Schatz, Senate Leadership Host Meeting With Native Leaders
Discussion focused on addressing education, housing, and economic development
Washington, D.C. –Senator Brian Schatz and Senate leadership, including Majority Leader Reid, and Senators Begich and Cantwell, hosted 18 native leaders from across the country at the invitation of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee (DSOC). D. Keola Loyd with the Lanikuhonua Cultural Center and Kawika Riley with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs were invited to attend the meeting by Senators Schatz and Hirono. Topics of discussion included federal recognition of Native Hawaiians, fulfilling our trust responsibilities to tribal nations, educating native students, and enacting legislation that builds more prosperous native communities.
“Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs provides a number of resources tailored to educate and assist the Native Hawaiian community,” said Senator Schatz. “Through these programs, Keola and Kawika have worked extensively to foster relationships within the community and provide economic opportunities that have helped hundreds of families throughout Hawai‘i. I am grateful that both leaders had the opportunity to showcase their work and join this discussion with Senators and other American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian leaders from around the country.”
“It is an honor to join Senator Schatz at this meeting to discuss the needs of Native Hawaiians on Oahu and the programs that the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute and the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center offer to the community,” said D. Keola Lloyd. “My goal here today is to educate and partake in a discussion with Senators about the unique needs of native communities in Hawai‘i as well as those across the mainland.”
Senator Schatz is a member of the Committee on Indian Affairs, with jurisdiction over issues relating to American Indians, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives.
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