[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     MAUI MINUTE 10: MENTAL HEALTH

  (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, last week in Lahaina, my team and I 
participated in a morning pule, or prayer, that EPA and Army Corps 
workers do each day with the cultural monitors who join them.
  Standing in a circle, they speak `` 'olelo Hawaii,'' ``Hawaiian 
language,'' rhythmically cupping and clapping their hands as they ask 
for safety while they work.
  They do another pule at the end of the day to leave behind any 
negative energy they connected with during their work.
  Looking at the remains of our beloved former capital of the Kingdom 
of Hawaii, one understands these chants are necessary, both to ask for 
permission to enter and to have a way to respectfully separate at the 
end of the day.
  This has been a mission assignment unlike any. Under the leadership 
of Colonel Jesse Curry, the Army Corps has made unprecedented efforts 
to respect the people, culture, and environment and to protect the 
sacred spaces throughout Maui that were impacted by the fires.
  As Colonel Curry soon departs Maui, I hope he knows his commitment to 
our people and community will not be forgotten.
  Mahalo, Colonel Curry, for taking care of our home like it was your 
home. Please know that you will always be welcomed back as a ``local,'' 
a ``kama'aina.''

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