[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 149 (Thursday, December 1, 1994)] [Senate] [Page S] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov] [Congressional Record: December 1, 1994] From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] RETIREMENT OF ``PINKY'' THOMPSONMr. INOUYE. Mr. President, yesterday marked the retirement of one of the foremost contributors to native Hawaiian education, Myron Thompson, known as Pinky to his many friends. Pinky is one of those rare individuals that very few of us ever have the opportunity to meet, but when we do, our own lives are forever changed in a most unusual and positive manner. He is without question the dedicated public servant who is always there when needed, who actively shuns receiving credit for what he has accomplished, and who truly possesses national vision. Many years ago, my mother as a very young child was adopted by a native Hawaiian family and as I was growing up, she constantly reminded me of the importance of the inherent value that native Hawaiian people have always placed on family and country. I have never forgotten her words and have been pleased to work closely with Pinky for decades on behalf of these indigenous peoples and especially their children and families. I still vividly recall the first time that any U.S. Secretary of Education ever met with native Hawaiians to discuss their pressing and unique educational needs. That meeting was held in then-Secretary Terrence Bell's office with Pinky, then-Representative Dan Akaka--the first native Hawaiian to serve in Congress--and myself. From that meeting more than a decade ago, a whole new generation of impressive health and educational programs have evolved. Programs that focus on the unique needs of children and their families; programs that work and that have become inspirational models for all our Nation's children, not only for native Hawaiians. I could cite similar incidents of Pinky's leadership in the job training and health care arena, and equally importantly, in ensuring that native American cultures will thrive and be appreciated for generations to come. His son, Nainoa, following Pinky's vision, with only the guiding light of the stars and his cultural heritage, has navigated the ``Hokule'a'' throughout the Pacific waters, in so doing giving life to the history of native Hawaiians. This is the legacy that Pinky leaves us. Truly impressive accomplishments that very few have ever even dreamed to seek. Pinky retired yesterday as chairman of the board of trustees for Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate, after a distinguished service spanning 20 years. He was born and raised in Hawaii, and in his 70 years of life has managed to involve himself in nearly every educational program Hawaii offers for its native Hawaiian citizens. As trustee for Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate, he helped guide the expansion of educational programs throughout the Hawaiian community, reaching over 30,000 people each year. His foresight and support enabled Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate to create alternative education programs for at-risk students, such as Healthy Start and Safe Hawaii, which envisions a safe, healthy, and violence-free Hawaii in two generations. I am convinced that Pinky will continue to guide the programs he was so involved in during his trusteeship: the Native Hawaiian Health Act, and the Native Hawaiian Education Act. His motivation to improve the well-being and cultural pride of the Hawaiian community is rooted in the philosophy of self-help. He believes education is the key to addressing a variety of concerns within the Hawaiian community, including health, employment, and substance abuse. I commend this man for his many years of commitment to native Hawaiians and the State of Hawaii. I am sure he will remain just as active in retirement as he has been in the past. On behalf of the people of Hawaii, I extend to Mr. Myron Thompson our fondest aloha. I wish him the very best in navigating new waters and know he will sail on as a champion of native Hawaiians and native Americans everywhere. ____________________