On the recordSeptember 28, 2010
I rise to pay tribute to Senator Ted Stevens, a great American. Senator Stevens cared deeply for the people of Alaska, and all the people of the United States of America. He dedicated his career to the security and well being of this country, from his early days as an Army Air Corps pilot in World War II where he served multiple deployments across several continents, through his long career here in the U.S. Senate, as the longest serving Republican in the history of this institution. Ted Stevens was a brother and a dear friend. We were ohana, family. We worked together on so many issues to serve the needs of our noncontiguous States. Senator Stevens knew well the unique challenges both Alaska and Hawaii face, as the newest States, farthest from the U.S. mainland. Ted Stevens' love of Alaska is well known. But many people do not know Ted was actually a great surfer, and he was a frequent visitor to Hawaii. He loved to surf Kaimana Hila, Diamond Head, and Waikiki. When his surfing days were over, he brought his favorite surfboard here to Washington and displayed it in his Senate office, alongside the many treasures from Alaska. Ted loved Hawaiian music and song, and I enjoyed singing with him. Ted Stevens was a friend of America's first people. He constantly reminded the United States of its responsibility to its indigenous people in Alaska, Hawaii, and across the country.
