[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 22128]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  TO COMMEMORATE THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF 
                                 HAWAII

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, the year 2000 marks an occasion 
that is worthy of recognition by the Senate. The Chamber of Commerce of 
Hawaii celebrates its sesquicentennial, marking the 150th anniversary 
of its first meeting, on October 15, 1850, of a group of Honolulu 
businessmen at the behest of Hawaii's King Kamehameha III. They founded 
the Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, an organization that would lead the 
Hawaiian Islands' growth in trade, commerce, economic and social 
development through the years. The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii is the 
second-oldest chamber of commerce west of the Rockies, and the only 
American chamber founded under a monarchy.
  The history of The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii includes many, many 
accomplishments. I wish to provide a glimpse of their more notable 
achievements which I believe merit recognition.
  In 1867, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii initiated negotiations for 
the first treaty of reciprocity in trade between the United States of 
America and the Kingdom of Hawaii.
  The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii authored the Hawaiian National 
Banking Act of 1884, allowing the establishment of the banking system 
that has evolved into Hawaii's current system.
  In 1898, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii began its successful 
advocacy for a Hawaii-San Francisco TransPacific cable.
  The Hawaii Visitors Bureau, today known as the Hawaii Visitors and 
Conventions Bureau, was founded by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii in 
1903. This agency has led the development of Hawaii's visitor industry, 
which today is the largest sector of Hawaii's economy.
  In 1907, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii conducted a survey of the 
Pearl River to facilitate the construction of a harbor and dry dock 
that is now Pearl Harbor. The United States Pacific Command today 
provides a strong, forward based U.S. defense in the Asia-Pacific 
region from this great harbor.
  In 1919, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii founded Aloha United Way, 
Hawaii's leading charitable organization which annually collects 
millions of dollars for the needy in Hawaii.
  The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii became the trustee of Hawaii's 
Public Health Fund in 1923. The Public Health Fund provides seed money 
for approximately 20 public health projects each year.
  In 1928, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii's aviation committee 
sought out airlines to provide the first interisland air service.
  In 1929, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii drafted a plan to increase 
the depth of Honolulu Harbor to accommodate modern ships and facilitate 
international trade. Today, Honolulu Harbor is our primary port of 
entry for the vast majority of all goods to Hawaii.
  In 1941. The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii founded the Blood Bank of 
Hawaii. Later that year, the services of the Blood Bank helped to save 
many lives when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7th, 1941.
  The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii was an active and vocal advocate 
for statehood for Hawaii. In 1959, The Chamber joined other local 
advocates in celebrating Hawaii's statehood.
  In 1978, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii played a leading role in 
Hawaii's State Constitutional Convention.
  Throughout its 150-year history, and continuing today, The Chamber of 
Commerce of Hawaii has helped to support a strong U.S. economic and 
military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. As the economies of the 
region grow, The Chamber's continued support for a strong, forward 
based military presence that provides the stability prerequisite to 
prosperity will be important. The Chamber's continued work to promote 
economic development in the region will play a vital role in aiding the 
goals and interests of Hawaii and the United States in the Asia-Pacific 
region.
  Congratulations to The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii on its 150th 
anniversary, and best wishes for continued success in the years 
ahead.

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