[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 12, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3758-S3759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          YEAR OF THE HAWAIIAN

  Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, last weekend, we gathered in the Capitol 
Visitor Center to celebrate the 283rd birthday of King Kamehameha I, 
who, to the best of our knowledge, was born in Kohala, HI, in 1735.
  Since 1871, generations of Hawaiians have formally celebrated King 
Kamehameha's birthday through annual celebrations--including floral 
parades and lei-draping ceremonies. Kamehameha Day is celebrated across 
the State and is an acknowledged State holiday.
  These events recognize the many accomplishments of Hawaii's first 
King and his importance in unifying the Hawaiian Islands.
  This year was no different, as this past weekend tens of thousands of 
individuals gathered in Washington, DC, and Hawaii to remember his 
legacy and celebrate his accomplishments.
  However, this year's ceremonies came at another important time of 
reflection.
  On February 17, 2018, Gov. David Ige proclaimed 2018 to be the ``Year 
of the Hawaiian, Ke Au Hawaii'' in Hawaii. The Governor's proclamation 
came after the Hawaii State Legislature made a similar proclamation for 
the year.
  So as we gathered to remember King Kamehameha, we also reflected more 
broadly on the achievements and contributions of Hawaii's indigenous, 
Native Hawaiian community in the areas of politics and government, 
education and the arts, music, writing and literature, sports, 
business, medicine, law, and social work.
  We reflected on the restoration and revitalization of Native Hawaiian 
language and traditions and the importance of promoting Native Hawaiian 
cultural practices.
  We remembered great statesmen like Daniel Kahikina Akaka, U.S. 
Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry, who served in Congress over the 
course of five decades and recently passed away.
  We remembered philanthropists like Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.
  It has been 30 years since the last Year of the Hawaiian was 
celebrated in 1988, and important advancements by and for the Native 
Hawaiian community have been made since that time.
  We have seen the creation and expansion of Native Hawaiian immersion 
schools and Hawaiian-focused charter schools. We have seen the 
establishment of a College of Hawaiian Language at the University of 
Hawaii. We have seen the continued revitalization of Native Hawaiian 
navigation practices, including through the Malama Honua Worldwide 
Voyage, which visited more than 150 ports and 23 countries and 
territories.
  We have seen more than 14,000 Native Hawaiians serve in the U.S. 
military. We have seen the return of land and repatriation of Native 
Hawaiian cultural artifacts. We have seen the protection of Native 
Hawaiian burial sites. We have seen the expansion of Native Hawaiian 
healthcare services. We have seen the expansion of opportunities for 
Native Hawaiian businesses.
  We have also seen the Federal Government reiterate its special 
political and legal relationship with the Hawaiian people based on 
their unique status

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as an indigenous people of this country.
  These advancements, while important in themselves, represent a 
continued commitment to making sure the Federal Government upholds its 
responsibilities to the Hawaiian people.
  So as we continue through the Year of the Hawaiian and celebrate 
these achievements, let us also renew our commitment to the Hawaiian 
people and make sure we continue to fight for future generations.
  Mahalo nui loa.

                          ____________________