RECOGNIZING THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL

On 2025-05-05, Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 74 (Monday, May 5, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S2753-S2754] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ RECOGNIZING THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL Mr. SCHATZ. Mr. President, I would like to recognize and celebrate the Merrie Monarch Festival, an annual event held in Hilo, HI, that honors the legacy of King David Kalakaua, known as the ``Merrie Monarch.'' The festival continues to be a beacon of cultural preservation and a showcase of the rich heritage and traditions of the Native Hawaiian culture. Since its inception in 1963, the Merrie Monarch Festival has embraced and perpetuated the art of hula--a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture that communicates history, spirituality, and identity through movement, song, and chant. The festival provides a platform for kumu hula, or hula teachers, and their halau, or hula schools, to share their knowledge and artistry, ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive for generations to come. Through the tireless commitment of several dedicated families and individuals, the Merrie Monarch Festival has [[Page S2754]] not just endured but grown to be a global event, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of Hawaiian culture with the thousands who watch in person, on TV, and online. The competition, craft fairs, parade, and other associated events are special opportunities for local artisans, businessowners, musicians, and more to share their talents with the world. The Merrie Monarch Festival both honors the past and traditional knowledge and celebrates how the Hawaiian culture continues to live on. I commend the organizers, participants, and supporters of the Merrie Monarch Festival for their steadfast dedication to perpetuating Hawaiian cultural practices. Their efforts honor the legacy of King Kalakaua and emphasize the significance of sustaining Native Hawaiian traditions in our contemporary world. ____________________