Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I stand before you to share the passing of one of Hawaii's most beloved individuals, my friend and mentor, Dr. Noa Emmett Aluli.

Uncle Emmett, as many affectionately called him, dedicated his life to the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians.

He graduated from the University of Hawaii and later opened and practiced at Molokai Family Health Center and Clinic. He helped draft the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act that was signed into law in 1988 to improve the health status of Native Hawaiians and cofounded Na Pu'uwai, the Native Hawaiian Health Care System that serves the island of Molokai.

Dr. Aluli also served as a member of the Second Congressional District's Native Hawaiian Health Task Force, helping set Federal policies to advance Native Hawaiian healthcare.

Uncle Emmett leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of the people of Hawaii, and his contributions will be felt for generations. He will be greatly missed by his family and his beloved people of Molokai.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to continue to honor September as Hawaiian History Month in my home State of Hawaii.

Today, in ``olelo Hawaii'', ``Hawaiian language'', I will honor Joseph Kaho'oluhi Nawahi.

Joseph Kaho`oluhi Nawahiokalani`opu`u was born on January 13, 1842 in Kaimu, Puna on the Island of Hawai`i.

Keaweolalo was his true mother. Nawahiokalani`opu`u was his true father. Joseph Pa`akaula was his foster father. Joseph Pa`akaula was a teacher at Ke Kula `Aiakala.

Nawahi attended 4 schools, Ke Kula`Aiakala, Ke Kula Hanai O Hilo, Ke Kulanui O Lahainaluna and ke Kula Ali`i O Kahehuna.

Ua hanau `ia `o Iosepa Kaho`oluhi Nawahiokalani`opu`u ma ka la `umikumuakolu o Ianuali makahiki `umikamawalu kanahakumalua ma Kaimu, Puna, Moku o Keawe.

`O Keaweolalo kona luau`i makuahine. `O Nawahiokalani`opu`u kona luau`i makua kane. `O Iosepa Pa`akaula kona makua hanai. He kumu `o Iosepa Pa`akaula ma ke Kula `Aiakala.

`Eha kula a Nawahi i komo ai. `O Ke Kula `Aiakala, Ke Kula Hanai O Hilo. Ke Kulanui O Lahainaluna a me Kula Ali`i O Kahehuna.

Mr. Speaker, these words that I just shared are a simple recitation of biographical facts regarding Joseph Kaho'oluhi Nawahiokalani'opu'u, who was a Native Hawaiian nationalist leader, legislator, lawyer, newspaper publisher, and painter.

This speech has been memorized by hundreds of elementary school students--my own keiki included--who attend the Hawaiian language immersion school, Ke Kula `o Nawahiokalani'opu'u. These keiki not only honor these Native Hawaiian heroes but ensure that their names are heard, and their work lives on through them for generations to come. ``E ola kou inoa e Nawahi.''

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7321) to amend title 49, United States Code, to require certain air carriers to provide reports with respect to maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 7321, as amended.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7321, the Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act, introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Peter DeFazio.

One level of safety. For over a decade, that has been the single- minded goal of Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration in setting aviation policy. But until domestic and FAA-certificated foreign repair stations are subject to the same oversight and safety standards, there is no hope we can achieve one level of safety.

In fact, existing safety rules make clear that there is not truly one level of safety. Under current FAA regulations, domestic repair station workers are subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing. Workers at foreign repair stations are not. Domestic repair station workers are subject to comprehensive background investigations; foreign repair station workers are not.

Unfortunately, more and more maintenance work for U.S. air carriers is being sent overseas. The number of these facilities has grown by nearly 40 percent in the past 6 years. The global pandemic has only exacerbated this trend, as more than 8,200 aircraft maintenance jobs left the United States in just the past few years.

The Department of Transportation inspector general has also been ringing the alarm bell in five audit reports containing 41 recommendations since 2002 to improve the FAA's dangerously weak oversight of repair stations overseas.

How many more inspector general reports will it take for the FAA to be brave enough to take a leadership role in the international community and apply strong standards to foreign repair stations?

This bill will require the FAA to take a number of specific and decisive steps to improve oversight of foreign repair stations. These include, among other things: requiring all foreign repair stations to be subject to at least one unannounced inspection each year; requiring supervisors and individuals who authorize aircraft for return to service to meet minimum requirements and hold FAA mechanic or repairman certificates; and requiring the FAA to, one, comply with the 2016 mandate for a final rule on drug and alcohol testing of employees at foreign repair stations, and, two, initiate a rulemaking mandating background checks of such employees.

I thank the stakeholders for their support and the tireless efforts in working toward an agreeable solution as well as Ranking Member Graves and his staff.

Madam Speaker, this bill is a giant step in the right direction, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Honolulu Little League on winning the 2022 Little League World Series.

This is Hawaii's fourth Little League World Series, and it is a true privilege to represent the team, their coaches, families, and fans.

The Honolulu Little League played their first season in 1954 and is one of the oldest Little League teams in the State. This particular team's character and sportsmanship will be remembered long after their victory this year. Their enthusiasm and love for baseball is contagious, and all of Hawaii couldn't stop watching as they hit home runs, struck out batters, and invoked the mercy rule over their opponents.

I extend special commendations to Coach Gerald Oda, the team's manager and coach. I also congratulate the families of the players who have undoubtedly made their own sacrifices to provide this team with the opportunity to succeed.

This team represents Hawaii's values of unity, teamwork, and resilience. These Little Leaguers have become role models to our larger community, and I am sure the next generation of Little League World Champions in Hawaii watched this team and will be inspired by them. I know I speak for all of Hawaii, Mr. Speaker, when I say how so very proud we are.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Hawaiian History Month in my home State of Hawaii.

Today, I recognize David La'amea Kalakaua, who was elected king in 1874 and served until his death in 1891. He was the first governing monarch to visit Washington and circumnavigate the globe.

In 1882, he completed the construction of Iolani Palace, the only home of royalty in the United States, which still stands today on the island of O'ahu. A man of science, King Kalakaua outfitted Iolani Palace with indoor plumbing, a telephone, and electric lights. Iolani Palace even had electricity before the White House.

A patron of Hawaiian music and dance, Kalakaua is fondly known as the Merrie Monarch. In my hometown of Hilo, the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival is held in his honor and attracts thousands from around the globe. This year marks the festival's 60th anniversary.

We are forever grateful to King David Kalakaua for inspiring the continuation of our people and our Native Hawaiian culture.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to continue to honor September as Hawaiian History Month in my home State of Hawaii. Today, I am honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole. Prince Kuhio was the second Native Hawaiian to represent Hawaii in Congress, when he was elected in 1903, and he served for two decades until his death in 1922.

He is best known for the establishment of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu in 1918 and the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act in 1920. Throughout his life, Prince Kuhio, revered by Native Hawaiians as Ke Ali'i Maka'ainana, a prince for the people, was a tenacious leader and used his

voice to preserve and strengthen the Hawaiian people.

Prince Kuhio championed the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which was signed into law by President Warren G. Harding in 1921. The Act enables Native Hawaiians to return to their lands in order to support self- sufficiency and self-determination. This Act created a homeland to build homes, farms, ranches, and otherwise engage in economic activities.

This legacy of championing Native Hawaiian causes and preserving Native Hawaiian history is what Prince Kuhio is most remembered for, and I am proud to continue that legacy here in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as Hawaiian History Month in my home State of Hawaii. It is a time of celebration, recognition, and reflection.

Throughout this month, we honor individuals who have made a significant impact on the lives of Native Hawaiians everywhere.

Today, we recognize Edith Ke'kuhikuhiipu'uoneonaali'iokohala Kenao Kanaka'ole, a revered Native Hawaiian dancer, chanter, teacher, kuma hula and founder of Halau o Kekuhi.

Edith was one of only five women in the country honored this year in the 2023 American Women Quarters Program.

``Grant us knowledge.'' ``E ho mai ka'ike,'' is inscribed on the commemorative coin for Edith Kanaka'ole. It is a reminder of her lasting legacy and a guiding principle for Hawaiians. That is, to look to those who came before us so that we may find success in the present and prosperity in our future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize a friend, leader, and a Marine. In August of 2020, Colonel Hennigan was hand-selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to assume the duties as the Director of the Marine Corps House Liaison Office. Colonel Hennigan's selection was the result of an impeccable record of service and her vast experience in the Marine Corps.

Throughout her tenure, Colonel Hennigan led the daily operations of the House office with uncanny skill and aplomb. Her acute awareness and in-depth insight allowed her to facilitate a shared understanding between the Marine Corps and the House of Representatives. Her relationship with myself and many Members of Congress is one that we have valued greatly. Colonel Hennigan's unique leadership skills and interpersonal abilities allowed her to be an incredible advocate on behalf of the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

After graduating from the University of Mary Washington, she was commissioned in 1994. Throughout her career she has commanded various units from platoon to group levels, and deployments to combat zones. She served as a Marine Corps Commandant's Fellow at the United States Institute of Peace and studied Women, Peace and Security. She also has held multiple assignments in Hawaii at both Marine Corps Air Station Kane'ohe, and United States Pacific Command.

In 2022, President Biden nominated Colonel Hennigan for the rank of a Brigadier General, making her only the 16th female general officer in the history of the Marine Corps. On behalf of myself, and all my colleagues in the House of Representatives, we wish her luck in all her future endeavors and success leading Marines of the future. She will always have a home in the great state of Hawaii. She will be greatly missed. Pomaika`i, Maura.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Honoring our PACT Act.

The PACT Act will finally expand benefits and comprehensive healthcare for millions of veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances while serving their country.

Included in this bill is the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act, championed by my dear friend, the late Congressman Mark Takai, who served his country admirably as a lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard and as Hawaii's First Congressional District Representative.

The United States conducted 43 nuclear tests on Enewetak Atoll, located in the Marshall Islands. In the 1970s, U.S. servicemembers risked their lives to clean radioactive material from Enewetak Atoll.

Without the PACT Act, veterans who served at Enewetak are not eligible for much-needed benefits.

I am honored to continue Congressman Mark Takai's legacy by proudly casting my vote for the Honoring our PACT Act to ensure that we improve on our sacred obligation to care for our veterans and their families.

Madam Speaker, today I urge the United States Senate to pass the Protecting Our Kids Act. The Uvalde shooting in Texas is one of many mass school shootings that will remain a forever stain on our country. We find ourselves here again, in the wake of another elementary school massacre, expressing condolences, sympathy, and outrage.

As a parent to two elementary school-aged children, when my wife and I take our daughters to school, we expect them to run to our car, with smiles on their faces at the end of every fun-filled school day.

Once more, the House took action this week and voted to move this forward. We worked in a bipartisan fashion to pass the most basic measures to keep our families safe from gun violence. This commonsense bill will save lives. It makes crucial changes, raising the age for buying an assault rifle to 21, working toward safe gun storage, and reducing the unregulated trafficking of guns.

We are many school shootings past thoughts and prayers. Sandy Hook, Parkland, Columbine. We need action now. Time and time again, this Nation has failed to act.

We must pass comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation to protect my children, to protect your children, to protect America's children. The American people are demanding for us to act. It is time to act now.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise in support of the fiscal year 2022 Water Resources and Development Act, legislation which will invest in America's ports, harbors, and inland waterways, as well as build more climate-resilient communities.

For the first time ever, WRDA includes Section 219 environmental infrastructure projects for the State of Hawaii, which will ensure that Maui, Kauai, Hawaii and Honolulu County are able to address wastewater infrastructure and confront these challenges head-on today, because the cost of waiting is too great.

This WRDA will also, for the first time ever, include a provision that will enable NHOs, or Native Hawaiian Organizations, to waive local cost-sharing requirements of up to $200,000 for critical environmental projects, which will open the doors to new environmental restoration projects and career opportunities in every county. This provision will help to provide more parity between indigenous communities, and I applaud its inclusion in this bill.

I am proud to support this bipartisan effort to invest in our ports and harbors, build more resilient communities, and support our indigenous brothers and sisters across the country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor University of Hawaii football coach Bob ``Wags'' Wagner on his 75th birthday.

Coach Bob ``Wags'' Wagner is a two-time Conference Coach of the Year and led the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors to their first bowl game in 1989, their first Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title in 1992, and he represented the WAC as its Champion in the 1992 Holiday Bowl with a win over Illinois. Coach Wags is the only University of Hawaii head football coach to have beaten rival BYU on multiple occasions in 1989, 1990 and the

Holiday Bowl season in 1992. Coach Wags' record is 58-49-3.

Bob Wagner was born on May 16, 1947 in Newark, Ohio to the late George and Jessie Wagner. The youngest of six siblings--George, Mary, Harriet, Dolores and Teresa--Bob grew up playing neighborhood pickup football and following regional collegiate football powerhouse, the Ohio State Buckeyes, with his family. A two-sport collegiate athlete, Bob was a two-time all-conference selection in football and two-time all-region selection in lacrosse. Bob graduated from Wittenberg University in 1969.

He began his career in coaching at Gallipolis High School and River View High School in Ohio, before coaching at the collegiate level at Muskingum University and at the College of Wooster. Always drawn to the Pacific, Coach Wags had his first opportunity to coach Division I football as an assistant at the University of Washington under coach Don James in 1976.

In 1977, Coach Wags came to the University of Hawaii as an assistant coach under Larry Price, and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1983 under head coach Dick Tomey. Coach Wags became head coach of the Rainbow Warriors in 1987, and served the University of Hawaii football program for almost two decades. He was inducted into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame, the Wittenberg Athletics Hall of Honor, and the University of Hawaii Sports Circle of Honor.

Coach Wags concluded his career in athletics leadership at Kamehameha Schools--and is the author of a 1993 book titled, ``Getting the Edge: Hawaii Football'' which details the history of football in Hawaii and Coach Wags' time as one of the first major college head coaches to embrace the spread concept of the triple-option philosophy. He currently enjoys his retirement on Hawaii Island with his wife and University of Hawaii alumna, Gloria.

I wish Coach Wags a happy birthday, and continued health and happiness to he and Gloria in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today, just like I did 1 year ago to this day, I rise with extraordinary pride to congratulate the 2022 NCAA Men's Volleyball National Champions, the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.

This past Saturday our Hawaii Rainbows defended their title on the legendary court of Pauley Pavilion against Long Beach State University.

Emulating their victory in 2021, they proved that lightning can strike twice by sweeping their opponent in a decisive three-set match. Our Warriors displayed acute focus, tenacity, and bold dominance, boasting a 27-5 season record while remaining undefeated at home.

As a proud alumnus and former Rainbow Warrior volleyball player, I, along with the rest of Hawaii, congratulate our back-to-back national champions.

``Thanks very much.'' ``Mahalo nui loa'' to head coach Charlie Wade, the coaching staff, the UH athletics program, the Manoa Aunties, our loyal boosters, and dedicated fans who support our players on and off the court.

To our 2022 NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship Team, ``all the best,'' ``no ka`oi,'' and Go `Bows!

Mr. Speaker, mahalo, Congressman Palazzo for organizing this Special Order to celebrate the achievements of the National Guard across the Nation. I am proud to be co-leading the bipartisan National Guard and Reserve Caucus with you this year.

I am here to recognize the Hawaii National Guard and highlight its growing role in our Nation's competitiveness and strategic level of defense priorities.

In my 21-year career of service to my State and Nation, I have seen the Hawaii Air National Guard transform from a quiet, off-the-radar, C- 130, F-15, and KC-135 squadrons out in the Pacific to lethal and almost full-time composite associate squadrons.

The Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Wing and their flying squadrons serve alongside Active Duty counterparts flying C-17s and F-22s, as well as the KC-135, each and every day. There are Active Duty pilots flying with Guard pilots, side-by-side, deploying overseas.

An important aspect of my job is to listen and hear from our men and women in the National Guard. Many of my policy proposals are the result of hearing directly from our guardsmen.

For example, members of the Guard contacted my office last year to raise their concerns about the number of days a reservist can serve on Active Duty.

As a result, my colleagues and I authored the ``1095 Rule'' Amendment Act, legislation that increases the maximum number of days that reservists can serve on Active Duty to maintain mission readiness. We are pleased that this legislation was signed into law and took effect last month. This is a huge victory for National Guardsmen across the Nation and ensures the full capability of our most talented Reserve component members without affecting end-strength limitations.

Now, I believe we can all agree that our success, the success of our National Guard, is directly linked to the strength of our leadership. The Hawaii National Guard is positioned as a key strategic defense priority for our military in the Pacific, and for that I personally thank the adjutant general of the Hawaii National Guard, Kenneth Hara, for his direction in leading the Guard in Hawaii. General Hara has been central to our State's early success with the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his team have been pivotal to the coordinated effort between our States, counties, and community organizations.

Finally, mahalo nui loa. I am grateful for the airmen and soldiers for being the best and most diverse National Guard organization in the Nation. The important work that each and every one of them does makes our country strong. I also thank their families for their sacrifice and enduring support of their important work. Their commitment and participation to the Hawaii National Guard Association and National Guard associations throughout the Nation is vital to its success and advocacy in Washington. Mahalo nui loa. Onipaa mau loa.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women of the crew of the U.S. Flag commercial ship Horizon Reliance, sailing out of Honolulu and operated by third-generation, family-owned Pasha Hawaii.

On the evening of November 6, 2020--over 1,000 miles northeast of O`ahu--a private turbo-prop plane with two individuals onboard was enroute from California to Honolulu before suffering an engine casualty. As a pilot myself--with thousands of hours logged in both military and commercial passenger aircraft--believe me when I say that this is the worst possible scenario in aviation: to be in the middle of the ocean, 1,000 miles from the closest land, in the middle of the night when your one and only engine fails.

As water rapidly filled the cabin, the two pilots managed to escape the aircraft, clambering into their life raft and called the Honolulu Coast Guard Search and Rescue center via satellite phone.

With 8-10 foot seas and 30 knot winds on-scene, the Coast Guard realized the gravity of the situation and quickly dispatched a mayday alert calling out for volunteer commercial ships to lend aid, as the distance from shore prevented a search-and-rescue helicopter operation.

Due to the hazardous conditions, the first ship to arrive on scene was unable to rescue the desperately heaving life raft, but was able to remain on scene rendering a glimmer of hope for the crash survivors. Shortly thereafter, the Horizon Reliance, under the command of Captain Mark Tuck, arrived and expertly commenced a small-boat operation to retrieve the survivors. Cautiously maneuvering the vessel under arduous conditions, the men and women of the Horizon Reliance--union members of the Masters, Mates and Pilots, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, and Seafarers International Unions--recovered the pilots aboard the vessel and brought them to safety.

I cannot overstate how truly close this incident came to tragedy; the lives of these two aircraft crash survivors, their families and friends were forever changed due to the actions of the crew of the Horizon Reliance that fateful evening. It speaks even more to the dedication and devotion to duty of the mariners of the U.S. merchant fleet--the brave

men and women who carry goods across the globe in support of the U.S. military, as well as humanitarian food-aid, research cargo to Antarctica and countless other missions in support of our country.