Washington, D.C. -- Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka stressed the importance of native languages and praised the success of Hawaiian immersion schools during an address last week at the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Native Languages Legislative Summit.

In speaking to the summit's attendees on Capitol Hill, Akaka recognized language instructors and two graduates of Nawahiokalaniopuu Hawaiian immersion school in Keaau.

"In my home state of Hawaii, Native Hawaiian immersion schools are achieving great success. Many students who have graduated from these schools have gone on to succeed in higher education and are leaders in our communities," said Akaka.

"Two fine examples are here -- Ku'uwehi Hiraishi, who recently graduated from Seattle University, and Holo Ho'opai, who is a senior at Stanford University."

"These students are steeped in not only the language, traditions, and knowledge of their ancestors, but are also empowered and equipped with the tools to combat contemporary challenges that confront our communities," said Akaka.

Akaka was introduced by Anuenue School Vice Principal and NIEA President-elect Verlie Ann Malina-Wright of Honolulu.

"It is because of the support of leaders like Senator Akaka, an advocate of native languages, that we are able to get the kind of funding that is necessary to keep language schools alive," said Malina-Wright.

In April Akaka introduced S. 2674, the Native American Languages Act Amendments Act of 2006, to provide for the support of Native American Language Nests and Survival Schools.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

Hiraishi and Ho'opai joined University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Hawaiian Language Prof. Pila Williams and Director Kalena Silva in the nation's capital to provide information in support of the legislation to Akaka's fellow members of the U.S. Senate.

Silva said, "Language is the fiber that binds us to our cultural identity and the legislation that Senator Akaka has introduced is vital for the survival of native languages. We are here to stress the importance of this bill to Congress and get support."