Thank you (KENNY BROWN) for that kind and gracious introduction.

Aloha and TENA KOUTOU KATOA! I would like to welcome all of you, especially our Maori cousins, who have come to participate in today's conference. I would also like to recognize and commend Kenneth Brown and Kara Puketapu for their leadership and initiative in putting together this historic, inaugural conference of the Polynesian Union. They deserve a round of applause for the splendid job they have done.

I believe the issues to be discussed at this conference will have profound implications for the future of native peoples of Polynesia and the Pacific. Without question, health care, cultural identity, and economic opportunity are important issues facing the Polynesian ohana. We must seek solutions, search for new ventures, and identify opportunities to enhance the quality of life for Polynesia's indigenous peoples. As you will learn from this conference, we should not forget to use our own cultural heritage as a tool to improve the quality of life for our people.

While the political history between native peoples and their governments has been wrought with pain and mistrust, things can only change if we do our best to help ourselves and educate those in positions to help us. We must never give up hope!

Maoris and Hawaiians must demand more accountability from our public officials, administrators at all levels of government, and business leaders. Maoris and Hawaiians should also become more active, not only in their respective communities, but in their communities at-large, in Hawaii, New Zealand, and elsewhere.

This first conference, bringing together Maoris and Hawaiians, is an historic first step for Polynesians to bond together in friendship and in sharing ideas that will advance our quality of life. Undoubtedly, this will prove to be a most enlightening, productive, and successful session for all involved. Let us build on the impetus of this inaugural conference and look forward to future conferences that will bring together all of Polynesia working for a common goal.

I appreciate being a part of this historic gathering. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for Native Hawaiians and other native peoples in Washington, D.C.

Once again, let me extend my warm aloha and TENA KOUTOU KATOA to all of you.

Mahalo!