Congresswoman Aumua Amata, welcomed the Polynesian voyaging canoe, Hokule’a, as it made its way to Washington D.C. via the Potomac River.
Many from the local Pacific Island community showed up to join in the festivities and welcome the crew to Washington.
Congresswoman Aumua said, “It is always nice to see our local Pacific Island community here in the Washington area come together to celebrate our shared heritage.”
“The Hokule’a has been traveling the world for many years, serving as an ambassador of the Pacific Island people to the world, and it’s an honor to be here to welcome the crew to our nation’s capital.”
The Hokule’a travels across the globe uniting people and nations through the mission of Malama Hounua-caring for our home, our place.
The focus of its mission is to educate the public about the importance our oceans play in the global ecosystem, and to promote their health through environmental activism.
Aumua said, “Hokule’a, translates to “Star of Gladness”, and represents the canoes that brought the first Polynesians to the archipelago of Hawaii.
“The Hokule’a reminds us of the perseverance of the Pacific Island peoples, and helps us to ensure that our values and way of life do not disappear,”
