WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hawaii's Congressional delegation offered thoughts on the life and contributions of Hawaii's first king, Kamehameha I, today during ceremonies in the U.S. Capitol. The annual event, which featured hula performances and a traditional lei draping of the Kamehameha statue, was attended by more than three hundred people, including many former Hawaii residents living in the D.C. metropolitan area.

"Kamehameha deserves to be remembered as a visionary-an ali'i who was well ahead of his time. He exemplified the resilience of the Hawaiian people in the face of change and adversity. Navigating the unknown and building upon the foundation of his ancestors, to lead the Hawaiian people from a fledgling nation, into a unified and productive society," said U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka. "Each year following this event, the fragrance of maile and flowers linger in the Capitol. The many leis that will adorn Kamehameha's statue will serve as an important visual reminder to Congress and the American people about the plight of the Hawaiians."

"King Kamehameha is well known for uniting the Hawaiian Islands, and, today more than ever, Native Hawaiians must unite. The Native Hawaiian community must come together for the common good of the people, and take control of its future," said U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. "Native Hawaiians must protect the outstanding and effective programs that the United States Congress has passed into law to assist Native Hawaiians. These Native Hawaiian programs include initiatives involving education, health care, housing, job training, and preservation of the Hawaiian language. All of these programs are vital for a flourishing and vibrant Native Hawaiian community and culture that are the defining features of our nation's 50th state."

"Kamehameha is translated to mean ‘the very lonely one' or ‘the one set apart.' His name appropriately defines the caliber of his benevolent leadership that set him apart from all lesser alii of his day," said U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono. "In Statuary Hall where we are gathered today, Kamehameha stands alone as the only statue of royalty, distinguishing himself apart from the many prominent figures that grace these chambers."

Although U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie could not attend today's celebration, he sent a 20-foot maile lei from the island of Hawaii and his comments were read to those gathered.

"This annual event in the U.S. Capitol underscores the unique place that King Kamehameha the Great and our state hold in our country's history," said Congressman Abercrombie." "Through his roles as a warrior, statesman, and diplomat-and as a contemporary of George Washington, King Kamehameha unified our islands, which gave birth to the Kingdom of Hawaii. We honor his place in history, as part of the only holiday in the U.S. that honors a monarch and his reign in the only state that was once kingdom."