Colleen Hanabusa

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we support this bill to authorize the National Park Service to permit flood control and erosion projects in the Gateway National Recreation Area. Specifically, the gentleman's bill will enable New York City to move forward with the Staten Island seawall, a project designed to protect communities from future flooding events. A few weeks ago was the 6-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, a somber reminder of the importance of planning for powerful storm surges, sea-level rise, and other impacts of climate change. For good reason, the seawall project is a major priority for the residents of Staten Island and New York. Residents of Hawaii understand the urgency of preparing for the impacts of climate change, so I understand the persistence of Representative Donovan and others in New York to advance this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to speak on this next bill, H.R. 5706, the World War II Pacific Sites Establishment Act, and it means a great deal to me. H.R. 5706 would allow for a functional redesignation of two significant sites in Hawaii: Pearl Harbor and the Honouliuli Internment Camp, providing both of these sites with enabling legislation that recognizes their significant roles in history. The boundaries and management of these sites will not change. Pearl Harbor is the only site in Hawaii currently incorporated in the World War II Valor of the Pacific National Monument, which also includes sites located in California and Alaska. Although the Valor Monument consists of multiple sites, National Park Service materials reference Pearl Harbor as the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. H.R. 5706 would separate Pearl Harbor from the Valor Monument and establish it as the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Pearl Harbor is a physical representation of the day that will live in infamy, the strides made in U.S.-Japan relations, and the U.S. entry into World War II. This historic site deserves a name to match its separate identity and significance from the rest of the monument. Along with the well-known USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor is host to the USS Missouri and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park. Together, these sites attract over 1 million visitors to Hawaii and Pearl Harbor every year, serving as a significant contributor to Hawaii's tourist-driven economy. H.R. 5706 would also establish the Honouliuli National Monument as the Honouliuli National Historic Site. As some of you know, I am the granddaughter of two internees, one of whom was interned at Honouliuli, which I did not learn about until very late in his life. In fact, many who grew up in Hawaii did not know about Honouliuli until it was designated, highlighting the need to quickly preserve the site and its history. Although not as well-known as other confinement sites, Honouliuli is unique in that it provides an important historical perspective for martial law in the U.S., the treatment of prisoners of war, and the distinguished history of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Regiment. In their evaluation of the site, the National Park Service said Honouliuli appears to offer the greatest potential to preserve resources and interpret the history of the World War II internment. While Japanese Americans on the mainland were interned indiscriminately, that would have been impossible in Hawaii's predominantly Japanese American workforce. Unlike the U.S. mainland, the military imposed martial law in Hawaii for the duration of World War II and came up with a process to identify those who were perceived to be a threat. These prisoners, mostly male, were separated from their families for years. Some were sent to the mainland, like my other grandfather; Honouliuli; or other sites in Hawaii. Despite these circumstances, more than 10,000 Japanese American men from Hawaii signed up to serve this country in war. More than 2,000 were accepted and served in what eventually became the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team. This unit, which includes Hawaii's late Senator Daniel Inouye, is the most decorated of World War II. Their story is one of incredible patriotism, courage, and service. The collective stories of Honouliuli, and the context in which it was built and operated, are invaluable lessons about the decisions made in the name of war. H.R. 5706 is supported by our local community, receiving endorsements from Pacific Historic Parks and the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. In addition, this bill has been endorsed by the Go for Broke National Education Center and AMVETS. H.R. 5706 will go a long way toward preserving what happened more than 75 years ago at both Pearl Harbor and Honouliuli--the good and bad--for future generations and I hope will leave an impressions of the sacrifices and courage of our Greatest Generation. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. Congress' affirmation of what these sites symbolize in our history will mean a great deal to our World War II veterans and their families, Japanese Americans, and others around the world. I ask for everyone's support. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2615 is a simple bill that authorizes a land exchange between the National Park Service and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5699 in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The bill passed the House in the 114th Congress, and we passed it again nearly a year ago. The veterans at Post 5699 in Mr. Palazzo's district have been waiting a long time for this exchange, so I am pleased that we have an opportunity to agree to the changes proposed by the Senate and advance this measure to the President's desk. This exchange is supported by the VFW Post and the National Park Service. It is a simple and logical solution to a local issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes a land exchange between the U.S. Forest Service and Yavapai County, Arizona. The Federal land that will be conveyed to the county is surrounded by county-owned and private land, including Windmill Park, a popular recreation destination for local residents. Yavapai County intends to manage the land as part of the park in an effort to increase access and improve management efficiency. In exchange, the Forest Service will receive a parcel of land adjacent to Coconino National Forest that provides habitat for the cliffrose--an endangered plant species. The bill ensures an equal value exchange based on standard appraisal requirements--a critical safeguard that guarantees a fair return for taxpayer-owned assets. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 2074 authorizes the conveyance of certain public lands owned by the Bureau of Reclamation around Jamestown Reservoir in North Dakota. Like S. 440, this bill ensures that taxpayers receive appropriate compensation for transferred lands and also ensures that transferred recreation lands continue to be available to the public for recreational uses. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I support the passage of S. 2074, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 440 authorizes the conveyance of certain public lands owned by the Bureau of Reclamation around the Dickinson Reservoir in North Dakota. I am glad to say that this bill ensures that taxpayers receive appropriate compensation for transferred public lands. The legislation also ensures that transferred recreation lands continue to be available to the public for recreational uses. Congress has a long tradition of approving public land conveyances so long as they promote public purposes and provide appropriate compensation to the American taxpayers. S. 440 meets these requirements. Mr. Speaker, I support the passage of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I would like to commend Representative Suozzi for this bipartisan initiative to honor the legacy of Congressman Lester Wolff, who had the foresight to protect Oyster Bay from unnecessary development. Thanks to his hard work and vision, the refuge remains an important stopover for wintering waterfowl and a popular destination for outdoor recreation. This bill is a fitting tribute that deserves our support. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by yielding 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi), my colleague, who was the sponsor of this bill.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill amends the Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984 to designate 640 acres in the Ouachita National Forest. We are pleased to work with our colleagues across the aisle to identify areas that deserve wilderness designation and to increase conservation opportunities for our most wild and serene places. This bill adds to a conservation legacy signed into law by President Reagan and demonstrates that protection of public lands can be a bipartisan priority. We look forward to continuing this work as we wrap up the year and move into the next Congress. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I commend Congressman Dunn and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester for their leadership on this bipartisan bill to codify a series of updated Coastal Barrier Resources System pilot project maps. This legislation, much like the underlying act, demonstrates that good environmental stewardship, conservation, and coastal resiliency go hand in hand with responsible taxpayer protections. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5787 and I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Delaware (Ms. Blunt Rochester), my colleague.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill would extend the tenure of a very successful bedrock science program for an additional 5 years, as well as make some technical changes to the law. Since 1992, the National Geologic Mapping Act has supported geologic mapping in the United States through the establishment of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, or NCGMP. The NCGMP is responsible for supporting geologic mapping within the United States and has done so successfully for over 25 years by supporting efforts at the Federal, State, and university levels. Geologic maps are used in several important ways: mineral, energy, and water resource exploration; geoscience research; toxic and nuclear waste disposal; environmental land use planning; decreasing the impact of natural hazards; constructing and maintaining infrastructure; and much more. Reliable and accurate geologic mapping is underappreciated by, and in most cases invisible to, the public, but it underpins huge sectors of our economy and is essential for improving the health and safety of every American. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Lamborn and Brown for their work on this bill and am happy to voice my support of it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4033, and I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Brown) to give his remarks.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3398, the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague and good friend from Alaska, Congressman Don Young, for introducing this bill, which I proudly cosponsored. Through the Compact of Free Association, the United States and the Freely Associated States--the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau--agreed to the terms of our special and unique government-to-government relationships. It is through these compacts that the citizens of the Freely Associated States can enter the U.S. to live, work, study, and visit indefinitely as legal nonimmigrants without visa, with guaranteed access to social and health services. In return, the U.S. has defense and certain other operating rights in the Freely Associated States, denial of access to the territory by other nations, and other agreements of strategic importance to the United States. The Freely Associated States' citizens migrate to Hawaii and other places in the U.S. for many reasons, including but not limited to job and economic opportunities. Hawaii is one of the four recognized affected jurisdictions by the U.S. Government. Hawaii experiences the highest impact of FAS migrants. The other affected jurisdictions are Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Based on the U.S. Census data for 2010 to 2014, the five States with the highest number of FAS citizens are Hawaii, with 17,205; Arkansas, with 3,625; Washington, with 3,430; Oregon, with 2,580; and Texas, with 2,090. Unfortunately, when Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005, it used an obsolete reference to the Freely Associated States countries, specifically identifying them as the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. As a result, when the Freely Associated States' migrants seek to obtain a U.S. ID or license, they can only obtain a temporary license for 1 year, since they are legally noncitizens without an end date of their stay. This is extremely problematic when the migrants seek employment, and it further complicates our ability to accurately assess the size of the FAS citizen population. It is clear Congress intended to include the Freely Associated States' citizen migrants under the Real ID Act, and I appreciate Congressman Young's effort to correct the Record and end the ambiguity which keeps FAS citizens from fully and freely participating in our country and becoming self-sufficient members of our society. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to remind people why we even have these compacts. It is because the United States did do atomic bomb testing, nuclear testing, in this area. As a result, it has affected their health, their ability to retain and stay in their home countries, and the compacts give them free access. Hawaii is one of the most affected, and we carry a lot of the costs associated with the compacts, especially in the area of medical, education, and housing. So the ability to have these Real IDs, then, will facilitate the various migrants' ability to actually seek jobs and have an equal footing in terms of economic opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 3398.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Honowai Elementary School in Waipahu, Hawaii, and all its achievements in being designated a Green Ribbon School by the Department of Education. As many of my colleagues know, Green Ribbon Schools are awarded for mitigating their environmental impacts, improving health and wellness within their communities, and pursuing effective environmental and sustainability education. The purpose of the award is to inspire schools, districts, and post-secondary institutions to pursue sustainable practices and education for the twenty-first century. State education officials nominate their top schools to be considered for this award. It is important to note that close to half of all Green Ribbon Schools honorees educate majority disadvantaged student populations. Honowai Elementary has pursued the standards and values of the Green Ribbon Schools award through an interactive, community-oriented process. Not only has Honowai installed solar photovoltaic modules that reduce the school's carbon footprint, but the data collected on this array is used in classrooms to teach students about renewable energy. Students are taught and encouraged to spread green practices that conserve energy and reduce their carbon footprints. Through professional development and new curricula for faculty, the physical improvements to the school, which include aquaponics and hydroponics systems, extend learning beyond the classroom and to the campus and broader community. At the same time, Honowai Elementary situates traditional and Native Hawaiian practices and concepts of sustainability within our contemporary economy and society. The lo`i patch on campus provides a sustainable source of taro for food while teaching students the unique practices and values of Hawaii's indigenous heritage. Students understand diverse cultures and histories through a curriculum focused on oral history, which in turn helps them forge stronger personal values and identities and connect with their communities. These accomplishments cannot be understated for a community consisting of single family and low-income housing and in which sixty- six percent of students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. Through its efforts, not only has Honowai Elementary given much to the local community and all its members, but the school has also represented Hawaii well on the national stage. I am proud of what the students, parents, faculty, and staff have come together to accomplish, and I look forward to their continued success as a school and community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Honowai Elementary School, its students, faculty, and staff for their achievements, as well as all Green Ribbon Schools for what they contribute to our communities.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Ke Au Hawaii, the Year of the Hawaiian, which honors Hawaii's indigenous people and their culture, history, and accomplishments. Fittingly, yesterday we celebrated Kamehameha Day, a Hawaii state holiday honoring the Native Hawaiian monarch who first united the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. Native Hawaiians are the original settlers of the Hawaiian Islands. Over a millennium, Native Hawaiians cultivated a rich culture and language that reflects the close relationship they had with their land. However, following European contact, Native Hawaiians endured a multitude of hardships that resulted in significant population and cultural declines. The effects of these declines continue through today, with Native Hawaiians overrepresented in rates of homelessness, incarceration, drug use, health disparities, and many other social ills. One such hardship came in the form of an 1896 Republic of Hawaii-era law, which banned the teaching of `olelo Hawaii, the Hawaiian language, in both public and private schools. Over the subsequent half-century, this law severely diminished the percentage of Hawaii's population that could speak and understand `olelo Hawaii. It was not until 1978 that Hawaiian was established as a co-official language of the State of Hawaii. Since then, the establishment of Hawaiian language immersion programs from pre-school through the college level has served as a critical incubator for language revitalization. These efforts have led to more than 20,000 fluent speakers of `olelo Hawaii today. At the turn of the century, prominent Native Hawaiian leaders took substantial steps to address the clear decline of an entire people. Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, the Territory of Hawaii's at-large congressional delegate from 1903 to 1922, authored the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which was passed by Congress in 1921 and continues to provide homesteads for Native Hawaiians. The purpose of the Hawaiian Homelands is to support the self-sufficiency and community-based development of the Native Hawaiian people and the preservation of their traditions, culture, and quality of life. At the state level, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) was created in 1978. OHA has evolved into an entity that perpetuates Native Hawaiian culture and advocates for Native Hawaiian interests, providing community-building forums, loan assistance, scholarships, and many other vital opportunities to the Native Hawaiian people. The decades-long struggle for recognition and rejuvenation culminated in the Apology Resolution. Signed by President Clinton in 1993, that resolution formally apologized for the United States' role in the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893. The sponsor of that resolution was the late Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka, the first and only United States Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry. He was an unwavering advocate for his people over his 36 years in Congress. Senator Akaka sadly passed away this April, but his legacy of advocacy on behalf of his people lives on forever. This year, as we mark the Year of the Hawaiian, we must remember to appreciate and affirm the vibrant contributions of Native Hawaiians to the multicultural fabric that is the United States of America. We look to the next generation of Native Hawaiian leaders to continue the important work of improving the lives of the Native Hawaiian people and advancing their strength in their homeland. Significant progress has been achieved in empowering and rejuvenating the Native Hawaiian people due to their resilience, persistence, and, above all, aloha. Theirs is a history and culture that have much to share and from which we have much to learn. Mr. Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating the Native Hawaiian people and their contributions to our country.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the gannenmono, the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. On June 20, 1868, the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii landed in Honolulu harbor. The Hawaiian government had asked its consul in Japan, Eugene Van Reed, to recruit contract laborers for work in the sugar cane fields. Though the original intent was to gather 350 immigrants, Van Reed succeeded in recruiting only 148 immigrants, of which 6 were women. These became the original gannenmono, or ``first year people,'' so named because they emigrated on the first year of the Meiji Emperor's reign. Van Reed had secured permission from the Shogunate government for the gannenmono to depart, but the new Meiji government declined to reconfirm these passports, forcing the migrants to depart illegally. Work and life on the plantations proved to be difficult for the gannenmono. Many of them were craftsmen and displaced samurai unfamiliar with agricultural labor. Conditions on the plantations were also harsh. Work was both tedious and monotonous, living conditions were poor, the pay was hardly sufficient and disproportionately lower for Japanese workers than for laborers of other ethnic groups, and the plantation overseers were often physically abusive. When the Japanese government heard that its citizens were being mistreated, it recalled the gannenmono. However, about 100 of the original group chose to remain in Hawaii, where they settled and intermarried with the locals. For the next seventeen years, the Japanese government refused to endorse any policy of organized immigration to Hawaii. However, the need for cheap labor on the sugar cane plantations and the declining Native Hawaiian population made the need for Japanese immigrants ever more urgent. In 1881, King David Kalakaua visited Japan during his world tour and made an appeal to the Meiji Emperor for Japanese immigration to Hawaii and closer ties between the two countries. Negotiations over immigration led the Hawaiian government to promise increased wages and improved working conditions for Japanese workers in future contracts. The first contract labor immigrants from Japan arrived in Hawaii in 1885, beginning a new wave of Japanese immigration. In 1884, the Kingdom of Hawaii reported 116 residents of Japanese descent in its census. By 1900, the Territory of Hawaii recorded over 60,000 people of Japanese descent, most of whom were unskilled male laborers. Unfortunately, the arrival of Japanese immigrants triggered xenophobic sentiments among those concerned with labor competition and racial purity, leading the United States federal government to restrict Japanese immigration. These nativist movements were strongest in California, where many Japanese and Asian immigrants settled. Under the Gentlemen's Agreement of 1907, the United States promised not to impose any immigration restrictions if Japan ended its emigration programs. However, the Immigration Acts of 1924 codified the suspension of Japanese immigration by ending immigration of all aliens ineligible for citizenship--a de facto ban on Asian immigration not lifted until the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. Immigration was just the first of many challenges Japanese Americans faced. The Japanese immigrants had difficulty integrating into local communities due to persistent prejudice and systemic hostility by neighbors and local, state, and federal governments. During the Second World War, over a hundred thousand Japanese Americans, the majority of whom were United States citizens, were forcibly relocated and incarcerated due largely to the mistaken notion that they would be more loyal to Japan than to the United States. Even today, stereotypes of Japanese Americans as perpetual aliens persist, even if the United States is the only country most Japanese Americans have ever known and called home. This anniversary of the arrival of the gannenmono reminds us of the difficult histories of Japanese American immigration and, in a broader sense, the immigration of other racial, ethnic, and religious groups to the United States. In examining our public discourse on immigration today, we see that we do not live in a unique moment in our country's history. Too often in our past have we closed our doors to those seeking a better future in the United States. Even after settling here, these immigrants often face prejudice and other challenges in integration. Yet, through their many sacrifices, perseverance, and resilience, through their hard work to earn their stead in America, they became Americans. Ours is a country not of a single race, ethnicity, language, or culture, but of shared values and beliefs. We are united by our common faith in democracy, confidence in equal justice, and aspirations for a better future. No one today can dispute the positive impact the Japanese American community has made on American life and society. A hundred and fifty years ago, a small ship of immigrants seeking new lives set sail from their homes for a far-away land. For the vast majority of us in the United States today, this is how our stories and those of our ancestors begin. By learning and remembering the histories of Japanese Americans and other communities that immigrated to this country, we become wiser in crafting our national attitudes and policies towards those seeking better futures for themselves and their families in America today. We must be an example for future generations to act wisely and honorably, informed by our own history as a country. Mr. Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the gannenmono and remembering their story today.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Shiro Floyd Mori, former president and CEO of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), and wish him well as he retires from a distinguished career in public service. Born in Murray, Utah, outside of Salt Lake City on May 30, 1939, Floyd is the son of Japanese immigrants from Kagoshima. He graduated from Jordan High School and served for six months on active duty in the United States Army Reserves at Fort Ord, California. After starting college at the University of Southern California (USC), Floyd interrupted his studies and served a two-year mission to Hawaii for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He earned his bachelor's degree in economics and Asian studies, as well as a master's degree in economics and political science, from Brigham Young University (BYU). Since then, Floyd has attended fellowship programs at Stanford University and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After college, Floyd began his career by teaching economics at Chabot College in Hayward, California, for ten years. In 1972, Floyd was elected onto the City Council of Pleasanton, California, before becoming mayor. In 1975, he was one of the first two Japanese Americans elected onto the California State Assembly. Floyd eventually became director of the Office of International Trade in California, an international business consultant, and president of Mori-Silva International. There is no doubt that Floyd has had a truly distinguished career. Today, however, I rise to recognize his extraordinary lifelong contributions to Asian Pacific Islander communities in the United States. Besides his outstanding work with APAICS, Floyd held numerous local and national positions for the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), including as president and vice president. He served on the executive council of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the diversity council for Comcast, and as chair of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA). Floyd's many awards for his community service include the Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award from OCA National, Coalition Building Award from the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Voices of Courage Award from the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno, the Distinguished Citizenship and Patriotism Award from the Pan Pacific American Leaders and Mentors, Community Leadership Award from the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette Award from the Japanese government. In March, Floyd retired from his position as president and CEO of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS). For five years, Floyd has led APAICS to achieve significant growth in activity, public support, and sponsorship. The APAICS we see today is more visible, well-connected, diverse, and ambitious because of Floyd's leadership. Floyd's lifelong service reminds us all of how important it is that we continue to cherish and advance diversity across our country. Through his tireless efforts as a leader of the Asian Pacific Islander community, Floyd has enriched the lives of countless Americans of all backgrounds. He has inspired future generations to build upon the important work he achieved. Mr. Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Floyd's accomplishments and years of service and wishing Floyd the very best in a prosperous retirement and all his future endeavors.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Punahou School's win in the Hawaii Regional High School Science Bowl and for earning the honor of competing in the National Science Bowl for the third year in a row. Created by the Department of Energy's Office of Science in 1991, the National Science Bowl is one of the largest and most prestigious academic competitions in the United States. Over 290,000 students have participated throughout the National Science Bowl's 27 years. Each year, this competition has encouraged thousands of students--in all 50 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico--to expand their understanding of mathematics and science and pursue careers in such fields. This year, 1,211 teams competed nationwide. The team from Punahou will face the remaining 64 high school teams in the National Science Bowl Finals in Washington, D.C. this week. To the Punahou School team--Alexander Apo, Anna Kimata, Evan Liu, Ryan Park, Dong-Woo Seo, and Coaches Tiffany Coke and Melissa Giresi--all the best in this year's competition. You are a shining example to your peers and I wish you continued success in your education and careers. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent these students and their families in the United States Congress and I know all my colleagues in the House will join me in congratulating Punahou School on competing in the National Science Bowl Finals 2018.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, to call attention to the damage done by severe rain and flooding on the island of Kauai and in East Oahu. It was an unexpected spring storm and, according to the National Weather Service, the town of Hanalei received more than 27 inches of rain over the weekend. Hanalei is home to my very good friends, the Haraguchis. Thankfully, Mr. Speaker, there are no reports of injuries, and for that we are lucky and grateful. However, the images of mudslides, mangled roadways, and severely damaged homes is heartbreaking. It is encouraging to watch neighbors helping neighbors and strangers coming together to share food, electricity, and water. Kauai suffered a direct hit from a hurricane and is home to the wettest place on planet Earth. Yet, their mayor, Bernard Carvalho, who was born and raised on the island, declared the disaster ``the worst.'' On Oahu, during a 24-hour rainfall from 4 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday, more rain fell in Niu Valley in one day than in all of April 2017. Flooding closed a major highway, filled homes with waist-deep water, and washed debris out to sea. FEMA is working with State and county officials and is prepared to initiate Federal assistance the moment the Governor asks for it. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all our colleagues stand with us and to have prayers for the people of Hawaii.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, S. 167 establishes Federal designation to an existing memorial recognizing fallen educators from across our country at the National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kansas. The Fallen Educators Memorial currently includes the names of educators and faculty from Columbine to Sandy Hook and many others who have lost their lives while serving our Nation's youth. The bill's designation will serve to further honor the countless educators that have given everything while on the job. I support this legislation, and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of passing this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and helping us preserve an important part of our Nation's history. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, if I may inquire as to whether the gentleman from California has any more speakers.

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 443 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability of designating the James K. Polk home in Columbia, Tennessee, as a unit of the National Park System. The home is the only surviving residence of our 11th President, President Polk, and contains over 1,300 artifacts and original documents. The National Park Service has previously testified in support of this bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the bill and helping us preserve an important part of our Nation's history. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HANABUSA

Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, I will close. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this great bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.