Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on International Affairs and Tourism & Culture, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 83 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to recognize the importance of a cultural exchange between the people of Hawai'i and the Island of Ra'iatea, French Polynesia, and to request Ke Ala 'Olino Native Cultural Center to convene a task force to help facilitate a cultural exchange.

Several concerned individuals submitted testimony in support of this measure. The Senator from the Sixth Senatorial District, and the Mayor of the Village of Taputapuatea, Ra'iatea, French Polynesia submitted comments.

The native people of Ra'iatea and the native Hawaiian people share a common ancestry and culture, as the native Hawaiian people are believed to be descendents of ocean voyagers from Ra'iatea who named our islands after Hawaiki, their ancient homeland. An active and productive exchange with Ra'iatea would encourage native Hawaiians and the people of Hawaii as a whole to recognize our Polynesian heritage and to participate in activities that strengthen our bonds with fellow Pacific islands.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on International Affairs and Tourism & Culture that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 83 and recommend its adoption.