towards preserving Guam's reefs and oceans.
  Guam is especially dependent on the ocean for its survival. 
Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, anything arriving or leaving the 
island must do so by air or by sea. The majority of our goods and 
products, are transported in and out of Guam by sea. Though Guam's 
trade deficit is a reflection of its location, our evolving exports of; 
fish and crustaceans, mineral fuels, oils, waxes, agricultural 
products, tobacco, and beverages rely on world oceans.
  Historically, our way of life as well as other island nations, 
states, territories, and possessions are heavily dependant on a clean 
and healthy ocean environment. More than four thousand years ago, when 
the ancestors of the people of Guam inhabited the island, their prime 
source of nourishment, recreation, and education revolved around the 
existence of the ocean. This still hold true today, and the role of the 
ever-changing oceans has expanded.
  The people of Guam rely on the oceans not only for their own 
pleasures but for others as well. Guam boasts a tourism industry 
totaling 1.4 million visitors annually. The come not only for the sun 
and fun, but for the surf and sand. It is in our best interest to take 
positive steps to recognize the value the oceans have to offer. It is 
to this end that we must continued to bring consciousness to preserving 
this natural resource.
  The means by which Kids for Coral has tried to reach this goal is 
nearly endless. Ideas, wholly generated by the students, have included 
design and sale of bumper stickers and t-shirts, beach clean-ups, an 
annual Save the Reef Week, an art show, and presentations to other 
students. Kids for Coral has also sponsored a Coral Reef Awareness 
Conference, where more than 350 middle school students gathered to 
discuss the preservation of Guam's reefs.
  Kids for Coral's local achievements and activities brought them quick 
attention to island residents. In 1993, their popularity was bolstered 
by placing first runner-up in the Region IX Presidential Environmental 
Youth Awards Competition. The following year, their hard work again 
paid off. International recognition of Kids for Coral, and the Island 
of Guam, culminated in the bestowment of the United Nations 
Environmental Program Award, one of only six given to children's groups 
worldwide. This award recognized their dedication to heighten community 
awareness of the reefs and the oceans that surround the Island of Guam.
  We should all be as diligent in our work to recall the importance of 
the oceans of the world. The majority of our livelihoods are in some 
way connected to the water. Transportation, recreation, and sustenance 
of the world population is an ever connecting bond that begins with our 
very existence. Once again, during this Year of the oceans, I am proud 
to recognize the hard work of Kids for Coral.
  Lauren Ahillen, Joan Baluyut, Owen Bollinger, James Brenner, Chris 
Butler, Shirley Chu, Joyleen Co, Cody Cousineau, Barbara Cushing, 
Christina Del Rosario, Jessica Georgelas, Diwang Gomowad, Tara Gonzalo, 
Chantal Guedon, Yoo San Ha, Thomas Ham, Tera Hannah, Ronson Ho, Eva 
Huang, Dana Ione, Jean Jastillan and Seena Kallingal.
  Sung Yul Kim, Un Kyun Kim, Priya Kodiyanplakkal, Richard Lee, Alex 
Leon Guerrero, Chalani Leon Guerrero, Adeoye Mabogunje, Maria 
Manibusan, Mia McCully, Jaya Medabalmi, Maria Perez, Amanda Peterson, 
Peter Querubin, Lola Rosario, Pika Rosario, Aman Sobti, Margaret Suda, 
Saori Tembata, Emi Yen, Quinn Yeomans, Whitney Yuen, Deborah Zee and 
Advisor: Janette Deagle.

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