[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 87 (Tuesday, May 23, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H2511-H2512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING IAM TONGI ON WINNING ``AMERICAN IDOL''

  (Ms. TOKUDA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. TOKUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Iam Tongi, a 
proud son of Kahuku, on winning season 21 of ``American Idol.'' A 
fellow child of the Windward side, a ``keiki,'' ``child'' of 
Ko'olauloa, Iam is the first Hawaii-born and Pacific Islander 
contestant to ever win ``American Idol.''
  Throughout his ``American Idol'' journey, Iam captured the hearts of 
viewers across the country with his incredible voice and soulful 
tributes to his late father, Rodney.
  While on the show, Iam not only showcased Hawaii's local music and

[[Page H2512]]

sound, but also the challenges with getting priced out of paradise. 
Like many ``kama aina,'' ``residents,'' Iam and his family were forced 
to move to the Mainland because of Hawaii's high cost of living.
  I have shared this with many of my colleagues here: Our children like 
Iam have become our greatest exports. That is not ``pono''; that is not 
``right.'' We must make Hawaii more affordable so that families like 
Iam's don't have to leave their home.

  Iam's music, his story, and his spirit have inspired millions of 
Americans across this country. Hawaii is so proud of him. Wherever he 
goes, I hope he knows Hawaii will always be his home and his ``ohana'' 
``family.''

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