World War II Pacific Sites Establishment Act

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to speak on this next bill, H.R. 5706, the World War II Pacific Sites Establishment Act, and it means a great deal to me. H.R. 5706 would allow for a functional redesignation of two significant sites in Hawaii: Pearl Harbor and the Honouliuli Internment Camp, providing both of these sites with enabling legislation that recognizes their significant roles in history. The boundaries and management of these sites will not change.

Pearl Harbor is the only site in Hawaii currently incorporated in the World War II Valor of the Pacific National Monument, which also includes sites located in California and Alaska. Although the Valor Monument consists of multiple sites, National Park Service materials reference Pearl Harbor as the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.

H.R. 5706 would separate Pearl Harbor from the Valor Monument and establish it as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Pearl Harbor is a physical representation of the day that will live in infamy, the strides made in U.S.-Japan relations, and the U.S. entry into World War II. This historic site deserves a name to match its separate identity and significance from the rest of the monument.

Along with the well-known USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor is host to the USS Missouri and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. Together, these sites attract over 1 million visitors to Hawaii and Pearl Harbor every year, serving as a significant contributor to Hawaii's tourist-driven economy.

H.R. 5706 would also establish the Honouliuli National Monument as the Honouliuli National Historic Site.

As some of you know, I am the granddaughter of two internees, one of whom was interned at Honouliuli, which I did not learn about until very late in his life. In fact, many who grew up in Hawaii did not know about Honouliuli until it was designated, highlighting the need to quickly preserve the site and its history.

Although not as well-known as other confinement sites, Honouliuli is unique in that it provides an important historical perspective for martial law in the U.S., the treatment of prisoners of war, and the distinguished history of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Regiment. In their evaluation of the site, the National Park Service said Honouliuli appears to offer the greatest potential to preserve resources and interpret the history of the World War II internment.

While Japanese Americans on the mainland were interned indiscriminately, that would have been impossible in Hawaii's predominantly Japanese American workforce. Unlike the U.S. mainland, the military imposed martial law in Hawaii for the duration of World War II and came up with a process to identify those who were perceived to be a threat. These prisoners, mostly male, were separated from their families for years. Some were sent to

the mainland, like my other grandfather; Honouliuli; or other sites in Hawaii.

Despite these circumstances, more than 10,000 Japanese American men from Hawaii signed up to serve this country in war. More than 2,000 were accepted and served in what eventually became the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team. This unit, which includes Hawaii's late Senator Daniel Inouye, is the most decorated of World War II. Their story is one of incredible patriotism, courage, and service.

The collective stories of Honouliuli, and the context in which it was built and operated, are invaluable lessons about the decisions made in the name of war.

H.R. 5706 is supported by our local community, receiving endorsements from Pacific Historic Parks and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. In addition, this bill has been endorsed by the Go for Broke National Education Center and AMVETS.

H.R. 5706 will go a long way toward preserving what happened more than 75 years ago at both Pearl Harbor and Honouliuli--the good and bad--for future generations and I hope will leave an impressions of the sacrifices and courage of our Greatest Generation.

I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. Congress' affirmation of what these sites symbolize in our history will mean a great deal to our World War II veterans and their families, Japanese Americans, and others around the world. I ask for everyone's support.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5706) to establish the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in the State of Hawai'i and the Honouliuli National Historic Site in the State of Hawai'i, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5706 will bring increased recognition to two important World War II sites in Hawaii. The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, will never be forgotten. Over 2,300 sailors, soldiers, and civilians lost their lives that fateful day the United States entered World War II. Five sites in Hawaii have been designated memorials, including the USS Arizona, the USS Oklahoma, and the USS Utah. Receiving over 1 million visitors each year, these serve as places of reflection and remembrance as well as tombs of honor for the crew members who remain there.

The creation of the sweeping World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in 2008 incorporated the five Hawaii sites, along with three locations in Alaska and one in California. H.R. 5706 would establish the areas in Hawaii as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial as a distinct unit of the National Park System, giving it the full recognition this hallowed site deserves. This new designation will not affect the existing management of the area in any way.

H.R. 5706 would also redesignate Honouliuli National Monument as a National Historic Site. This site was the largest and longest used World War II confinement facility in the Hawaiian Islands. By war's end, over 2,000 people of Japanese ancestry were interned there--the majority of which were American citizens. The boundaries and management of the site will not change with the enactment of H.R. 5706.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.