Hawai‘i Delegation Introduces Resolutions to Recognize Hawaiian Colonists in the Pacific
Hui Panalaau Colonists Helped the United States Establish Territorial Jurisdiction in the Equatorial Pacific in 1936
Washington, D.C. – The Hawaii Congressional Delegation today introduced resolutions in the Senate and House of Representatives acknowledging and honoring the brave young men from Hawaii, the majority of whom were Native Hawaiian, who participated in the Equatorial Pacific colonization project. The efforts of these young men, also known as the Hui Panalaau colonists, helped secure and establish jurisdiction of the United States over equatorial islands in the Pacific Ocean during the years leading up to and the months immediately following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the entry of the United States into World War II.
“Recognizing these young men for their service to our country is long overdue,” said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), who introduced the resolution in the Senate. “Nearly eight decades ago, during a pivotal time in our nation’s history, these men risked their lives, and helped secure territorial jurisdiction over the key remote islands of Jarvis, Howland, and Baker. This resolution honors the brave efforts of these young colonists and pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
“I am proud to be introducing this resolution alongside the entire Hawaii delegation which will honor the courage and sacrifices made by the brave colonizers of the Howland, Baker, Jarvis, Canton, and Enderbury islands during World War II,” said U.S. Representative Mark Takai (HI-01), who introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives. “Over 130 young men, primarily Native Hawaiians, endured hardships and risked their lives to secure and maintain these islands for the United States of America. It is only right that we acknowledge their dedication and pay proper respect to those whom were killed in the line of duty. I would like to extend my warmest aloha and fondest mahalo nui loa to the Hui Panalaau Organization for their commitment to our great nation.”
“During my time as a Member of Congress, I have had the opportunity to learn about the Hui Panalaau colonists and as a member of the House of Representatives, I joined with the Hawaii Congressional delegation in introducing a resolution to acknowledge and honor these young men on behalf of the United States. I was struck by how brave these young men had been while living on the remote islands of Howland, Baker and Jarvis,” said U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii). “The work of the Hui Panalaau colonists was important, and their stories are riveting and heartbreaking. My condolences go out to the families who lost loved ones in this initiative all those years ago. I look forward to again working with my colleagues in the delegation to help these men and their families achieve the recognition they deserve.”
“We celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of the Hui Panalaau colonists: young men from Hawaii who courageously served their country in establishing the jurisdiction of the United States over equatorial islands in the Pacific Ocean,” said U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02). “More than 130 of these young men, a majority of whom were Native Hawaiian, participated in this project; some of them lost their lives representing our nation during their service, particularly in the years leading up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is time for our government to recognize the accomplishments of these brave souls, few of whom are still alive today, and honor the memory of those who are no longer with us.”
Throughout the seven years of colonization of the islands, 130 men joined the effort and risked their lives. Today, there are three known surviving colonists in Hawaii.
“Although precious few of us remain, it is gratifying to know that the Hawaii delegation is united in an effort to gain acknowledgment of our deeds and to honor the ultimate sacrifices made by the members of the Hui Panalaau,” said surviving Jarvis Island colonist Paul Phillips, 93. “It has been a long time coming and I hope I live to see the day when the Hui Panalaau receive the recognition that they so honorably deserve.”
“As a granddaughter of one of the last surviving colonists, George Kahanu, I want to thank U.S. Senators Schatz and Hirono and U.S. Representatives Takai and Gabbard for introducing resolutions to acknowledge the accomplishments and sacrifices of more than 130 brave young men of Hawaii whose collective actions enabled President Roosevelt to claim these remote islands in the Pacific,” said Noelle Kahanu, granddaughter of surviving colonist George Kahanu, 97. “It has been 80 years since this fledgling group of young Hawaiians, all recent graduates of Kamehameha Schools, set sail for these distant islands, representing their families, their schools, their communities and ultimately, their country.”
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