[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20977]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 ON THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAWAII COUNTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. ED CASE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2005

  Mr. CASE. Mr. Speaker, I rise proudly to join many others in offering 
my heartiest congratulations to the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity 
Council (HCEOC) on the occasion of its 40th anniversary on November 18, 
2005.
  Over these last four decades, HCEOC has epitomized the letter and 
spirit of economic opportunity envisioned by President John F. Kennedy 
and others. It has lifted two whole generations now of Big Islanders up 
and into lives of productive contributions and economic self-
sufficiency, in the process advancing and enriching all of our Hawaii.
  HCEOC has done so by providing good employment opportunities to those 
in need and by delivering to our Hawaii Island community with loyal and 
continued patronage for goods and services. Countless families, friends 
and neighbors have benefited directly from its programs, which include 
child development, education, housing, energy assistance, 
transportation services, and economic development projects.
  Additionally, HCEOC has taken a leadership role in mentoring our Big 
Island youth and keeping them out of trouble and away from the scourge 
of drugs that has ravaged too many. HCEOC's after-school program, for 
example, has helped more than 4,000 students while unbelievably seeing 
only eight drop out. Not a single enrolled student has ever been 
arrested for drugs during or after his or her participation in the 
program.
  Much of HCEOC's success is owed to its wonderful and dedicated staff, 
particularly its longtime executive director, George Yokoya-
ma. George, indomitably optimistic and colorfully individual, has 
dedicated himself tirelessly and loyally over a long and illustrious 
career to help those too often forgotten or marginalized. George's deep 
commitment to his community is an inspiration to us all, and I know 
that I speak for all of us in thanking him for all he has done for our 
Hawaii.
  Mahalo nui loa to HCEOC for making the Big Island, my home island, a 
better and more livable community. I wish each and all of you continued 
success over the next 40 years and beyond.

                          ____________________