[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27636]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



     SUPPORT OF A COMMEMORATIVE STAMP HONORING DUKE PAOA KAHANAMOKU

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 28, 1999

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share with my colleagues 
the story of one of Hawaii's greatest citizens, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku.
  Duke Kahanamoku, who was born on August 24, 1890, is perhaps the most 
beloved and respected person in Hawaii's recent history. Hawaii's first 
Olympic champion, Duke represented the United States at the Olympic 
Games in 1912, 1920, 1924, and 1932, breaking world swimming records 
and winning five medals, including two gold medals for the 100-meter 
freestyle. A world-class surfer as well as swimmer, he introduced the 
ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing to the world and is widely recognized 
as the ``Father of Modern Surfing.'' Duke was the first athlete to be 
elected to the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the 
International Surfing Hall of Fame. He was elected to the U.S. Olympic 
Hall of Fame in 1984.
  Duke Kahanamoku's enormous personal charm and genial nature won 
friends for the United States and Hawaii from throughout the world. 
Duke was a full-blooded Hawaiian raised with the traditions and values 
of the Hawaiian culture. He truly embodies the spirit of aloha.
  Duke retired from competition swimming after the 1934 Olympiad, at 
age 44. In 1936 he was elected to the office of Sheriff of the City and 
County of Honolulu--and was reelected for 13 straight terms. Though he 
passed away in 1968 at the age of 77, Duke remains a hero and source of 
pride not only to Native Hawaiians but to all the people of Hawaii. His 
accomplishments and sportsmanship are remembered by practitioners and 
fans of ocean sports worldwide.
  A campaign to have a U.S. commemorative stamp issued in honor of Duke 
Kahanamoku has garnered strong support from the people of Hawaii and 
from his many fans throughout the nation. I have been informed that the 
proposal for a stamp honoring Duke is under serious consideration by 
the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee. His many admirers are hopeful 
that he will be honored with a stamp in 2001.

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