Aloha kakahiaka. It is wonderful to join you this morning for the first meeting of Na Hoa Pili O Kaloko-Honokohau, the Kaloko-Honokohau National Park Advisory Commission. As the commissioners assume responsibility for advising the park superintendent and National Park Service director on park programs, I am confident that the mission of Kaloko-Honokohau will be defended and enhanced by your mana`o.
You are charged with advising the director of the National Park Service on historical, archaeological, cultural, and interpretive programs for the park. The programs you develop will provide for the preservation, interpretation, and perpetuation of traditional Native Hawaiian culture. Each commissioner brings a distinct perspective and expertise to the panel. As a group and as a people, however, we are all united in our aloha `aina and commitment to establish Kaloko-Honokohau as a living resource for the education, enjoyment, and understanding of traditional Hawaiian culture and activities by residents and visitors.
It has taken us two decades and two acts of Congress to arrive at this moment, a passage of time that has heightened the anticipation and appreciation of the truly historic nature of this national park. Kaloko-Honokohau is exceptional within the National Park Service. The importance of the complex as a site for active and intimate participation by Native Hawaiians in traditional cultural activities and practices--its establishment as a living museum--is a unique celebration of an indigenous people and their culture within the federal park system. The preeminence accorded spiritual renewal at Kaloko-Honokohau, and the priority accorded cultural resources in the park's management plan, renew the essence of the once-vibrant settlement for today's Native Hawaiians, indeed, for all Hawaii's people and all who visit our islands.
The revitalization of our culture, heritage, and language is an essential component in improving conditions for our people. And I am so very proud that Native Hawaiians are meeting this challenge. From Hawaiian language immersion schooling to culture and arts programs and the pride of Hokulea--these are shining examples of our vitality and creativity as a people who have much to share with the rest of the world.
The blossoming of Kaloko-Honokohau--the fulfilment of the proposal laid out in the 1974 study report, Spirit of Kaloko-Honokohau--represents another chapter in the renaissance of our culture. The challenge is great, but I know you are all up to the task.
We also recognize the multi-cultural population of our state. In our efforts to revitalize the Hawaiian culture, we need not disavow or exclude other cultural identities in order to strengthen the Hawaiian values within ourselves. As the world continues to rapidly change, both culturally and technologically, it requires us to search deeply into our culture and to preserve it while learning what other cultures have to offer and to actively promote cultural exchanges. We cannot expect people to understand us as an indigenous people if we do not let them know who we are. It is imperative that we appreciate where we come from as a people when we look at where Native Hawaiians are today.
Spiritually, culturally, and economically, both here and abroad, we strive toward a common purpose and self-determination. We are working hard to secure a bright future for our keiki and mo`opuna. I thank all who will serve as commissioners and everyone associated with Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park for endowing us with your talents. I encourage everyone here this morning to imua, move forward, and to contribute individually and collectively to help perpetuate and share our heritage and traditions, for cultural understanding and knowledge of our history are key if we are to rise above our differences and instill pride and unity among our people.
Mahalo for your service. Kulia i ka nu`u. Reach for the best.
Mahalo nui loa and aloha.
