Me ku'u Aloha. Welina! It is a pleasure to join you to honor the life and legacy of Ka Moi Kamehameha, unifier of the Hawaiian Islands and a heroic, historic figure who continues to inspire and command the respect of Hawaii's people, both Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian, kamaaina and malihini.
Today's gathering demonstrates that although we may be thousands of miles away from home, we all carry Hawaii with us in our hearts. It is good to see so many old friends and new faces, and I commend the Hawaii State Society and say mahalo nui loa for perpetuating this wonderful tradition in our Nation's Capital.
It is fitting that celebrations of the life and legacy of Kamehameha the Great are not limited to the islands he first unified into the Kingdom of Hawaii. For Kamehameha was very knowledgeable about the world outside Hawaii, and welcomed the exchange and flow of ideas, technology, and cultures. Throughout his life, Kamehameha honored Hawaiian traditions while embracing and adapting Western innovation, striving to do what was just and good for his subjects. In many ways, this remains Kamehameha's greatest inheritance to all of us who are Hawaiian by blood, by birth, or by choice. It is why we honor this great man today, and why the name and legend of Kamehameha continue to inspire and educate people around the world.
This is an exciting time of expectation and hope for the Hawaiian people. Over the past few months, we have taken steps forward in the process of reconciliation between the United States and Native Hawaiians.
In Washington, our Congressional delegation and our friends from Samoa, Guam, and the Asian Pacific Caucus are leading the effort to clarify the political relationship between Native Hawaiians and the federal government and establish a process for Native Hawaiians to determine what relationship they want to pursue with Washington.
The process of reconciliation and our Congressional Task Force on Native Hawaiian Issues are both efforts to establish a strong dialogue and address a number of issues concerning Native Hawaiians and the federal government. This progress reflects a strengthened understanding and commitment on the part of this Administration and the federal government to work with us and the Hawaiian community.
I encourage all the people of Hawaii to embrace this important opportunity so that we are able to broaden understanding in Hawaii and Washington, D.C., and move forward the process of healing. We have a wonderful opportunity to work together to build a better Hawaii.
For far too long, Hawaiians have been characterized as a people who are divided. I must say, however, that all of us want the same thing - a better future for our children. The time has come for us to coordinate our efforts, to imua, and to move together as one. That is our mission and that is our goal.
The success of this effort assists not only Native Hawaiians, but benefits all the people of Hawaii and strengthens our communities.
Coming together with aloha, sharing our culture and heritage, has made Hawaii the island home we all love so much. We must continue to seek common ground and renew the bonds of community. When we work together we can meet any challenge and fulfill the promise that is America.
In Hawaii, we all share and love the Hawaiian culture, language and spirit of Aloha. As we celebrate Kamehameha Day, let us commemorate the king's legacy of unification. Let us join together and work together to address the challenges facing the people of Hawaii. Side by side we will create a bright future for all of our children.
E `ala kakou! Let us rise to meet this challenge; not only for Native Hawaiians, but for all the people of Hawaii.
Today, as celebrate and honor the life of Kamehameha the Great, let us remember and learn from his efforts as we proudly affirm our unity as the people of Hawaii.
Mahalo nui loa.
Malama pono.
Ahui hou!
