Colleen Hanabusa

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous career of the late Representative Cecil L. Heftel. H.R. 2149 is a bill which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4354 Pahoa Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, as the ``Cecil L. Heftel Post Office Building.'' Known for his prowess in building radio and television broadcasting stations, in 1976, Cecil Heftel was elected to the 95th Congress to represent the First Congressional District of Hawaii. While in Washington, Representative Heftel's first assignments were on the Education and Labor Committee and the Post Office and Civil Service Committee. Representative Heftel was reelected four times, serving a total of five terms. During the 96th Congress, Representative Heftel was elected to the Ways and Means Committee where he stayed until his resignation in 1986 to run for Governor of Hawaii. While in office, Representative Heftel sponsored 160 bills and was a champion of tax reform and energy independence, always showing aloha to his constituency. In response to President Ronald Reagan's tax cut proposal, Representative Heftel said ``I cannot support a tax proposal which would benefit me so much more than those of my constituents who earn less than $30,000.00 a year.'' Statements like this would define who Cecil Heftel was, both inside Congress and out. In 1983 Representative Heftel was involved in a car crash near the Lincoln Memorial that left him with severe injuries. The accident occurred before cars were legally required to have airbags. This experience helped shape Representative Heftel's view of government regulation in the private sector. After the accident, Representative Heftel unsuccessfully filed suit against General Motors, blaming his accident on faulty brakes in his Oldsmobile. Though General Motors had sent Representative Heftel a letter explaining that his specific car model might have faulty brake, he did not receive the letter until after the accident occurred. Upon his return to the 99th Congress, Representative Heftel immediately introduced legislation that would provide criminal penalties for manufacturers who fail to notify owners of motor vehicle safety defects. This continued a trend of Representative Heftel using his life experience to impact his constituency and put forward efficient and innovative laws that lasted until his resignation. In 2004 at age 80, Heftel was successfully elected to the state Board of Education for the Oahu-At-Large seat continuing his passion for public service into his golden years. In light of a career dedicated to advancing the common good, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2149 and name the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4354 Pahoa Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, as the ``Cecil L. Heftel Post Office Building.''

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the ranking member for affirmatively looking upon H.R. 2149. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous career of the late Representative Cecil L. Heftel. H.R. 2149 is a bill which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4354 Pahoa Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, as the Cecil L. Heftel Post Office Building. Representative Heftel was a very unusual person and a very accomplished man. He was known for his prowess in building radio and television broadcasting stations in Hawaii. Many of us grew up in Hawaii with his creations, like ``Checkers and Pogo,'' which was the most popular children's show; J. Akuheab Pupule, one of the most popular radio personalities; and the legends themselves, who still rule our airwaves in the show of ``Perry & Price,'' Michael W. Perry and my good friend Coach Larry Price. They still are the first and the highest-ranking radio shows in Hawaii. Cecil Heftel was elected to the 95th Congress to represent the First Congressional District of Hawaii. While in Washington, Representative Heftel's first assignment was to the Education and Labor Committee and, ironically, the Post Office and Civil Service Committee. Representative Heftel was reelected four times, serving for a total of five terms in this body. During the 96th Congress, Representative Heftel was elected to the Ways and Means Committee where he stayed until his resignation in 1986 to run for Governor of our beautiful State of Hawaii. While in office, Representative Heftel sponsored 160 bills, and it is important to note this because these bills evidenced his vision and farsightedness. He was a champion of tax reform and energy independence, an issue that is very popular today, but may not have been as popular back then, always showing aloha for his constituency. In response to President Reagan's tax cut proposal, Representative Heftel said, ``I cannot support a tax proposal which would benefit me so much more than those of my constituents who earn less than $30,000 a year.'' Similar statements are being made today. This is what defined Cecil Heftel both as a Member of Congress and a person from Hawaii. In 1983, Representative Heftel was involved in a car crash near the Lincoln Memorial which left him with severe injuries. The accident occurred before cars were legally required to have airbags. This experience helped shape Representative Heftel's view of government regulation and the private sector. Remember where he came from, a very successful businessman. After the accident, Representative Heftel unsuccessfully filed suit against General Motors, blaming his accident on faulty breaks in his Oldsmobile. It is important to note that after the accident, he received a letter saying there may be something wrong with his brakes. Though Representative Heftel, as a businessman, probably was not in favor of regulations, it is important to note that in the 99th Congress, he introduced legislation that would provide criminal penalties for manufacturers who failed to notify owners of motor vehicle safety defects, something that we have all come to expect and are protected by today. This shows you who Representative Heftel was and the fact that he always placed the public, the people, and his constituents first. He went through his service here in the Congress displaying this kind of independence and courage, looking to these important issues. I want to say that on a personal note, I was able to meet Mr. Heftel in the year 2004. It was at a dinner event where, actually, I met his daughter Susan first. And when we spoke of her father, she told me, I think my dad would like to meet you. So we sat at dinner first and had several meetings after that. And he told me about his experiences in Congress. But more important than that, he shared with me his passion for education and how he believed that he still had it in him to come and make change in the education system in Hawaii. So in that same year, at the age of 80, Cecil Heftel was successfully elected to the State Board of Education for the Oahu-at-large seat, and there he served for 4 years, making an effort to leave his mark on education, as he did as a Member of Congress and also as the greatest communications person we will see in the State of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2149, naming the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4354 Pahoa Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, in honor of Cecil Heftel. I do this not only to honor him and to pay our respects to someone who served the State so well, but I do this because I want for especially the youth of today, when they go by that post office and they see the name Cecil L. Heftel to ask, Who was Cecil L. Heftel? And I believe that when they learn his story and they see how he served in this body and how over time his experiences shaped his legislation, legislation that we may not have thought that would be something he would have supported, and how he put his constituents first, and also his genius, his absolute genius in communications and his creation of all the legends over time, that they will be inspired, and that among them, one day, we may see another Cecil L. Heftel.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is intended to have funds available to restore the Forest Legacy Program through the fiscal year 2011 level, as well as the fiscal year 2008 levels, of approximately $53 million. This amount is $83 million less than what was requested by the administration and $22 million less than what was authorized in fiscal year 2010. The reason for this amendment is we cannot let this very important program in essence be eliminated by the present funding of only $3 million in the present bill before us. The Forest Legacy Program partners with the States to protect environmentally sensitive forest lands. It is a partnership program in which States are permitted to accomplish this very important goal. It is a voluntary program that encourages the protection of privately owned lands and encourages the purchase of conservation easements without removing the land from private ownership. The easements then act to protect water, air quality, and habitats for threatened and endangered species. This particular program is important for the State of Hawaii. We have more endangered species per square mile than any other place on the planet. We claim 75 percent of the endangered plants in the United States. We are the most unique archipelago. One such project is called the Kainalu Forest Watershed, which is an easement that was bought to preserve 614 acres of strategic watershed. This was done in the year 2010. This area produces a large part of the freshwater that contributes to the recharging of the aquifer through the forests and the streams that are preserved and sustains the residents of Molokai. Molokai may not be known to many of you, but in 2009, this island was made famous with the canonization of Father Damien, when he became St. Damien. This is the island that he so loved. But this is not a program that only affects Hawaii. It affects many of my colleagues' States. For example, in Idaho, 720 acres called the Bane Creek Neighbors project, which connects to important ecosystems and critical wildlife habitats and important timberlands, were preserved, and it preserved grizzlies' and gray wolves' habitats for these in the future. Also in Idaho, the McArthur Lake Wildlife Corridor, which basically protects 3,727 acres of critical private timberlands. Utah benefited from it through the Dry Lakes Ranch, which protects not only the timberlands themselves but a beautiful scenic view and keeps the area pristine and whole. As of 2010, almost 2 million acres have been so protected. Now, it is important to realize that it is not taken from private owners, but it is in partnership with all the parties, including the States, to preserve these important habitats for the future. This is the kind of program that we are always talking about and looking for, the preservation through partnerships--not just simply government going in and buying things. This is making it possible so some of the actual individuals and communities, the neighbors, for example, in Idaho are able to get together with government to preserve important easements. It is for this reason, Mr. Chairman, that I ask for a vote in support of this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this amendment requires that prior to the Presidential permit approving the construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline, that it will not issue until such time as the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the PHMSA, certify that the applicant has calculated a worst-case oil spill scenario for the proposed pipeline and has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary and the PHMSA that the applicant possesses the capability and technology to respond immediately and effectively to the worst-case scenario. Mr. Chairman, the reason this amendment is so necessary is because we are talking about a 2,000-mile pipeline from Alberta to the gulf coast. Actually, according to the bill itself, it will increase the production; and the pipeline will carry 700,000 to 1.290 million barrels of oil in a day. This pipeline will go over important aquifers; and what we need to recognize is that the people of this great country, after experiencing the BP oil spill, expect us to address and recognize that that type of catastrophe may occur. And what this amendment does is it gives the people that assurance. I would also like to say, Mr. Chairman, that part of this amendment also gives the Secretary the opportunity to waive the requirement. If the Secretary and the PHMSA believe that the applicant has, in fact, completed a worst-case discharge scenario, then they can say that this provision is no longer necessary. So, Mr. Chairman, this is really for the people. It gives the people peace of mind that, in fact, we have addressed the situation, especially when we're going over aquifer and many people's lands, 2,000 miles. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chairman, I understand what the proponent of this measure is stating. However, let us also recognize that this bill, in its own requirement, says that not later than 30 days after the issuance of the final environmental impact statement, the President shall issue an order either granting or denying the Presidential permit. We're not here to slow this up. We're actually here to assist them if this is really what they want to do. The reason why is this: if you're very familiar with the environmental impact statement process, and we are in the comment period right now, but you know that after the comment period is done, that what will then happen is that you will then be able to file challenges to the EIS itself. What this does is it then creates the opportunity to say, in a challenge, to an EIS, the sufficiency of which, if it's challenged on the fact that it did not properly address the worst-case scenario, that there is a process in the law itself which will permit them to say, hey, we can look at the worst-case scenario. And I believe that any kind of construction project such as this, it would be the worst-case scenario argument that would bring it to a complete halt. So, given that, Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment because it really will give the people the peace of mind; and if this is a project worthy of going forward, that it does assist in that process. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, July is a month to celebrate birthdays, the independence of this Nation, and the 46th birthday of Medicare. Medicare is the best health care program ever and the most successful anti-poverty program. So the question we should all be asking ourselves is, why then do the Republicans want to do away with Medicare as we know it? And the answer probably is because we have forgotten what Medicare was meant to do. Prior to 1965, 44 percent of our seniors had no health care. Now 40 million are enrolled. Before 1965, 40 percent of those 65 and older were at or below the poverty level. Now only 10 percent fall in that category. Life expectancy was 70.2 years. Now it is 78.2 years of age. So we should ask ourselves: Why do we want to touch Medicare as we know it? Medicare has done what we needed it to do. Happy birthday, Medicare.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chair, I understand with our agreement to their modification, that they will accept the amendment. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to modify the amendment.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chair, this amendment simply seeks from the Administrator of the EPA to submit to Congress within 1 year, and then annually thereafter, a report on any increase in waterborne pathogenic microorganisms, which include protozoa, viruses, bacteria and parasites, toxic chemicals or toxic metals, such as lead and mercury, in waters regulated by the State under the provisions of H.R. 2018, including any further amendments to this bill. Mr. Chair, there is nothing as important to all of us, especially for those of us in Hawaii, as water quality. We are the only island State, and of course our pristine waters are very critical to us for our major economic engine, which is tourism. And I don't believe it's any different for any other State, especially those of us who have bordering oceans, and even those who may have navigable streams within our borders. Water is critical. What H.R. 2018 does is it simply states that the States now have the right to regulate water quality. By doing that, however, we need to know what they're doing and to ensure for all of us and our constituents that the States are doing a good job. All this amendment is seeking from the States is for the EPA to report to us so we can know if in fact they're doing what this bill gives them the authority to do, which is to make the decisions regarding water quality. For that reason, Mr. Chair, I ask for the support of this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chair, I would accept the modification. However, I would also like to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop).

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, for so long we've been hearing about our debt. We've also been hearing about who owns our debt, and of course, the name ``China'' comes up. That is why we need to have the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act come to this floor, because that is the only way--the only way--we are going to address the currency manipulation by China and simply ask that they play by fair rules for fair trade. Look at what this means for us. Let's understand that, by having the currency manipulated by them, they are having the benefit of 25 to 30 percent. That's what we're subsidizing them in terms of their exports. If we get the currency manipulation under control, this is what we could hope to accomplish: Our budget deficit will be reduced to about $857 billion over the next 10 years. The trade deficit will be reduced by $138 billion. The GDP over the next 18 months will increase by $285 billion. This will support 1.6 million American jobs. So as we are asking ``where are the jobs?'' look to currency manipulation.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 60th anniversary of the first Urasenke Tea Group ceremony in Hawaii, and the first such ceremony held in the United States. This traditional ceremony was brought to the U.S. by Dr. Genshitsu Sen, who has sought to promote peace and cultural understanding throughout the globe. Dr. Sen returned from service in World War II, making a personal vow to promote ``Peacefulness through a Bowl of Tea.'' He is an heir to a family whose leadership in the tradition of the Japanese Way of Tea, or chado, dates back 15 generations to the 16th century. While Honolulu was the site of the first Urasenke Tea ceremony in the country, this centuries-old Japanese tradition has extended around the world, fostering international goodwill through cultural exchange. Urasenke tea groups have been established in 33 U.S. locations and in 49 countries. Dr. Sen has conducted this ceremony for world leaders and has helped to establish and teach college courses on the tradition of chado. He has led ceremonies at the United Nations, the U.S. Naval Academy and even for members of this esteemed body here on Capitol Hill. Mr. Speaker, this occasion will be marked by a tea ceremony on the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, a most fitting location for this solemn tradition which is founded on the principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. I call attention to this significant anniversary, and the ceremony marking the occasion, in the spirit of cultural understanding and building bonds of goodwill.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, during these difficult times, we define ourselves as a society and a country by how we treat those who are less fortunate and those who are dependent. We also define ourselves by how we keep our promises, and this is why it is so important that we keep our promises to our seniors. I'm speaking, Mr. Speaker, about Medicare and the Republican plan to do away with Medicare as we know of it today. You hear many things, but we owe it to our seniors to be honest and up front with them as to exactly what this plan is going to do. You will hear that Medicare will not affect those seniors who are on Medicare now. That is not true. Seniors who are on Medicare now will see that doughnut hole reappear. In other words, they're going to pay for prescription drugs again. You will see figures like 3.9 million of them paying $2.2 billion next year, alone, for that doughnut hole. We will also see that it will cost them a total of about $111 million next year because they will now have to copay for their wellness visit. This is not the way we keep our promises to the elderly.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the accomplishments, sacrifices, and contributions of the over 130 young men from Hawai`i, the majority of whom were native Hawaiians, who participated in a seven-year colonization project which resulted in the United States extending its sovereignty into the equatorial Pacific. May 13, 2011 marked the 75th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 7368 proclaiming United States' jurisdiction over the islands of Howland, Baker, and Jarvis--islands which still remain possessions of the United States today. These young Hawaiian men, many of whom were students at Kamehameha Schools, were charged with a colonization plan aimed at placing U.S. citizens as colonists on the three remote islands. These men spent three to four months at a time on the islands. Their duties were to record weather conditions, cultivate plants, maintain a daily log, record types of fish caught, observe bird life, and collect specimens for the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. During the seven years of colonization, these men made numerous sacrifices, endured hardships, and risked their lives to secure and maintain the islands. Sadly, three young men gave their lives protecting these islands. The federal government has never fully recognized the accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices of the colonists. Today there are less than half a dozen of these colonists still alive and most of them are now in their 90s. In honor of the 75th anniversary of the Executive Order, I once again recognize the accomplishments and sacrifices of the Hui Panala'au colonists and extend appreciation on behalf of Hawai'i and the people of the United States.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous accomplishments of Hawaiian music legends Frederick ``Freddie'' and Ernest Tavares and congratulate them for receiving the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts' Lifetime Achievement Award. The brothers were born and raised on Maui and from early on their passion for music and creativity was evident. Over their distinguished careers these two men helped popularize Hawaiian music throughout the United States and their innovations changed the world of music. In his career, Freddie performed with some of the biggest stars of the era including Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley and Dean Martin. In the 1950s, Freddie was hired by guitar legend Leo Fender to help design the Fender Stratocaster, a guitar for which Eric Clapton commented, ``I would challenge anybody to come up with a better design for a guitar. It's about as close to being perfect as any electric guitar can be.'' For his contributions to the guitar industry, Freddie was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame and the Fender Hall of Fame. Ernest was Freddie's older brother and was a versatile multi- instrumentalist. Ernest played the steel guitar, ukulele, flute and piano, among many others. He was an accomplished songwriter, conductor and choreographer and his creativity and engineering skills led to development of the pedal device that led to the pedal steel guitar. His career included work with the Harry Owens Royal Hawaiian Orchestra and Paul Page's South Sea Serenade. The Tavares brothers were true musical renaissance men, and as their careers show they made a marvelous impact on modern music. Freddie and Ernest Tavares are treasures to the state of Hawai'i.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Senate Concurrent Resolution 16 is entitled, ``Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha.'' It speaks to authorizing the use on June 5, 2011, and states that the preparations for the ceremony shall be carried out with such conditions as may be prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol. This is not an unusual event. This will be the 42nd time such a celebration has taken place within the Capitol. This is Hawaii's way to share its most unique history with all. June 11, the day of celebration, is the birthday of King Kamehameha the great. He was born around 1758 and is credited with unifying the eight major islands by the year 1810. Of course, the islands of Kauai and Niihau claim that they eluded him. This holiday was first decreed in 1871, when Hawaii was still a kingdom, by Kamehameha V, his great grandson. It was the first holiday proclaimed by the Governor and legislature when Hawaii became a State in 1959. The celebration in his honor is about 140 years old this year. And what we identify with the celebration, the statue of King Kamehameha and the traditional lei draping, is over 100 years old itself. The American sculptor, Thomas R. Gould, was commissioned by the Kingdom of Hawaii to create the statue. He did so in 1879 from his studio in Rome. It was completed in 1880, but the ship that was transporting it from Germany sank. It was in 1883 when the second statue made its way to Hawaii. It stands 8\1/2\ feet tall with the king in his royal garb. The helmet is depicted to reflect that it is made out of red, very rare feathers, as is his cloak. The spear in his left hand is the symbol that his kingdom is willing to defend itself, and yet his right hand is extended in the gesture of aloha, to welcome, that gesture which is synonymous with Hawaii. The statue that stands here is the mold of the second statue which stands in front of Ali'iolani Hale, the home of the Hawaii Supreme Court. Many, actually, would recognize it as the new headquarters of ``Hawaii Five-0.'' This was dedicated as a gift to the National Statuary Hall from Hawaii in the year 1969. Of note is the first statue was found and brought to the Big Island of Hawaii, the birth isle of King Kamehameha I. The tradition of the lei draping dates back to 1901, when Hawaii was still a territory. I personally recall it as a child with firefighters draping the leis on the statue using their very long ladders. We remember it clearly with the longest strands of the yellow plumeria blossoms being the flower of choice. These lei drapings take place on the Big Island as well and have for 42 years also taken place in the Capitol. On June 20, 2010, President Obama issued Proclamation 8534 in honor of the bicentennial of the unification of Hawaii. The President, who like me and others who were born in Hawaii, recognizes the significance of King Kamehameha to our history. A relevant part of his statement is, ``On this bicentennial King Kamehameha Day, we celebrate the history and heritage of the Aloha State, which has immeasurably enriched our national life and culture. The Hawaiian narrative is one of both profound triumph and, sadly, deep injustice. It is the story of Native Hawaiians oppressed by crippling disease, aborted treaties, and the eventual conquest of their sovereign kingdom. These grim milestones remind us of an unjust time in our history, as well as the many pitfalls in our Nation's long and difficult journey to perfect itself. Yet, through the peaks and valleys of our American story, Hawaii's steadfast sense of community and mutual support shows the progress that results when we are united in a spirit of limitless possibility.'' I would like to also add, as Chairman Lungren pointed out, what King Kamehameha is also known for is creating the law of the land, the law, as we call it, the Law of the Splintered Paddle. In Hawaii we also call it Ke Kanawai Mamalahoe. This is an interesting story, and one that people may not believe. It is really the story of a warrior king and his humanity. It was a law to protect the civilians at a time of war. It is a lesson in human life because the king, warrior king, decreed that any human life was precious, and it was wrong for the powerful to mistreat the weaker. Though many of us think of it as a celebration with parades and, as we call it at home hoolauleas, festivities, and parties, it is more importantly a symbol of that which is Hawaii, that which makes us so unique. I would like to express my appreciation on behalf of the people of Hawaii, to Speaker Boehner, Chairman Lungren, the architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police, and all others who assist in this event. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Thank you very much. It's very fascinating to watch the both of you go back and forth on this. Hawaii doesn't have manufacturing like the traditional form of manufacturing. However, there is one part of our economy that is very critical, and it's under fire. And I would like to discuss that, because I have some statistics as to how, when we protect what is made in America, we are able to actually see the results. And I'm talking about the Jones Act, which has different ramifications for all over, but for Hawaii, because we are in the middle of the Pacific, what we tend to forget is that our oceans are our highways. And what people think is that, gee, if we had ships coming in from foreign-flagged vessels, we might have a reduction in the costs. And that is exactly where we do not want to go. Let's talk about manufacturing and how it affects us. First of all, shipbuilding, the gentleman from California and I sit on the Armed Services Committee, and tomorrow in one of the subcommittees, they're going to discuss the 30-year plan of shipbuilding in the military. And the military, I know from conversations with my own hometown people who are in the maritime industry that they have been called to Washington because the NAVSEA component wants them to continue to build in America. They want them to build the ships because we can't, the military can't continue to keep this industry alive. They need help from the private sector. So let's look at: Why wouldn't the private sector do this? And one of the pieces of legislation that has been there to keep the private sector in the manufacturing of ships has been the Jones Act. Now, let's understand what it means for a State like Hawaii, and then maybe we can, by going through that, understand what the ramifications are when we talk about Make It in America, because people may not see that actual connection to how we benefit from it. We have, for example, in my district alone, 16,494 domestic maritime industry jobs. This is the second highest of all congressional districts. This is according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers Transportation Institute survey or statistic that they did. Now, the total gross economic output from domestic maritime activity is $3.389 billion annually for the State of Hawaii. Gross output is defined as the sum of receipts or sales and other gross income generated in this maritime sector. Executives and other workers related to the domestic maritime industry receive total compensation of $785.9 million annually. The total value added for goods and services moving by domestic waterborne transportation is $1.24 billion annually. The State of Hawaii is a top contributor to the domestic maritime industry, ranking basically in the top eight of four categories, top eight. Think about how small we are: jobs, economic output, labor compensation, and value added. There are over 23,000 domestic maritime jobs in the State of Hawaii, and the total gross economic output for the State is well over $4.7 billion annually. And the related labor compensation is $1.1 billion annually, and the annual value added is about $1.7 billion. Now, nationally, the domestic maritime industry accounts for about 499,676 jobs; $29.1 billion in labor compensation; $100.3 billion in economic output; $45.9 billion in value added; and $11.4 billion in taxes. There are more than 40,000 vessels in America's domestic fleet, one of the largest in the world. But remember something, and one of my Senators made the statement--and I was stunned by it--he said after World War II in terms of ruling the high seas, America had over 90 percent, over 90 percent; and we are now in the low 20s. What does that mean for us? Think about the industry. Think about the manufacturing. Think about the high-quality jobs that the maritime industry represents, and what are we doing about it. We know trade. We also know in terms of the military that the maritime industry is critical, but the military alone cannot keep that industry alive. That is why--let us not forget the Jones Act comes from the Merchant Marine Statute. And what has been done in the past? In the Persian Gulf war, for example, and in other types of areas where we don't have enough ships, we go to the private sector; and we are able to do that because they are American flagged, American owned, and American manned--manned, not to be referencing other than man or woman. But that's what it is all about. We are, no matter what, the greatest power in the world. That's what we are. That's what we represent. And why would we not recognize that there are many things that we do best and we rule the high seas, as they said. And now we are willing to sacrifice that to other countries? That should not be the case because trade, maritime, is a major component of our success and our ability to continue to be independent. And we know, the gentleman from California and I as we sit through many of our hearings, that the new military is looking at a marriage with the commercial areas, a marriage with using all of the different ships, plus airlines, to transport things. You know, that is the future; but to make that future a viable future and a cost-efficient future, we have got to continue to make it in America.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. I yield myself 1 minute. Mr. Chair, if this amendment is duplicative, it should not be an issue, because what it does do is it contains the language that the people want to hear. The people want to hear, What is the worst case scenario? I also contend that it really does not do that. It is not duplicative. What is contained in the bill is the statement of critical safety system requirements, including blowout prevention and oil spill response and contamination requirements. It does not say ``the worst case scenario'' and it does not require the applicant to show, to show the Secretary that it has the capability and the technological ability to address that. So it is not duplicative. But to the extent that the opposer would like to say that it is duplicative, then I believe that they should not object to this because, after all, it does say what people want to hear. People want to be guaranteed that the BP oil spill does not happen again. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The amendment that I propose is a very simple and a commonsense amendment. First of all, let us recall where we come from. Title 43, section 1340, entitled ``Geological and Geophysical Explorations,'' is what is the subject of H.R. 1229; specifically, subsection D, entitled ``Drilling Permits.'' Under that subsection, it states: The Secretary may, by regulation, require any lessee operating under an approved exploration plan to obtain a permit to drilling any well in accordance with such plan. What the amendments are proposing here today and what my amendment addresses is what is set forth at page 4. And I propose that it amends after line 6 and includes a subsection 3, which addresses the worst- case discharge scenario certification. This amendment requires: The Secretary shall not issue a permit under paragraph 1 without certifying that the applicant, first, has calculated a worst-case discharge scenario for the proposed drilling operations; and, B, has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the applicant possesses the capability and technology to respond immediately and effectively to such worst-case discharge scenario. Mr. Chairman, we are talking here to the people, the people across this Nation and in the world who watched the worst-case scenario, what happened in the BP oil spill. What we are simply saying is that before any permit is issued, that the Secretary take the precaution of, first, having assessed what that worst-case scenario could be; and, second, that applicant who is seeking this permit has both the capability and technology, and has demonstrated as such, to address that worst-case scenario. Mr. Chairman, it is a simple statement and it is a requirement that the people would like to see. No one wants to sit there and experience a BP oil spill again. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA. May I inquire of the Chair as to how much time is remaining on both sides.

Ms. HANABUSA. I yield myself 1 minute. Mr. Chair, I am sure that the gentleman from Louisiana has no intentions of saying that anyone who may want an amendment to this bill is somehow hostile or somehow anti-jobs, anti-energy security and anti- environment, because that is not the intent. This bill has been labeled Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act. We have no objection to that, Mr. Chair. But why can't it also say Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act Safely? That is all that is being requested here. Let's look at what happened at the BP oil spill. Let's just make sure it doesn't happen again. Another spill like that, by taking these precautions, can be avoided, and by doing that, by doing that, we will not be faced with a situation where someone from that district would say we are hostile because we are not encouraging jobs or not encouraging energy security or not encouraging the environment. This is exactly what we are trying to do. We are trying to do all of these, and it has a ripple effect throughout the Nation. I reserve the remainder of my time.