[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2753-S2754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                RECOGNIZING THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL

 Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, I would like to recognize and 
celebrate the Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual event held in Hilo, 
HI, that honors the legacy of King David Kalakaua, known as the 
``Merrie Monarch.'' The festival continues to be a beacon of cultural 
preservation and a showcase of the rich heritage and traditions of the 
Native Hawaiian culture.
  Since its inception in 1963, the Merrie Monarch Festival has embraced 
and perpetuated the art of hula--a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture that 
communicates history, spirituality, and identity through movement, 
song, and chant. The festival provides a platform for kumu hula, or 
hula teachers, and their halau, or hula schools, to share their 
knowledge and artistry, ensuring that these traditions continue to 
thrive for generations to come.
  Through the tireless commitment of several dedicated families and 
individuals, the Merrie Monarch Festival has

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not just endured but grown to be a global event, fostering a deeper 
appreciation and understanding of Hawaiian culture with the thousands 
who watch in person, on TV, and online. The competition, craft fairs, 
parade, and other associated events are special opportunities for local 
artisans, businessowners, musicians, and more to share their talents 
with the world. The Merrie Monarch Festival both honors the past and 
traditional knowledge and celebrates how the Hawaiian culture continues 
to live on.
  I commend the organizers, participants, and supporters of the Merrie 
Monarch Festival for their steadfast dedication to perpetuating 
Hawaiian cultural practices. Their efforts honor the legacy of King 
Kalakaua and emphasize the significance of sustaining Native Hawaiian 
traditions in our contemporary world.

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