[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 74 (Wednesday, May 11, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 2016 KING KAMEHAMEHA LEI DRAPING CEREMONY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK TAKAI

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 2016

  Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that the annual lei 
draping ceremony for King Kamehameha the Great will be held in the 
Emancipation Hall on May 22, 2016.
  King Kamehameha's statue stands in the Capitol building as a 
representation of Hawaii's rich history and the legacy of the Native 
Hawaiian people. Each year, we drape lei or garlands on his statue to 
celebrate his accomplishment of uniting the Hawaiian Islands into one 
Kingdom, which secured a future for the Native Hawaiian people and 
protected the islands' resources in a quickly westernizing world. 
Kamehameha's foresight shows us the importance of uniting to face 
dramatic changes to our world, which today includes climate change.
  This year, the celebration draws upon an ancient prophecy and 
saying--``e hea aku ana i ka iwa kilou mokula; the frigate bird which 
interweaves the islands is calling''--that characterizes King 
Kamehameha as the war bird destined to hook the islands into a single 
nation. The theme is meant not only to honor King Kamehameha's success 
in uniting the Native Hawaiian people, but also to recognize this 
year's special guests, sailors of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. On 
the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage, they are currently sailing the 
voyaging canoe, Hokulea around the world on a mission to hook 
countries, nations and peoples of island Earth together for a 
sustainable future that preserves our Earth's cultural and natural 
resources--a vital lesson for stabilizing our climate.
  I am grateful to have assisted the Hawaii State Society, whose 
members work tirelessly each year to bring us the King Kamehameha Lei 
Draping Ceremony. I look forward to honoring the legacy of King 
Kamehameha and Hokulea, which hopefully will inspire us to unite to 
protect our Earth.

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