Mazie Hirono

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1244) recognizing the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition for its now five-year effort to promote cyber security curriculum in institutions of higher learning, as amended.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald T.Y. Moon on his retirement. I know that I am not alone regretting that, due to Hawaii State law, he must retire from service on his 70th birthday this September. He will be missed. C.J. Moon, as he is affectionately known, has served as Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court for seventeen years. C.J. Moon also has the distinction of being the first Korean-American to become Chief Justice of any Supreme Court in the United States of America. As his time on the Hawaii Supreme Court bench comes to a close, it was interesting to learn that it was almost a fluke that C.J. Moon went into the field of law at all. He attended three different high schools in Hawaii and, apparently, took little interest in his studies. This attitude changed during his years at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was there that he met a cousin who was attending law school. Meeting this cousin, combined with Ron's experiences of racial discrimination, piqued his interest in the law. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from Coe College. Ron then graduated from the University of Iowa School of Law in 1965 and returned to Honolulu to clerk for United States District Court Judge Martin Pence. His diligence on the job was evident even then. During his clerkship with Judge Pence, he once climbed into a trash bin outside the federal court building to look for a lost jury verdict form. The search was unsuccessful. He later learned that Judge Pence had another copy of the form in his office the whole time. In 1966, Ron joined the staff of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu, where he served as a deputy prosecutor until 1968. He left public service to become a partner in the law firm Libkuman, Ventura, Moon, and Ayabe, where he stayed until 1982. It was from that firm that Hawaii Governor George Ariyoshi appointed Ron Moon to the Hawaii State Judiciary as a Circuit Court Judge. He would serve in that position for eight years, earning the respect of attorneys, including myself, who came before him. He was particularly persuasive in getting plaintiff and defense attorneys to resolve cases fairly before trial. Governor John Waihee then elevated Ron to the office of Associate Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court in 1990. In 1993, he was elevated to the position of Chief Justice. As his retirement looms near, the people of Hawaii have begun to pay tribute to the incredible service of C.J. Moon. The County of Hawaii recently recognized May 7, 2010, as Chief Justice Ronald T.Y. Moon Day. The Hawaii State Legislature has also recommended that the new Kapolei Court Complex be named after C.J. Moon, who spearheaded the project. The Hawaii Chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association will celebrate the career of C.J. Moon on June 23, 2010. C.J. Moon has joked that he is ``looking forward to joining [his] fellow retired judges and other judiciary employees at [his] neighborhood McDonald's.'' It will be a retirement that has been well- earned. Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much), C.J. Moon, for your many years of admirable stewardship of our system of courts and laws. I would also like to thank C.J. Moon's wife Stella and his family for sharing C.J. with us.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Lady Sea Warriors of Hawaii Pacific University for winning their first NCAA Division II Softball World Series title. On May 31, 2010, the Lady Sea Warriors scored four runs in the fifth inning and held off Valdosta State to win the title game by a score of 4-3. I take great pride in extending my congratulations to players Chante Tesoro, Kozy Toriano, Erin Fujita, Melissa Awa, Malia Killam, Chelsea Luckey, Ashley Valine, Ciera Senas, Breanne Patton, Pomaikai Kalakau, Casey Sugihara, Maile Kim, Ashley Fernandez, Nicole Morrow, Sherise Musquiz, Laine Shikuma, Celina Garces, and Caira Pires, many of whom hail from Hawaii's second congressional district. The hard work, perseverance, and outstanding performance of these young women led to a 50-8 season, the most successful season in their program's history. I would like to extend special congratulations to Ms. Musquiz, who pitched every inning of the NCAA Division II tournament and amassed a 4-0 record, earning her Most Outstanding Player honors. I would also like to commend head coach Bryan Nakasone and assistant coaches Howard Okita, Roger Javillo, Jon Correles, and Richard Nomura for their superb leadership throughout the Lady Sea Warriors' historic season. This has been a great year for Hawaii softball, and the Lady Sea Warriors' victory on a national stage has generated much pride back home. I congratulate the Lady Sea Warriors on their outstanding season and wish the program continued success.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1330, a resolution recognizing June 8 as World Ocean Day. Hawaii is the only state in the nation that is surrounded entirely by ocean, giving us a unique appreciation for the vast resource that is the Pacific Ocean. Almost every household good in Hawaii was shipped over the ocean. Our state's economy relies on our harbors--large and small--and the beaches that draw visitors to Hawaii. The ocean provides recreational activities such as surfing, swimming, and fishing for our residents and visitors to enjoy. It would be difficult to find an aspect of life in Hawaii that is not somehow affected by the Pacific Ocean. The Native Hawaiian culture is also deeply tied to the ocean. Polynesian explorers discovered Hawaii traveling tremendous distance in canoes, long before the so-called ``discovery'' of Hawaii by Captain Cook. The Kumulipo chant, known as the Hawaiian creation chant, places the origin of life in the oceans, beginning with the coral polyp. Hawaii is home to the world's most ancient seal, the Hawaiian monk seal. My district includes the largest marine protected area in the United States, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, as well as one of the most important breeding grounds for the endangered Humpback Whale. The people of Hawaii have always relied on the ocean, but the situation in the Gulf Coast illustrates that the oceans belong to the world. Countries have political boundaries, but the ocean and its denizens do not. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has devastated that region and now threatens the entire East Coast because of the Loop Current, the Gulf Stream, and other ocean currents. People in landlocked states also depend on the oceans, which absorb up to a quarter of the world's carbon dioxide. As humans have increased their carbon dioxide output in recent decades, the ocean has grown increasingly acidic. Over the last five years, we have learned that this acidification endangers coral, algae, shellfish, and other small organisms that support the base of the food chain. What happens to the ocean happens to the world. Whether landlocked or surrounded by ocean, we all depend on the benefits of healthy oceans. Fish stocks, ocean currents, and carbon dioxide do not abide by political boundaries. We, too, must work across our borders to unite with other nations in order to be careful and conscientious stewards of the ocean. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to recognize June 8 as World Ocean Day.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate `Iolani School's Economics Team for winning the 2010 National Economics Challenge. More than 1,200 teams from across the country competed in this year's event sponsored by the Council for Economic Education. This year marked lolani's fourth national championship and 11th state championship. `Iolani has also won two second place national titles. I would like to recognize team members Andrew Ellison, Jesse Franklin-Murdock, Sean Cockey, and Mark Grozen-Smith as well as coach Richard Rankin. In the fall, Andrew will be attending the University of Pennsylvania, Jesse will be attending the George Washington University, Sean will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Mark will be leading next year's team in defending `Iolani's title. Our Nation's recent economic meltdown has demonstrated how essential economic understanding is for all of us. Continued federal support for the Council for Economic Education is critical as it works to empower students through economic and financial literacy programs to help future generations make informed and responsible choices throughout their lives as consumers, savers, investors, workers, citizens, and participants in our global economy. I joined a number of my colleagues to advocate for continued funding for the Council in fiscal year 2011. Again, congratulations Andrew, Jesse, Sean, Mark, and Coach Rankin. Best wishes on your continued academic success.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Nolan Kamitaki, a young constituent from Hilo, Hawaii. I would also like to congratulate him on his graduation as valedictorian of Waiakea High School's Class of 2010. From a young age, Nolan has been deeply fascinated with natural phenomenon and mathematics, and his passion for these pursuits is reflected in his many achievements. He led Waiakea High School's Math League, Math Bowl, and Science Bowl teams, and participated in Japan's International Micro Robot Maze Contest. Nolan's aptitude for science has been recognized at numerous competitions and symposiums including the 2010 International Engineering and Science Fair, where Nolan earned the first place grand award. Nolan has received prestigious recognition as a 2009 Davidson Fellow for his project, ``Programming a Network Approach to Contain the Spread of Epidemic.'' Nolan's outstanding achievements in academics and his exemplary leadership and community service have earned him distinction as one of two 2010 U.S. Presidential Scholars from Hawaii. He plans to pursue a career that merges biological processes and computer science. Nolan is a rising star in the sciences and a proud product of the Hawaii public school system. I am inspired by his impressive accomplishments at such a young age, and I look forward to following the career of this future leader.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 302, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Hawaii, the Honorable Charles Djou, be permitted to take the oath of office today. His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I recently met a team from the University of Hawaii, one of 20 collegiate teams selected to build an energy efficient, solar-powered house as part of the Solar Decathlon, an international competition sponsored by the Department of Energy. In the fall of 2011, the D.C. National Mall will transform into a zero-emission solar village built by the next generation of architects and engineers. These houses will be attractive and affordable, demonstrating an array of innovative, energy technologies. Designed for a tropical climate, the Hawaii model will be built using a bio-based polymer and the house will be buoyant enough to float in the event of a flood. A new generation of leaders in the clean-energy economy will emerge from programs like these, and I look forward to walking through the solar village next year. The Solar Decathlon is one example of harnessing American ingenuity to meet the energy challenges of the 21st century. Let us continue to support programs like these that empower a new generation of thinkers to engineer a clean-energy future.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner).

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I would like to introduce to you and our colleagues today Congressman Charles Djou, the newest member of Hawaii's large delegation. Born in Los Angeles, Congressman Djou's family moved to Hawaii when he was three. He is a graduate of Punahou School in Honolulu, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Southern California Law School. By the way, he attended the same school as our President. Congressman Djou most recently served as one of nine members of the Honolulu City Council, where he represented District 4, the area extending from Waikiki to Hawaii Kai. He served as the chairman of the Executive Matters and Legal Affairs Committee, vice chair of the Planning Committee, and as a member of the Transportation and Public Safety and Services Committee. He was first elected to his seat in 2002 and reelected in 2006. He previously served one term in the Hawaii House of Representatives, from 2000 to 2002, and was the minority floor leader. Hawaii is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse States in our country, and that diverse heritage is exemplified in Congress Djou's unique French variation on a Chinese surname, which goes back to his grandfather in Shanghai. I will let Congressman Djou tell you that story himself. Now I extend a warm, warm aloha to Congressman Djou, his wife, Stacey Kawasaki Djou, and their three children. I know that they and all the members of your family are very proud today, Charles, as you become a Member of the people's House. I look forward to working with you, Charles, to ensure that the needs of the people of Hawaii are met and that their voices are represented in the people's House. Congratulations.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act of 2010, which authorizes the expansion of this Refuge on the island of Hawaii to encompass adjacent parcels containing native forest habitat that supports some of the most endangered forest birds in the Nation and the world. Both the 2009 and 2010 U.S. State of the Birds reports call for particular attention to Hawaii, where more bird species are vulnerable to extinction than anywhere else in the United States. The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge consists of two major units: the 32,733-acre Hakalau Forest Unit on the windward, eastern, slopes of Mauna Kea volcano and the 2,604-acre Kona Forest Unit on the leeward, western, slopes of Mauna Loa volcano. The Refuge's purpose is to protect and manage endangered Hawaiian forest birds and their rain forest habitat. Eight of the 14 native bird species occurring at Hakalau are endangered. Thirteen migratory bird species and twenty introduced species, including eight game birds, as well as the endangered `ope`ape`a, Hawaiian hoary bat, our only endemic terrestrial mammal, also frequent the Refuge. Twenty-nine rare plant species are found on the Refuge and adjacent lands. Twelve of these plants are currently listed as endangered. Two endangered lobelias have fewer than five plants known to exist in the wild. The forested parcels authorized for inclusion in this bill include 13,129 acres for addition to the Hakalau Forest Unit and 2,604 acres for addition to the Kona Forest Unit. The proposed areas for addition contain some of Hawaii's and the world's rarest forest bird species, including the rare endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers such as the `akiapola`au, the `akepa, and the Hawai`i Creeper, as well as significant numbers of more numerous native honeycreepers such as the `i`wi, `amakihi, and `apapane and a native flycatcher, the `elepaio. In addition, these lands are habitat for the endangered pueo, Hawaiian owl, and the `io, Hawaiian hawk. The proposed expansion areas also include large numbers of native trees, primarily koa and `ohia, some 31 endemic species of flowering plants, and 37 endemic ferns. Due to its geographic isolation--more than 2,000 miles from a major land mass--these bird species and plants only exist in the Hawaiian islands, and, in many cases, are restricted to this one island. The current owners of the two parcels authorized for acquisition under this Act are willing sellers. Due to the ecological importance of these parcels, there is strong interest in the conservation community in Hawaii in assisting with bridge financing to secure the parcels for ultimate acquisition by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As Members of Congress, it is our duty to help to preserve our precious natural heritage for future generations. Hawaii, much like the Galapagos, is a hotspot of species diversity and unique adaptations. And the Big Island of Hawaii, where this Refuge is located, is one of the world's great biological laboratories. This one island, comprised of 4,028 square miles, contains eleven of the world's 13 climatic zones. One of the most isolated relatively large land masses in the world, species arrived in our islands by chance and then evolved to take advantage of every ecological niche. And being an island, most of the animal species that arrived were birds and insects. So much has been lost in our world and Nation due to extinction, but we also know that through our intervention much has been saved. The bald eagle has been taken off the Endangered Species List; I am hopeful that we can also see the recovery of Hawaii's magnificent forest birds through preservation and restoration of habitat. Opportunities like this--to secure such valuable habitat from willing sellers--doesn't come along often. I am committed to protecting our natural world's biological diversity. As the Member of Congress representing one of the most beautiful and ecologically important places in our world, I am determined to do what I can to help preserve Hawaii's unique animals and plants. I would be grateful for your support.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act. Three years ago, Congress passed the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology Education and Science Act, or America COMPETES Act. Enactment of this law authorized funds over three years for the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and certain math and science related programs within the Energy Department's Office of Science. The 2007 law came about partly in reaction to a 2005 National Academies report that focused on American students' lagging performance in science and math compared with their peers in other developed countries. In passing this law, we realize then, as we do now, that failure to invest in our young people by improving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education at all levels will have serious repercussions--not only in terms of workforce development but also in our ability to promote cutting-edge, innovative breakthroughs that will keep us competitive in the global economy. As a cosponsor of H.R. 5116, I believe that America's economy can continue to grow and prosper if we act now to promote innovation and the development of new technology. This bill expands, strengthens, and aligns STEM education programs at all levels. It allows more schools to participate in the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program, which trains highly competent secondary teachers in STEM fields to teach in high-need schools. It provides grants to increase the quantity and quality of students receiving undergraduate degrees in STEM and creates fellowships to develop the leadership skills of recent doctoral degree graduates in these fields. Importantly, H.R. 5116 promotes participation of women and minorities in STEM fields to strengthen and diversify our workforce. The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act also creates a new program that provides loan guarantees to small- and medium-sized manufacturers for projects using innovative technologies or processes. In addition, this bill fosters innovation and basic research by supporting new regional innovation clusters, creating energy innovation hubs, and reauthorizing ARPA-E (the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy) to pursue high-risk, high-reward technology development. Our nation has flourished from the dreams of pioneers who have turned innovative ideas into breakthrough technologies. Investing in STEM education, workforce development, and R&D will help spur economic growth and provide quality jobs for Americans in the 21st century. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. I rise in support of S. 1067, the Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. As a cosponsor of the House version of this legislation, I am grateful that the Senate passed S. 1067 by unanimous consent in March and that the House leadership has given this body the opportunity to vote on it today. I would also like to recognize the thousands of activists across the country, including students at Kalani High School and those affiliated with Invisible Children (Project Hope) in Hawaii, who have spoken out passionately about the need to act on this issue. This bill provides a critically needed mandate for the United States to develop a comprehensive regional strategy that targets the LRA threat. For too long, the LRA has committed unspeakable atrocities throughout Uganda, including murder, mutilation, and the sexual enslavement of women and children. In addition to displacing an estimated two million Ugandans, the LRA has abducted about 66,000 children, forcing them to fight and commit human rights violations on behalf of this terrorist group. The violence has since spread beyond Uganda's borders to parts of Sudan, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in increased instability throughout the region. S. 1067 requires a plan to strengthen efforts by the United Nations and regional governments to protect civilians from attacks, support the rule of law, and prevent conflict over the long term. S. 1067 also calls for the United States to develop an interagency strategy and an assessment of options to lead in multilateral efforts to eliminate the threat posed by the LRA, protect children and families from further attacks, enhance efforts to help LRA abductees return home safely, and bring those wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity to justice. Enactment of this legislation will give us the tools necessary to respond to the humanitarian needs of those affected by this crisis and begin to support reconciliation efforts in Uganda. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of S. 1067.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Iwao Matsuda, Co-chairman of the U.S.-Japan Legislative Exchange Program (LEP). LEP is the longest standing and among the most successful legislative exchange programs in the U.S. Congress. This week marks LEP's 22nd year and 43rd consecutive session. Mr. Matsuda has played a tremendous role in making LEP a rewarding program. I have had the privilege of participating in several LEP meetings with Mr. Matsuda. He has been a remarkable leader of LEP and representative of the people of Japan. As a member of the Japan Diet, Mr. Matsuda was troubled by the sometimes bitter trade disputes between the United States and Japan and wanted to find a way to improve communications and understanding among the legislatures of Japan and the United States. In 1988, Mr. Matsuda took the far-sighted initiative of contacting friends in the U.S. Congress and at the George Washington University to create a program that would encourage personal and informal discussions among U.S. and Japanese parliamentarians. This was the beginnings of LEP. As time passed, Mr. Matsuda sought to expand the U.S.-Japan Legislative Exchange Program to include members of the South Korean National Assembly and initiated in 2003 the U.S.-Japan-South Korea Trilateral Legislative Exchange Program (TLEP), which meets regularly with LEP to foster closer ties and understanding among the democratic legislatures of the three countries. After twenty-plus years of public service, Mr. Matsuda, a true visionary of the promotion of democratic ideals, will be retiring, and this will be his last LEP session. Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much), Mr. Matsuda, for all that you have done to strengthen U.S.-Japan-South Korean friendships and expand understanding among the free peoples of the Asian-Pacific region and the world at large.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, we need Wall Street reform. The collapse in the value of securities as a result of Wall Street's conduct caused our Nation's economic crisis. While Americans struggle to find work and to pay their mortgages, Wall Street continues to pay huge bonuses and to focus only on their profits. Janet Orcutt of Kailua, Oahu, shared her story with me recently. Last August, Janet's son-in-law lost his job in this bad economy. This led to her daughter and son-in-law losing their home. Now her daughter, son-in-law, and 5-year-old grandson live with Janet and her two teenage children. With everyone living with them, Janet and her husband have had additional costs, which they charge to their credit cards. Each month, they fall farther behind. Janet said, ``We middle-income Americans are suffering while powerful Wall Street financial companies lobby against financial reform.'' I share Janet's anger. Without reform, the current system will continue to harm the well-being of families like Janet's. The House has passed Wall Street reform. It is high time that the Senate does likewise.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. Americans stand beside the Israeli people in commemoration of Israel's independence, and we celebrate the vision of the 37 Israelis who established the founding declaration on April 20, 1948, in order to secure a free, just, and peaceful new nation. Shortly after Israel was founded, President Harry Truman became the first national leader to recognize Israel as a friend and partner of the United States. Since that time, Congressional support for the State of Israel has not wavered, and ties between our two countries remain inextricably linked. Last August, I was fortunate enough to visit Israel with a number of my Congressional colleagues. That visit left an indelible impression on me. It is one thing to read of Israel's history and about that region of the world, but it is quite another to walk through the streets in Jerusalem, see Israel from the Golan Heights, and spend time at Yad Vashem and at Masada. While there, I also visited Ramallah and met with Palestinians who are engaged in the peace process. Along with my colleagues in Congress and my constituents back home in Hawaii, I look forward to the day when the Middle East is a region at peace. I am confident that our governments will continue to work together as allies to ensure that the goal of achieving a comprehensive peace in the region becomes a not-so-distant reality. Congress must also work with the Obama administration to make certain that Israel's security remains intact. On April 15, 2010, a number of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle sent a letter to President Obama assuring him of bipartisan support to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability using the tools we have at our disposal, including engagement with the Iranian regime and targeted sanctions. Although I was in Hawaii and did not have an opportunity to sign it, I would like to go on record in support of this letter, which reiterates congressional support for President Obama to do what is necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Late last year, I voted in support of H.R. 2194, a bill that amends the existing Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 and imposes additional sanctions that would curb energy investments in Iran. Soon the House and Senate will vote on a conference measure, and I hope that passage of this legislation will further deter the security threat that Iran's regime poses to Israel. I join my colleagues in wishing the Israeli people a happy Independence Day and reaffirm Congress's commitment to our relationship with the Israeli state.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 4715, the Clean Estuaries Act. This Act reauthorizes the Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program, which coordinates federal, state and local government efforts, as well as cooperation from private and nonprofit groups, to help protect estuaries. Estuaries support diverse habitats for a wide variety of species and provide significant economic and recreational benefits. Many fish and shellfish species depend on the sheltered habitat provided by estuaries, as well as the mix of saline and fresh water. The abundance of aquatic life supported by estuaries provides 75 percent of the U.S. commercial fish catch and 80 to 90 percent of the recreational fish catch. The Environmental Protection Agency already has accepted 28 estuaries into the National Estuary Program. The Clean Estuaries Act increases the annual authorization from $35 million to $50 million, an amount that, if fully appropriated, will allow the Environmental Protection Agency to add 12 new estuaries to the program. At present, 38 estuaries are candidates for the program, including two estuaries in the State of Hawaii--Kaneohe Bay and Hanalei Bay--that could benefit greatly from the support provided by the program. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill to protect the ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of our nation's estuaries.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. 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.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, today we take a stand for hard-working middle class families who deserve a better value for their health care dollar. We take a stand for better health care for America's seniors. We take a stand for those who have been denied insurance coverage because of a preexisting condition or whose insurance is rescinded when they need it most. This has been a difficult debate. There are strong, personal feelings about the issue of health care, because it affects all of us. This makes it even more important that we focus on the substance of health care reform, rather than engage in demagoguery, name calling, and worse. Republicans and Democrats alike know that our health care system is broken and not sustainable. Our country spends more on health care than any other developed country and we fall far below these other countries in the health of our people. H.R. 4872 and the Senate health care reform bill, H.R. 3590, are not perfect, but they are a step in the right direction. The health insurance reform measure achieves the three key goals of affordability for the middle class, accessibility for all Americans, and accountability for the insurance industry. More than 350 organizations support the health insurance reform legislation that we are voting on today. They include: the American Medical Association, AARP, Catholic Health Association, Main Street Alliance, Federation of American Hospitals, National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems, American College of Physicians, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Diabetes Association, American Nurses Association, Families USA, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Women's Law Center, Consumer Federation of America, and the Consumers Union. Once this bill is passed, Americans will see immediate benefits: seniors will start to see immediate relief from high prescription prices with a $250 rebate for Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole; preventative services and immunizations will be free under Medicare right away--eliminating co-payments for preventative services and exempting preventative services from deductibles; and small businesses that provide coverage to their employees will be eligible for a tax credit of up to 35% of premiums. The bill will also ban insurers from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions and eliminates lifetime limits and restrictive annual limits on coverage. These are real reforms yielding real benefits to people who are not getting their money's worth from the current system. It will soon be much harder to mischaracterize what this effort to change the health care system has been about once reform is enacted and the benefits accrue. I was appalled at the news that my colleagues John Lewis, Andre Carson, Emanuel Cleaver, and Barney Frank were verbally insulted and in one instance spat on by anti-health care reform protestors yesterday. The ugliness that this behavior exemplified reminded me of why ``Live Aloha'' is more than a motto to us in Hawaii. The Hawaiian word aloha, has deep meaning in my state; it is far more than hello or goodbye. To ``Live Aloha'' is to also have respect for yourself and respect for others, especially those with whom we disagree. To treat each other with decency--not hatred, or racism, or bigotry--is to ``Live Aloha.'' I'm proud to represent a state where we strive toward that ideal. My office has taken many calls and received many emails and letters on health care reform. A call that my office received on Friday was particularly heartfelt. It was from a woman on the island of Kauai who called to tell me that she and her 93 year-old friend both wanted me to stay strong and to vote in support of health care reform. I mention this particular call because it reminded me of the people and places I represent, who I fight for every day, and what this health care debate is all about. In his recent address to the Democratic Caucus, President Barack Obama quoted President Abraham Lincoln who said, ``I am not bound to win, but I'm bound to be true. I'm not bound to succeed, but I'm bound to live up to what light I have.'' This bill calls us to be true to the millions of Americans who want and need enlightened health care reform. It is a privilege to vote for H.R. 4872.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, it bears repeating, few Americans have more at stake in health care reform than women. Forty States allow private health insurance companies to gender rate their premiums. As a result, a 25-year-old woman may pay between 6 percent and 45 percent more than a 25-year-old man to get the same coverage. Fifty-two percent of women reported postponing or forgoing medical care because of cost. Only 39 percent of men reported having had those experiences. Nine States allow private plans to refuse coverage for domestic violence survivors. Eighty-eight percent of private insurance plans do not cover comprehensive maternity care. In many policies, a previous C-section and being pregnant are considered preexisting conditions. Less than half of all women in America have employer-sponsored insurance. This is partly due to the fact that more women tend to work for small businesses or have part-time jobs where health insurance is not offered, certainly the case in Hawaii. It's time for reform.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Your health or your home? Americans should not have to make this choice, but all too often they have to because of the high cost of health care. Lesley Czechowicz of Kihei, Maui, called my office yesterday to tell me about her 20-year-old niece. Last year, her niece collapsed and fell into a seizure. Medics rushed her to the hospital; and, ultimately, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. Her niece had a part-time retail job that did not offer health insurance to their employees. Because of the emergency care and subsequent follow-up visits to the doctor, her niece was recently forced to sell her house so that she could pay her medical bills. Lesley called me because she wanted to make sure I would support health care reform. She told me that while it's too late for her niece, it's not too late for our country. I couldn't agree more. Private health insurance companies run a business. Their goal is to make money for their shareholders. They pay their CEOs millions of dollars a year while raising health care costs for the rest of us. Whose side are you on?

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. HIRONO

Ms. HIRONO. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, once again, I want to commend my colleague, Ms. Titus, for bringing this bill forward, and reminding us that it truly takes many, many hands and hearts to enable our students to succeed. Again, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2377.