[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 190 (Wednesday, November 15, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H5882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DARLENE KEHAULANI BUTTS

  (Ms. TOKUDA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. TOKUDA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and legacy 
of Darlene Kehaulani Butts, known by many as Auntie Kehau.
  Born and raised in Wahiawa, Oahu, and a proud graduate of Leilehua 
High School, Auntie Kehau dedicated her life to serving her community, 
advocating for Native Hawaiians, and perpetuating the traditions and 
values of Hawaii in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area.
  In 1998, Auntie Kehau started a catering company in Stafford, 
Virginia, to share iconic Hawaiian foods with local residents and 
Hawaii expats, myself included. In 2004, she helped found and became 
the inaugural president of Ke Alii Makaainana Hawaiian Civic Club.
  For decades, she also served as chair of the annual King Kamehameha 
Day Lei Draping Ceremony, working closely with the Hawaiian 
congressional delegation, local leaders, Native Hawaiian organizations, 
and other stakeholders to honor Hawaii's greatest king and Saint Damien 
with lei, Hawaiian music, and hula here in the United States Capitol.
  In all that she did, Auntie Kehau was never short of aloha. She 
helped former Hawaiian residents find homes in the DMV area and 
welcomed so many others to take part in preserving Hawaiian culture.
  Auntie Kehau's tireless efforts will be remembered and celebrated for 
generations to come.
  Mahalo.

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