I know this measure is so important to advancing Prince Kuhio's vision of returning our people to the aina.

I encourage everyone to submit your comments through written testimony.

We strongly support S. 65 and extend our appreciation and mahalo nui to our Senators Akaka and Inouye for the thoughtfulness, inclusion and forethought for our Native Hawaiian population.

I want to again thank the Hawaii delegation, because this bill has been important to all of us, and to Hawaii.

Native Hawaiians was mentioned the only federally recognized Native people without a government-to-government relationship with the United States.

Its passage is long overdue, governmental parity for Native Hawaiians, American Indians and Alaska Natives, all of the first nations of the United States is pono, it's the right thing.

I will continue to work to ensure that the Native Hawaiian people have their right to self-governance honored.

I introduce S. 65, the Hawaiian Homeownership Act, because I believe this program is essential to provide affordable housing for the beneficiaries of the Hawaiian Home Lands trust.

You have always been a champion for Hawaii's people.

With passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, Congress set aside 203,500 acres of land to ensure that the Native Hawaiian people had home lands.

As Chairman, it is my goal to ensure that we hear from all who want to contribute to the discussion.