MEDIA RELEASE

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives calling on Congress to pass her legislation to reauthorize the Native Hawaiian Education Act (H.R. 2287).

“Last week when I was in Hawaii, I had the chance to meet with parents and educators in the Native Hawaiian education community on the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Molokai,” Gabbard said. “I heard from them about the firsthand successes of this program, which has been in place since 1988. Education is by far the best investment that we can make in our economy and in our future. We are empowering and educating the next generation in communities that have largely been underserved, at the same time preserving rich and unique culture, language, and values of our native people.”

Floor Statement of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
July 10, 2013

In the coming days we will soon be taking up H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, which is a long overdue reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. I am rising today to speak about the need to include in this reauthorization the Native Hawaiian Education Act.

I introduced H.R. 2287, which does just this, and look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure its passage. Last week when I was in Hawaii, I had the chance to meet with parents and educators in the Native Hawaiian education community on the islands of Kauai, Maui, and Molokai. And I heard from them about the firsthand successes of this program, which has been in place since 1988.

Education is by far the best investment that we can make in our economy and in our future. We are empowering and educating the next generation in communities that have largely been underserved, at the same time preserving rich and unique culture, language, and values of our native people.

Native Hawaiian Education Act has been serving our kids for the last 25 years and it’s critical that these innovative programs continue. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the NHEA, and other programs that can enable and empower our underserved communities to thrive.