Statuary Hall - United States Capitol - Washington, D.C.
Aloha kakou! It is a privilege to join you this afternoon as we honor our beloved leader, Ka Mo'i Kamehameha. To this day the people of Hawaii nei, this country, and throughout the world celebrate his life and achievements. Kamehameha stands here in Statuary Hall-a striking figure recalling, his reputation as a skilled, disciplined, and powerful warrior; and as a statesman that brought justice, peace, and prosperity to his people.
I extend my heartfelt mahalo to the Hawaii State Society for their continued dedication in organizing this annual event, which is a much anticipated tradition for the Hawaii community in Washington, D.C. I share my warm aloha with my colleagues of the Hawaii Congressional Delegation, Congressman Eni Faleomaevaega, the staff and trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, representatives of the Hawaiian benevolent societies, members of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and to all who traveled to be here today.
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.
As the first leader of the Kingdom of Hawaii, his foresight and initiative built a UNITED nation from the separate Hawaiian chieftoms. He reached out to other cultures and nations while remaining strongly rooted in Hawaiian traditions. He improved heiau and communities, maintained irrigation systems, managed natural resources, and appointed regional leaders and advisors. Kamehameha was determined to build a NEW Hawaii that incorporated Western ideas and technologies into a rich Hawaiian culture. It is for his wisdom and ambitious leadership that we fondly refer to him as, Kamehameha the Great.
Kamehameha UNIFIED our people. The governance our ancestors exercised brought pride and a sense of self and purpose to our people. It is a legacy that exists because of the opportunities Kamehameha provided and the example that he established.
It is important that people of Hawaii and people of this nation acknowledge the history and experience of Native Hawaiians. In 1893 with active participation by agents of the United States, our kingdom was overthrown and taken by force. This significant event marked the end of self-governance by Hawaii's indigenous people. We were separated from our land, from our people, from our culture. And although we continued to exist, the ability to be who we are in our own homeland was greatly hindered.
After one-hundred-and-fourteen (114) years, we have fostered limited progress in the revitalization and perpetuation of our culture. It has been limited because the United States has not acknowledged its FULL kuleana-its responsibility to respect our desire and ability to be truly self-governing people. It requires action on the part of the United States to treat all of its indigenous people EQUITABLY by extending the federal policy of self-governance and self-determination to the Native Hawaiians. It is within the authority of Congress to demonstrate that America does not just preach about federal policy and justice, but honors them.
In an effort, to restore UNIFIED governance to our people, I along with the Hawaii Congressional Delegation have worked to enact the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act. This bill is about empowering Native Hawaiians to not just advocate for themselves, but to be held accountable in developing policies that are respectful of indigenous peoples. This maintains the Hawaii we know and love. The Hawaii that is strengthened by its indigenous culture and its embracing of all people.
My bill authorizes a process for the reorganization of the Native Hawaiian governing entity for the purposes of a federally recognized government-to-government relationship. Once the Native Hawaiian governing entity is recognized, the bill establishes an inclusive, democratic negotiations process representing both Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians. Negotiations between the Native Hawaiian governing entity and the federal and state governments may address issues such as the transfer of lands, assets, and natural resources and jurisdiction over them, as well as other longstanding issues resulting from the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Any transfers of governmental authority or power will require implementing legislation at the state and federal levels.
There are many checks and balances in this process which has the structure necessary to comply with federal law while maintaining the flexibility for Native Hawaiians to determine the outcome of this process. We emphasize that enactment of the bill:
will NOT allow for private lands to be taken
will NOT lead to Hawaii seceding from the Union
will NOT allow for gambling in Hawaii.
Instead, the legislation allows us to perpetuate the indigenous culture of Hawaii and provide a better future for our children. Only by dealing with these issues, will all the people of Hawaii be able to move forward-UNIFIED and TOGETHER.
I am proud to report that both the Senate and House versions of the bill have been favorably reported out of their respective Committees. I continue to work with the Majority Leader, our Delegation, and a bipartisan coalition of my colleagues to debate this bill in the Senate and enact this legislation important to all the people of Hawaii.
As we honor Kamehameha, let us remember that he is more than just a historical figure, he is an example for all the people of this country to be compassionate to one another. It is quite humbling to observe just how far reaching and significant his contributions were to Hawaii and to America nearly 200 years after his death. One example is in our Hawaii state constitution, which reads:
"The law of the splintered paddle, mamala-hoe kanawai, decreed by Kamehameha I -- Let every elderly person, woman and child lie by the roadside in safety -- shall be a unique and living symbol of the State's concern for public safety. The State shall have the power to provide for the safety of the people from crimes against persons and property."
Throughout his reign, Kamehameha nurtured relationships among different people, fostering a culture of caring; a spirit that we refer to as malama pono. It is a common thread seen in endeavors that perpetuate the values and legacy of the Hawaiian people. Like Kamehameha, the ali‘i that followed him continued the legacy to address the needs of our people. Trusts were established to provide our children with educational opportunities and to care for the health of our people and welfare of our elderly. These are the cherished institutions of Hawaii that connect us to our ali‘i and remind us all of our responsibility to care for one another. This is Kamehameha's contribution to his people and the world. This is his legacy that we should all proudly carry on.
Each year following this event, the fragrance of maile and flowers linger in the Capitol. The many lei 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.
There is much work to be done. And there will be many more challenges that lie ahead. However, we must be unified in our approach and stand strong in the face of adversity. Our Congressional delegation is working to RESTORE governance to Native Hawaiians and CULTIVATE a greater UNITY that the state of Hawaii has NOT yet realized.
As I look across this room, I am filled with a great sense of hope that our people will not sit quietly, but will make great strides for the benefit of all the people of Hawaii. We are not alone in this quest to bring about what is pono and just for our people.
Imua, e na poki‘i, a inu i ka wai ‘awa‘awa.
Let us move forward my brothers and sisters, and drink of the bitter waters.
I keia wa, ‘a‘ohe hope, e ho‘i mai ai.
Now, there is no turning back, there is no retreat.
God bless you. God bless Hawaii and God bless America.
