Aloha. I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 243, which would authorize the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the 41st annual Kamehameha Day Lei Draping…
Aloha. I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 243, which would authorize the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the 41st annual Kamehameha Day Lei Draping Ceremony. Even as I speak, I am wearing a beautiful floral lei from Hawaii.
I would like to thank Chairman Brady for his leadership and for allowing this bill to be brought forward in an expeditious manner; and I thank my friend, Congressman Stearns, for his remarks. I would also like to thank the sponsors of this bill, my fellow Pacific island delegation members, former Congressman Abercrombie, Congressman Faleomavaega, Congresswoman Bordallo, and Congressman Sablan, for their support.
Since 1969, the Hawaii congressional delegation and the Hawaii State Society of Washington, DC., have hosted the Kamehameha Day Lei Draping Ceremony. The ceremony has been held on or about June 11 to coincide with the celebration of Kamehameha Day, a State holiday in Hawaii. This year, the event will be held in DC on Sunday, June 6. The location of the Kamehameha statue in emancipation hall requires that a concurrent resolution be passed to authorize the use of the space for their ceremony.
King Kamehameha is a legendary figure to the people of Hawaii and the Pacific. He was a king of great physical and mental prowess who united the Hawaiian islands and prepared Hawaii for the challenges of a new era. Kamehameha was a fierce warrior, a resourceful strategist, a visionary, ambitious leader, and, above all, an unrelenting protector of his people.
For much of its history, the Hawaiian islands were controlled by competing chiefs. They waged frequent battles over land and resources and witnessed many civilian casualties. By bringing the islands together, Kamehameha ushered in a period of peace and prosperity. He has established laws, organized the government, sponsored agriculture, encouraged trade, and built houses.
His most renowned edict, the Law of the Splintered Paddle, ensured the protection of civilians during war. This law illustrates Kamehameha's compassion and an acute sense of responsibility for all of his people, especially those most vulnerable.
Kamehameha's steadfast leadership came at a pivotal point in Hawaii's history, a time when the islands made first contact with foreigners. At the dawn of a new era, filled with unforeseen challenges, Kamehameha's vision and wisdom helped Hawaii manage the formidable task of interacting with and finding its place within the wider world. Kamehameha ruled until 1819.
I would like to close by thanking the staff of the Committee on House Administration, the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, who have been real partners in making this annual event possible for these many decades.
Mahalo nui loa--thank you very much.
