United States Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D - Hawaii) issued the following statement on President Clinton's signing of an executive order establishing a White House Asian American and Pacific Islander initiative and advisory commission. The executive order is intended to improve the quality of life of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who are often underserved by Federal programs and services. The executive order outlines steps to be taken to ensure that Federal programs are responsive to the distinct needs of diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities, including the collection and dissemination of data on public health and other social services.

"President Clinton has acted decisively and appropriately to address the health and human services needs of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The concerns of our established Asian American communities often differ from those of our most recent immigrants. Language differences and cultural diversity also characterize over 40 distinct Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. This executive order and White House initiative will enable the collection and analysis of data with precision that has been lacking to date. This information will ensure that the Federal government is fully responsive to the health and well-being of all Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

"It is also notable that in this executive order, the President clearly recognizes Native Hawaiians as an aboriginal, indigenous, native people. This understanding of Native Hawaiians as indigenous is imperative as we continue efforts to establish and implement a process of reconciliation between Native Hawaiians and the Federal government. The Department of Justice, in response to my request, has designated the Office of Tribal Justice to work with Native Hawaiians to implement a constructive dialogue between Native Hawaiians and the Federal government."