[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 50 (Monday, April 12, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S2205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                50TH ANNIVERSARY OF NA HAUMANA O HAWAI'I

 Mr. MERKLEY. Madam President, today I recognize the 50th 
anniversary of Na Haumana O Hawai'i and its annual lu'au. The Na 
Haumana O Hawai'i is a culture club at Pacific University in Forest 
Grove, OR. For half a century, Na Haumana O Hawai'i has been spreading 
the culture and traditions of Hawaii to Pacific University, enriching 
the school and surrounding communities.
  Na Haumana O Hawai'i was founded in 1959 by 16 students from the 
islands of Hawaii. Since then, it has expanded its membership to more 
than 200 students and includes Native Hawaiians as well as those 
interested in learning more about Hawaiian culture. One of the ways 
that Na Haumana O Hawai'i shares the Hawaiian culture with the local 
community is through its annual lu'au. It is the only completely 
student-run and student-directed lu'au in the Northwest. Each year, 
about 2,000 people attend the lu'au and celebrate the Island heritage, 
which includes an authentic lu'au meal and traditional Polynesian 
dance, music and entertainment.
  Na Haumana O Hawai'i has made a tremendous impact on Pacific 
University, Oregon, and our Nation. By bringing to the mainland a taste 
of Hawaii's cultural tapestry, Oregonians and Americans have been able 
to enjoy the State's rich Aloha spirit. I know that all Oregonians will 
join me in congratulating Na Haumana O Hawai'i on the occasion of its 
50th anniversary and annual lu'au.

                          ____________________