[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 189 (Tuesday, December 11, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H15241-H15243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII FOR ITS 100 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO 
                        PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 264) honoring the University of 
Hawaii for its 100 years of commitment to public higher education.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 264

       Whereas while the natural beauty of Hawaii is recognized 
     throughout the world, the real beauty of the island state 
     lies in its people, who, through their personal relationships 
     with their families, friends, and neighbors, and through 
     their dedicated efforts to serve the needs of the people of 
     Hawaii, have created prosperity and high standards of living;
       Whereas the institution which would eventually become the 
     University of Hawaii at Manoa finds its humble beginnings in 
     1907 in a small house on Young Street as the College of 
     Agriculture and Mechanic Arts;
       Whereas with the establishment of the Colleges of Arts and 
     Sciences in 1920, the university became a full-fledged 
     university, known today as the University of Hawaii at Manoa;
       Whereas in 1941, the Hawaii Vocational School was founded 
     near downtown Hilo, becoming a University branch campus in 
     1951 and the University of Hawaii at Hilo in 1970;
       Whereas in 1964, the University of Hawaii community 
     colleges system was established with the creation of four 
     community college campuses: Honolulu; Kapiolani; Kauai; and 
     Maui, with Leeward joining the community college system in 
     1969, Windward in 1972, and Hawaii in 1990, as the seventh 
     community college;
       Whereas West Oahu College was founded in 1976, gaining 
     university status in 1989 as the University of Hawaii--West 
     Oahu, the youngest of the university's baccalaureate degree-
     granting campuses;
       Whereas the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaii 
     combined offer more than 620 certificate and degree-granting 
     programs in a variety of nationally and internationally-
     recognized areas of excellence, including culinary arts, 
     health sciences, construction, automotive mechanics, digital 
     media, justice administration, forensic anthropology, 
     indigenous languages, tropical agriculture, natural sciences, 
     ocean sciences, earth sciences, astronomy, international 
     business, languages and culture, legal studies, and medicine, 
     to over 50,000 students across the State every year;
       Whereas the University of Hawaii has embraced and employed 
     technological advances to reach and serve students via 
     distance learning technologies on the Internet, two-way 
     video, and cable television;
       Whereas the nearly 15,000 Hawaii residents who are employed 
     full-time by the University of Hawaii as faculty, staff, 
     researchers, and in other capacities, serve the University 
     and the State of Hawaii by educating its citizens, 
     contributing to the economy, supporting workforce 
     development, and engaging the community to address societal 
     issues and underserved populations;
       Whereas the impacts of the University of Hawaii are not 
     confined to those students in its classrooms, but residents 
     and visitors alike who benefit from its outreach, cultural, 
     and entertainment programs: more than 75,000 people register 
     in its non-credit courses; more than 33,000 people 
     participate in university-sponsored conferences, workshops, 
     and training sessions; nearly 130,000 people attend theater, 
     music, and dance events at the University's performing arts 
     centers at the Manoa, Hilo, Kauai, Leeward, and Windward 
     campuses; and nearly 700,000 people cheer on the Manoa and 
     Hilo athletic teams;
       Whereas the vitality of today's University of Hawaii 
     touches someone in virtually every family in these islands;
       Whereas more than 250,000 alumni now residing in all 50 
     States and in more than 80 countries around the world are 
     proud to call the University of Hawaii their alma mater, as 
     the educational programs at the University have shaped these 
     individuals into global citizens who contribute to the well-
     being of a world-wide society with a commitment to integrity, 
     diversity, and service wherever they may be;
       Whereas the House of Representatives of the State of Hawaii 
     proudly boasts 38 alumni of the University of Hawaii system, 
     and the Senate 15, for a total of 53 proud alumni in the 
     Hawaii State Legislature;
       Whereas 2007 marks the 100th Anniversary of the 
     establishment of the University of Hawaii, a momentous 
     occasion by nearly every measure;
       Whereas the centennial observance offers the people of 
     Hawaii the opportunity to reflect on 100 years of higher 
     education in Hawaii, celebrate the rich heritage of the 
     University of Hawaii, honor the people who took part in 
     building this outstanding educational enterprise, and 
     envision an even more remarkable future of excellence, 
     sustainability, and innovation that the University of Hawaii 
     has introduced to our islands;
       Whereas over the past 100 years, the University of Hawaii 
     has developed into a prominent, world-renowned educational 
     institution famed for its gracious spirit of aloha; academic 
     excellence, intellectual vigor, and opportunity; 
     institutional integrity and service; diversity, cultural 
     identity, social responsibility, and fairness; collaboration 
     and respect; and accountability and fiscal integrity;
       Whereas ``Maluna a`e o na lahui a pau ke ola ke kanaka: 
     Above All Nations is Humanity,'' the philosophy of the 
     University of Hawaii is befitting for an institution that has 
     transformed the lives of many around the world through their 
     experiences at the University; and
       Whereas all four members of Hawaii's congressional 
     delegation are proud graduates of the University of Hawaii: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress congratulates the University of 
     Hawaii on the momentous occasion of its 100th Anniversary, 
     and expresses its warmest aloha and best wishes for continued 
     success.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Hawaii.


                             General Leave

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert material relevant to House 
Concurrent Resolution 264 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Hawaii?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 264, honoring 
the University of Hawai`i for its 100 years of dedication to public 
higher education.
  The 10 campuses of the University of Hawai`i offer more than 620 
nationally and internationally recognized academic programs, everything 
from culinary arts to tropical agriculture. It is the only place in the 
Nation where students can earn a master's degree in indigenous language 
studies and has the top 25 programs for environmental law, eastern 
philosophy, international business, and second-language studies.
  The 50,000 students who attend the university include many of 
Hawaii's best and brightest. The sizable Native Hawaiian, Caucasian, 
Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Pacific Islander populations on our 
campuses reflect the great diversity of our State. Their years at the 
University of Hawai`i will prepare them to be the business, community, 
and political leaders of tomorrow.
  I am proud to be among the 250,000 University of Hawai`i alumni who 
now reside in every State in the Union and in at least 80 countries 
around the world. This extended community brings the aloha spirit to 
the world at large.
  Just last week I was here on the floor of the House with my two green 
and white footballs in honor of the university Warriors' perfect 2007 
football season. The Warriors are the only college team in the country 
to go undefeated, but they are just one of the UH sports teams we cheer 
on across the islands. From volleyball to basketball, our athletes draw 
nearly 700,000 fans to games every year.
  This is a special year for higher education in Hawaii. Not only is it 
University of Hawai`i's centennial, but it is also the 35th anniversary 
of the passage of title IX, now known as the Patsy T. Mink Equal 
Opportunity in Education Act. Patsy was a friend and continues to be an 
inspiration to me. This year the University of Hawai`i joined me and 
Congress in honoring Patsy and her trailblazing work to open the doors 
of higher education to women across the country.
  I want to take a moment to thank the people who make the University 
of Hawai`i what it is today. David McClain, the current president of 
the university, and the 17 presidents who have come before him have all 
been leaders, dedicated to excellence in public higher education. The 
phenomenal team of faculty and staff has truly made a positive 
difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of students, past and 
present. Those students, in

[[Page H15242]]

turn, are making enormous contributions to our towns, our State, and 
our country.
  My years at the University of Hawai`i in the late '60s were a time of 
awakening and questioning for me. Attending the university made a 
profound difference in my life. In fact, all four members of Hawaii's 
current congressional delegation have degrees from the University of 
Hawai`i.
  I am proud to work closely with the University of Hawai`i as a member 
of the House Committee on Education and Labor. As we come to the end of 
the 100th year in the university's history, congratulations to all 
involved. Here's to the next 100 successful years.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 
264, honoring the University of Hawai`i for its 100 years of commitment 
to public higher education.
  In 1907, the Hawaii Territorial Legislature established the College 
of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in Honolulu under terms of the U.S. 
land grant legislation. Ten students began classes with 13 faculty 
members in September of the following year, and the first graduates 
received degrees in 1912. The university has been growing ever since.
  In 1912, the founding campus was renamed the College of Hawai`i, and 
it moved to its present location in the Manoa Valley. Pig farms and 
kiwi groves were cleared for construction of the first permanent 
building, Hawaii Hall. Six years later, William Kwai Fong Yap 
petitioned the legislature for university status and the campus became 
the University of Hawai`i in 1920.
  After the December 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, classes were 
suspended for 2 months, and University of Hawai`i students of Japanese 
ancestry formed the Varsity Victory Volunteers to assist with civil 
defense, many of whom later became a part of the famous 100th Infantry 
Battalion.
  In 1964, the University of Hawai`i Community Colleges System was 
established with four additional campuses. Two years later, the 
founding campus, now called UH Manoa, established a School of Travel 
Industry Management and the forerunner programs of the School of 
Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific studies. The John A. Burns School of 
Medicine opened in 1967, and construction began on the first telescope 
atop Mauna Kea volcano in 1968.
  In 2000, Hawaii voters overwhelmingly supported constitutional 
autonomy for the University of Hawai`i, ensuring the institution more 
control in the management of its resources.
  Honolulu Community College was selected to be one of only six Cisco 
Training Academies in the country to offer certified network 
professional training, and Maui Community College continued a tradition 
of statewide outreach by opening the Moloka'i Education Center.
  Additional highlights include winning the contract to manage the Maui 
Supercomputing Center for the Air Force Research Laboratory, and in 
2003, walls were raised for a new medical school and biomedical 
research facility.
  Today, the University of Hawai`i system includes 10 campuses and 
dozens of educational, training, and research centers across the 
Hawaiian Islands. As the public system of higher education in Hawaii, 
UH offers opportunities as unique and diverse as the islands 
themselves.
  UH is the State's leading engine for economic growth and 
diversification, stimulating the local economy with jobs, research, and 
skilled workers.
  I am happy to join my good friend and colleague, Representative 
Hirono, in honoring this exceptional university for all of its 
accomplishments and wish the faculty, staff, and students continued 
success.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Louisiana for his 
very complete and kind remarks in support of this measure, and I yield 
5 minutes to the gentleman from American Samoa, Hawaii's friend, and my 
friend, Eni Faleomavaega.
  (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady from the great 
State of Hawaii.
  Mr. Speaker, again I thank the gentlelady from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) 
and also the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for their 
sponsorship of this legislation which honors the 100th anniversary of 
one of our Nation's great public institutions of learning, the 
University of Hawai`i, along with her 10 campuses established all over 
the State and some 620 certificate, degree, and postgraduate programs 
for some 50,000 students also currently attending the university.
  Mr. Speaker, I echo the sentiments expressed earlier by my colleague 
from Hawaii. This also exemplifies the caliber of the leadership coming 
from this great State of Hawaii.
  I think also of Mrs. Patsy Takomoto Mink for the 35th year now in 
celebrating the piece of legislation that she championed while a Member 
of this great institution, and that of course is title IX, which has 
given authorization to promote and enhance our women's athletic 
programs, which currently now are taking place all over the country.
  I also want to pay special commendation to the head coach of the 
University of Hawai`i Warriors, June Jones, for doing something that is 
very special to our island community: they are going to the Sugar Bowl. 
And having a perfect record, I am disappointed that Colt Brennan did 
not become the Heisman Trophy winner this year. But be that as it may, 
I do want to thank Coach June Jones for personally coming to my little 
territory, American Samoa, to recruit some of our football players who 
now make up in large part members of the University of Hawai`i Warrior 
team.
  I'm also reminded that some of the great leaders of our country are 
alumnae of the University of Hawai`i. As a former member of 100th 
Battalion 442nd Infantry Reserve Battalion, I can only think of Senator 
Inouye and the late Senator Spark Matsunaga, both graduates of the 
University of Hawai`i. I need not share with my colleagues the 
prominence and the tremendous leadership that these gentlemen have also 
exemplified while serving the great State of Hawaii.
  Mr. Speaker, over the years, the University of Hawai`i has been the 
center of higher education for many of our Pacific Island leaders from 
Oceania, namely from Micronesia, Polynesia, and even Melanesia.
  The University of Hawai`i also played a critical role in coordinating 
and facilitating the academic programs instituted through the 
congressionally mandated institute currently known as the East-West 
Center. The East-West Center, since its inception in 1963, is a unique 
institution which, over the years, has brought scholars and leaders 
from all over the world to meet and discuss issues that are especially 
important to our Nation's economic, political, social and especially 
strategic and military interests with countries of the Asian Pacific 
region; and the University of Hawai`i, to this day, still is part of 
the East-West Center's current activities and programs.
  Mr. Speaker, I am especially proud that just a few days ago, an 
alumnus of the University of Hawai`i, who happens to be a relative 
also, Mr. Ken Niumatalolo, whose parents, Simi and La Niumatalolo, from 
the little village of La'ie, Hawaii, is now the newly appointed head 
coach of the football team of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
  As far as I'm aware, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Niumatalolo is the first of 
Samoan and Polynesian ancestry to coach an NCAA Division I university 
team, again a credit also to the University of Hawai`i for giving Mr. 
Niumatalolo a chance not only to play as a quarterback for the UH 
Warriors, but to enroll as a student and to obtain a good education.

                              {time}  1345

  Mr. Speaker, again, my congratulations not only to my distinguished 
friend and dear colleague Ms. Hirono for introducing this legislation, 
but to honor this great institution, the University of Hawai`i.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, coming from the great State of Louisiana, 
I wish to issue a warm welcome to the University of Hawai`i as they 
come to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, and I also want to congratulate 
them on a perfect regular season for their football team.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further Members on this side wishing to speak 
and I yield back.

[[Page H15243]]

  Ms. HIRONO. I thank my colleague from Louisiana for your warm, what 
we call, ``Aloha'' welcome to your State. Expect thousands and 
thousands of rabid Rainbow Warrior fans to descend upon your State to 
spend money but mainly to cheer on our undefeated team, the Warriors.
  I would like to add also, Mr. Speaker, that my colleague Neil 
Abercrombie, who is even as we speak on a plane coming back to 
Washington, DC, is, of course, very much in support of this resolution. 
As I mentioned, all four Members of our congressional delegation have 
one degree or another from the University of Hawai`i. In Neil's case, 
it is a Ph.D., and he also had taught at the University of Hawai`i.
  I'm looking forward to also working with Mr. Miller on 
reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, which has helped the 
University of Hawai`i so much over the years, and it's an honor for me 
to be on the Higher Education Committee, because the University of 
Hawai`i, unlike many other States, is the institution of higher 
learning in Hawaii. It is the public institution of higher learning in 
Hawaii, which is why literally hundreds of thousands of us have 
matriculated at the university, and we have a lot to be thankful for 
for the kind of quality education that the University of Hawai`i has 
offered to us and continues to do so for the 50,000 or so students who 
are on campuses all across the State.
  And as we are moving forward to celebrate our 100th anniversary, we 
even now prepare to move forward to create further campuses on Oahu and 
the neighbor islands to afford more educational opportunities, 
particularly in the rural areas of our State for students in those 
areas.
  So with that, Mr. Speaker, thank you very much, and my colleague from 
Louisiana, once again, ``Mahalo nui loa,'' to each one of you in 
support of this resolution.
  Mr. ABERCROMBIE: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House 
Concurrent Resolution 264, honoring the University of Hawaii for 100 
years of educating and serving the people of the state of Hawaii. I'd 
like to thank Congresswoman Hirono and Chairman Miller for their 
support of this legislation. I'd like to recognize President David 
McClain and the administration and faculty of UH for all their hard 
work and dedication. UH holds a distinguished record of achievement in 
academics, community service and athletics. As a proud alumni and 
former faculty member of the University of Hawaii, I know personally 
the impact of the school on those who work and learn there. Yet, that 
is not the full extent of the University's reach; it touches in some 
capacity nearly every person in the state.
  In 1907, the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in Honolulu was 
established by the Hawaii Territorial Legislature with 10 students and 
13 faculty members. Today, the University of Hawaii system is spread 
across the state with 10 campuses, 3 degree-granting universities: 
Manoa, the flagship campus, Hilo, and West Oahu; and 7 community 
colleges: Hawaii, Honolulu, Kapiolani, Kauai, Leeward, Maui, and 
Windward. The system includes the John A. Burns School of Medicine, the 
William S. Richardson School of Law, the Shidler College of Business, 
the College of Pharmacy, and the Congressionally-established East-West 
Center. There are currently over 50,000 students and 624 academic 
programs. Across the system, UH's students and faculty have won 
countless awards, and been recognized for agriculture, anthropology, 
computer programming, diversity, education and curriculum research, 
international business, medical research, oceanographic science, public 
service, and myriad other fields of study.

  The University values aloha, the Hawaiian concept that embraces 
respect for the history, traditions and culture of Hawaii's indigenous 
people. It reflects compassion for all people and commitment to the 
well-being of these islands. To practice this value UH employs nearly 
15,000 Hawaii residents who serve the University and the State of 
Hawaii by educating its citizens, contributing to the economy, 
supporting workforce development and engaging the community in 
addressing societal issues and the challenges faced by underserved 
populations.
  The University has also produced more than 250,000 alumni, now 
residing in all 50 states and more than 80 countries around the world, 
who are proud to call the University of Hawaii their alma mater. The 
educational programs at the University have shaped these individuals 
into global citizens who contribute to the well-being of a world-wide 
society, with a commitment to integrity, diversity, and service 
wherever they may be. Alumni who live abroad and on the U.S. mainland 
take the aloha spirit with them across the nation and world to enrich 
the lives of others. Among these alumni are all four current and two 
former members of the Hawaii congressional delegation; former Surgeon 
General of the United States Kenneth Moritsugu; Time Warner Chairman 
and CEO Richard Parsons; Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio Grey; 
53 members of the Hawaii State Legislature; numerous professional 
athletes; and many other academic, art, athletic, business and 
political leaders.
  As a reflection of the state of Hawaii, UH is a rainbow of 
ethnicities, cultures, nationalities, languages and ideas. The 
University maintains that society is best served by representing 
populations equitably throughout UH, and that diverse perspectives help 
root out prejudice and injustice. This dedication is captured 
succinctly in the motto of the University, ``Ma luna ae o na lahui a 
pau ke ola o ke kanaka,'' or ``Above all nations is humanity.'' The 
value of diversity is also shown through the student body: UH is one of 
the most diverse universities in the nation, with no dominant ethnic 
group and over 2,500 international students.
  A further source of pride for the University of Hawaii is the 
Warriors and Wahine. The athletes, coaches, and support staff are some 
of the most accomplished and dedicated members of the UH ohana, or 
family. There are no professional sports teams in Hawaii and the 
student-athletes of the University carry much expectation and affection 
from the state. The UH women's volleyball team is among the most 
esteemed programs in the National Collegiate Athletics Association 
(NCAA), winning three NCAA national championships and one Association 
for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW, the predecessor to the 
NCAA for women's sports) national championship, and are consistently in 
the hunt for a national championship year after year. The Wahine have 
produced 23 All-Americans, and three National Players of the Year. The 
Warrior football team is also an immense source of pride to the state. 
This year the Warriors were the only NCAA Division I school to go 
undefeated during the regular season and will be playing on New Year's 
Day in the Sugar Bowl. The current and former starting quarterbacks; 
Heisman Trophy finalist Colt Brennan and Timmy Chang, hold numerous 
NCAA records. The entire state will be cheering on the Warriors and, 
win or lose, will show aloha to this team. The women's volleyball and 
football team are two of the 21 programs at the University, all of 
which bring pride and joy to the people of Hawaii.
  On this 100th anniversary of the University of Hawaii, I am honored 
to be able to extend my aloha and mahalo to UH for all it has afforded 
me personally, and to the state of Hawaii, which is truly enriched 
because of the efforts of the University.
  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the remainder of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 264.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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