[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 25] [House] [Pages 33679-33682] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII FOR ITS 100 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 264) honoring the University of Hawaii for its 100 years of commitment to public higher education. The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution. The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows: H. Con. Res. 264 Whereas while the natural beauty of Hawaii is recognized throughout the world, the real beauty of the island state lies in its people, who, through their personal relationships with their families, friends, and neighbors, and through their dedicated efforts to serve the needs of the people of Hawaii, have created prosperity and high standards of living; Whereas the institution which would eventually become the University of Hawaii at Manoa finds its humble beginnings in 1907 in a small house on Young Street as the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts; Whereas with the establishment of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences in 1920, the university became a full-fledged university, known today as the University of Hawaii at Manoa; Whereas in 1941, the Hawaii Vocational School was founded near downtown Hilo, becoming a University branch campus in 1951 and the University of Hawaii at Hilo in 1970; Whereas in 1964, the University of Hawaii community colleges system was established with the creation of four community college campuses: Honolulu; Kapiolani; Kauai; and Maui, with Leeward joining the community college system in 1969, Windward in 1972, and Hawaii in 1990, as the seventh community college; Whereas West Oahu College was founded in 1976, gaining university status in 1989 as the University of Hawaii--West Oahu, the youngest of the university's baccalaureate degree- granting campuses; Whereas the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaii combined offer more than 620 certificate and degree-granting programs in a variety of nationally and internationally- recognized areas of excellence, including culinary arts, health sciences, construction, automotive mechanics, digital media, justice administration, forensic anthropology, indigenous languages, tropical agriculture, natural sciences, ocean sciences, earth sciences, astronomy, international business, languages and culture, legal studies, and medicine, to over 50,000 students across the State every year; Whereas the University of Hawaii has embraced and employed technological advances to reach and serve students via distance learning technologies on the Internet, two-way video, and cable television; Whereas the nearly 15,000 Hawaii residents who are employed full-time by the University of Hawaii as faculty, staff, researchers, and in other capacities, serve the University and the State of Hawaii by educating its citizens, contributing to the economy, supporting workforce development, and engaging the community to address societal issues and underserved populations; Whereas the impacts of the University of Hawaii are not confined to those students in its classrooms, but residents and visitors alike who benefit from its outreach, cultural, and entertainment programs: more than 75,000 people register in its non-credit courses; more than 33,000 people participate in university-sponsored conferences, workshops, and training sessions; nearly 130,000 people attend theater, music, and dance events at the University's performing arts centers at the Manoa, Hilo, Kauai, Leeward, and Windward campuses; and nearly 700,000 people cheer on the Manoa and Hilo athletic teams; Whereas the vitality of today's University of Hawaii touches someone in virtually every family in these islands; Whereas more than 250,000 alumni now residing in all 50 States and in more than 80 countries around the world are proud to call the University of Hawaii their alma mater, as the educational programs at the University have shaped these individuals into global citizens who contribute to the well- being of a world-wide society with a commitment to integrity, diversity, and service wherever they may be; Whereas the House of Representatives of the State of Hawaii proudly boasts 38 alumni of the University of Hawaii system, and the Senate 15, for a total of 53 proud alumni in the Hawaii State Legislature; Whereas 2007 marks the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of the University of Hawaii, a momentous occasion by nearly every measure; Whereas the centennial observance offers the people of Hawaii the opportunity to reflect on 100 years of higher education in Hawaii, celebrate the rich heritage of the University of Hawaii, honor the people who took part in building this outstanding educational enterprise, and envision an even more remarkable future of excellence, sustainability, and innovation that the University of Hawaii has introduced to our islands; Whereas over the past 100 years, the University of Hawaii has developed into a prominent, world-renowned educational institution famed for its gracious spirit of aloha; academic excellence, intellectual vigor, and opportunity; institutional integrity and service; diversity, cultural identity, social responsibility, and fairness; collaboration and respect; and accountability and fiscal integrity; Whereas ``Maluna a`e o na lahui a pau ke ola ke kanaka: Above All Nations is Humanity,'' the philosophy of the University of Hawaii is befitting for an institution that has transformed the lives of many around the world through their experiences at the University; and Whereas all four members of Hawaii's congressional delegation are proud graduates of the University of Hawaii: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress congratulates the University of Hawaii on the momentous occasion of its 100th Anniversary, and expresses its warmest aloha and best wishes for continued success. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Hawaii. General Leave Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert material relevant to House Concurrent Resolution 264 into the Record. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from Hawaii? There was no objection. Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 264, honoring the University of Hawai`i for its 100 years of dedication to public higher education. The 10 campuses of the University of Hawai`i offer more than 620 nationally and internationally recognized academic programs, everything from culinary arts to tropical agriculture. It is the only place in the Nation where students can earn a master's degree in indigenous language studies and has the top 25 programs for environmental law, eastern philosophy, international business, and second-language studies. The 50,000 students who attend the university include many of Hawaii's best and brightest. The sizable Native Hawaiian, Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and Pacific Islander populations on our campuses reflect the great diversity of our State. Their years at the University of Hawai`i will prepare them to be the business, community, and political leaders of tomorrow. I am proud to be among the 250,000 University of Hawai`i alumni who now reside in every State in the Union and in at least 80 countries around the world. This extended community brings the aloha spirit to the world at large. Just last week I was here on the floor of the House with my two green and white footballs in honor of the university Warriors' perfect 2007 football season. The Warriors are the only college team in the country to go undefeated, but they are just one of the UH sports teams we cheer on across the islands. From volleyball to basketball, our athletes draw nearly 700,000 fans to games every year. This is a special year for higher education in Hawaii. Not only is it University of Hawai`i's centennial, but it is also the 35th anniversary of the passage of title IX, now known as the [[Page 33680]] Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act. Patsy was a friend and continues to be an inspiration to me. This year the University of Hawai`i joined me and Congress in honoring Patsy and her trailblazing work to open the doors of higher education to women across the country. I want to take a moment to thank the people who make the University of Hawai`i what it is today. David McClain, the current president of the university, and the 17 presidents who have come before him have all been leaders, dedicated to excellence in public higher education. The phenomenal team of faculty and staff has truly made a positive difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of students, past and present. Those students, in turn, are making enormous contributions to our towns, our State, and our country. My years at the University of Hawai`i in the late '60s were a time of awakening and questioning for me. Attending the university made a profound difference in my life. In fact, all four members of Hawai`i's current congressional delegation have degrees from the University of Hawai`i. I am proud to work closely with the University of Hawai`i as a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor. As we come to the end of the 100th year in the university's history, congratulations to all involved. Here's to the next 100 successful years. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 264, honoring the University of Hawai`i for its 100 years of commitment to public higher education. In 1907, the Hawaii Territorial Legislature established the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in Honolulu under terms of the U.S. land grant legislation. Ten students began classes with 13 faculty members in September of the following year, and the first graduates received degrees in 1912. The university has been growing ever since. In 1912, the founding campus was renamed the College of Hawai`i, and it moved to its present location in the Manoa Valley. Pig farms and kiwi groves were cleared for construction of the first permanent building, Hawaii Hall. Six years later, William Kwai Fong Yap petitioned the legislature for university status and the campus became the University of Hawai`i in 1920. After the December 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, classes were suspended for 2 months, and University of Hawai`i students of Japanese ancestry formed the Varsity Victory Volunteers to assist with civil defense, many of whom later became a part of the famous 100th Infantry Battalion. In 1964, the University of Hawai`i Community Colleges System was established with four additional campuses. Two years later, the founding campus, now called UH Manoa, established a School of Travel Industry Management and the forerunner programs of the School of Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific studies. The John A. Burns School of Medicine opened in 1967, and construction began on the first telescope atop Mauna Kea volcano in 1968. In 2000, Hawaii voters overwhelmingly supported constitutional autonomy for the University of Hawai`i, ensuring the institution more control in the management of its resources. Honolulu Community College was selected to be one of only six Cisco Training Academies in the country to offer certified network professional training, and Maui Community College continued a tradition of statewide outreach by opening the Moloka'i Education Center. Additional highlights include winning the contract to manage the Maui Supercomputing Center for the Air Force Research Laboratory, and in 2003, walls were raised for a new medical school and biomedical research facility. Today, the University of Hawai`i system includes 10 campuses and dozens of educational, training, and research centers across the Hawaiian Islands. As the public system of higher education in Hawaii, UH offers opportunities as unique and diverse as the islands themselves. UH is the State's leading engine for economic growth and diversification, stimulating the local economy with jobs, research, and skilled workers. I am happy to join my good friend and colleague, Representative Hirono, in honoring this exceptional university for all of its accomplishments and wish the faculty, staff, and students continued success. I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Louisiana for his very complete and kind remarks in support of this measure, and I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from American Samoa, Hawaii's friend, and my friend, Eni Faleomavaega. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady from the great State of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, again I thank the gentlelady from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) and also the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Abercrombie) for their sponsorship of this legislation which honors the 100th anniversary of one of our Nation's great public institutions of learning, the University of Hawai`i, along with her 10 campuses established all over the State and some 620 certificate, degree, and postgraduate programs for some 50,000 students also currently attending the university. Mr. Speaker, I echo the sentiments expressed earlier by my colleague from Hawaii. This also exemplifies the caliber of the leadership coming from this great State of Hawaii. I think also of Mrs. Patsy Takomoto Mink for the 35th year now in celebrating the piece of legislation that she championed while a Member of this great institution, and that of course is title IX, which has given authorization to promote and enhance our women's athletic programs, which currently now are taking place all over the country. I also want to pay special commendation to the head coach of the University of Hawai`i Warriors, June Jones, for doing something that is very special to our island community: they are going to the Sugar Bowl. And having a perfect record, I am disappointed that Colt Brennan did not become the Heisman Trophy winner this year. But be that as it may, I do want to thank Coach June Jones for personally coming to my little territory, American Samoa, to recruit some of our football players who now make up in large part members of the University of Hawai`i Warrior team. I'm also reminded that some of the great leaders of our country are alumnae of the University of Hawai`i. As a former member of 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry Reserve Battalion, I can only think of Senator Inouye and the late Senator Spark Matsunaga, both graduates of the University of Hawai`i. I need not share with my colleagues the prominence and the tremendous leadership that these gentlemen have also exemplified while serving the great State of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, over the years, the University of Hawai`i has been the center of higher education for many of our Pacific Island leaders from Oceania, namely from Micronesia, Polynesia, and even Melanesia. The University of Hawai`i also played a critical role in coordinating and facilitating the academic programs instituted through the congressionally mandated institute currently known as the East-West Center. The East-West Center, since its inception in 1963, is a unique institution which, over the years, has brought scholars and leaders from all over the world to meet and discuss issues that are especially important to our Nation's economic, political, social and especially strategic and military interests with countries of the Asian Pacific region; and the University of Hawai`i, to this day, still is part of the East-West Center's current activities and programs. Mr. Speaker, I am especially proud that just a few days ago, an alumnus of the University of Hawai`i, who happens to be a relative also, Mr. Ken Niumatalolo, whose parents, Simi and La Niumatalolo, from the little village of La'ie, Hawaii, is now the newly appointed head coach of the football team of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. [[Page 33681]] As far as I'm aware, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Niumatalolo is the first of Samoan and Polynesian ancestry to coach an NCAA Division I university team, again a credit also to the University of Hawai`i for giving Mr. Niumatalolo a chance not only to play as a quarterback for the UH Warriors, but to enroll as a student and to obtain a good education. {time} 1345 Mr. Speaker, again, my congratulations not only to my distinguished friend and dear colleague Ms. Hirono for introducing this legislation, but to honor this great institution, the University of Hawai`i. Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, coming from the great State of Louisiana, I wish to issue a warm welcome to the University of Hawai`i as they come to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, and I also want to congratulate them on a perfect regular season for their football team. Mr. Speaker, I have no further Members on this side wishing to speak and I yield back. Ms. HIRONO. I thank my colleague from Louisiana for your warm, what we call, ``Aloha'' welcome to your State. Expect thousands and thousands of rabid Rainbow Warrior fans to descend upon your State to spend money but mainly to cheer on our undefeated team, the Warriors. I would like to add also, Mr. Speaker, that my colleague Neil Abercrombie, who is even as we speak on a plane coming back to Washington, DC, is, of course, very much in support of this resolution. As I mentioned, all four Members of our congressional delegation have one degree or another from the University of Hawai`i. In Neil's case, it is a Ph.D., and he also had taught at the University of Hawai`i. I'm looking forward to also working with Mr. Miller on reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, which has helped the University of Hawai`i so much over the years, and it's an honor for me to be on the Higher Education Committee, because the University of Hawai`i, unlike many other States, is the institution of higher learning in Hawaii. It is the public institution of higher learning in Hawaii, which is why literally hundreds of thousands of us have matriculated at the university, and we have a lot to be thankful for for the kind of quality education that the University of Hawai`i has offered to us and continues to do so for the 50,000 or so students who are on campuses all across the State. And as we are moving forward to celebrate our 100th anniversary, we even now prepare to move forward to create further campuses on Oahu and the neighbor islands to afford more educational opportunities, particularly in the rural areas of our State for students in those areas. So with that, Mr. Speaker, thank you very much, and my colleague from Louisiana, once again, ``Mahalo nui loa,'' to each one of you in support of this resolution. Mr. ABERCROMBIE: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 264, honoring the University of Hawaii for 100 years of educating and serving the people of the state of Hawaii. I'd like to thank Congresswoman Hirono and Chairman Miller for their support of this legislation. I'd like to recognize President David McClain and the administration and faculty of UH for all their hard work and dedication. UH holds a distinguished record of achievement in academics, community service and athletics. As a proud alumni and former faculty member of the University of Hawaii, I know personally the impact of the school on those who work and learn there. Yet, that is not the full extent of the University's reach; it touches in some capacity nearly every person in the state. In 1907, the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in Honolulu was established by the Hawaii Territorial Legislature with 10 students and 13 faculty members. Today, the University of Hawaii system is spread across the state with 10 campuses, 3 degree-granting universities: Manoa, the flagship campus, Hilo, and West Oahu; and 7 community colleges: Hawaii, Honolulu, Kapiolani, Kauai, Leeward, Maui, and Windward. The system includes the John A. Burns School of Medicine, the William S. Richardson School of Law, the Shidler College of Business, the College of Pharmacy, and the Congressionally-established East-West Center. There are currently over 50,000 students and 624 academic programs. Across the system, UH's students and faculty have won countless awards, and been recognized for agriculture, anthropology, computer programming, diversity, education and curriculum research, international business, medical research, oceanographic science, public service, and myriad other fields of study. The University values aloha, the Hawaiian concept that embraces respect for the history, traditions and culture of Hawaii's indigenous people. It reflects compassion for all people and commitment to the well-being of these islands. To practice this value UH employs nearly 15,000 Hawaii residents who serve the University and the State of Hawaii by educating its citizens, contributing to the economy, supporting workforce development and engaging the community in addressing societal issues and the challenges faced by underserved populations. The University has also produced more than 250,000 alumni, now residing in all 50 states and more than 80 countries around the world, who are proud to call the University of Hawaii their alma mater. The educational programs at the University have shaped these individuals into global citizens who contribute to the well-being of a world-wide society, with a commitment to integrity, diversity, and service wherever they may be. Alumni who live abroad and on the U.S. mainland take the aloha spirit with them across the nation and world to enrich the lives of others. Among these alumni are all four current and two former members of the Hawaii congressional delegation; former Surgeon General of the United States Kenneth Moritsugu; Time Warner Chairman and CEO Richard Parsons; Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio Grey; 53 members of the Hawaii State Legislature; numerous professional athletes; and many other academic, art, athletic, business and political leaders. As a reflection of the state of Hawaii, UH is a rainbow of ethnicities, cultures, nationalities, languages and ideas. The University maintains that society is best served by representing populations equitably throughout UH, and that diverse perspectives help root out prejudice and injustice. This dedication is captured succinctly in the motto of the University, ``Ma luna ae o na lahui a pau ke ola o ke kanaka,'' or ``Above all nations is humanity.'' The value of diversity is also shown through the student body: UH is one of the most diverse universities in the nation, with no dominant ethnic group and over 2,500 international students. A further source of pride for the University of Hawaii is the Warriors and Wahine. The athletes, coaches, and support staff are some of the most accomplished and dedicated members of the UH ohana, or family. There are no professional sports teams in Hawaii and the student-athletes of the University carry much expectation and affection from the state. The UH women's volleyball team is among the most esteemed programs in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), winning three NCAA national championships and one Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW, the predecessor to the NCAA for women's sports) national championship, and are consistently in the hunt for a national championship year after year. The Wahine have produced 23 All-Americans, and three National Players of the Year. The Warrior football team is also an immense source of pride to the state. This year the Warriors were the only NCAA Division I school to go undefeated during the regular season and will be playing on New Year's Day in the Sugar Bowl. The current and former starting quarterbacks; Heisman Trophy finalist Colt Brennan and Timmy Chang, hold numerous NCAA records. The entire state will be cheering on the Warriors and, win or lose, will show aloha to this team. The women's volleyball and football team are two of the 21 programs at the University, all of which bring pride and joy to the people of Hawaii. On this 100th anniversary of the University of Hawaii, I am honored to be able to extend my aloha and mahalo to UH for all it has afforded me personally, and to the state of Hawaii, which is truly enriched because of the efforts of the University. Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the remainder of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 264. The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was agreed to. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. [[Page 33682]] ____________________