Daniel Inouye: “I wish to express my deep appreciation to my colleague from Alaska for his efforts in this area, and for recognizing…”

“I wish to express my deep appreciation to my colleague from Alaska for his efforts in this area, and for recognizing that the significant needs for legal assistance in Native American communities span a broad range of issues, from housing and sanitation to health care and education. In my own State of Hawaii, Native Hawaiians comprise less than 13 percent of the population, but represent more than 40 percent of the prison inmate population. Native Hawaiians have twice the unemployment rate of the State's general population and represent 30 percent of the State's recipients of aid to families with dependent children. Over 1,000 Native Hawaiians are homeless, representing 30 percent of the State's homeless population. Native Hawaiians have the lowest life expectancy, the highest death rate, and the highest infant mortality rate of any other group in the State. Moreover, they have the lowest education levels and the highest suicide rate in Hawaii. Mr. President, in my State, we have the Native Hawaiian Legal Corp. [NHLC], a nonprofit organization established to provide legal services to Native Hawaiian community.”