August 3, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- AUTHORIZATION FOR SAMOAN COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER PASSES HOUSE

Congressman Faleomavaega announced that the conference report to the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 passed the House on July 31, 1998. The bill contained a provision added by Senator Daniel K. Inouye authorizing the establishment of a comprehensive community resource center to be utilized by American Samoan and Pacific Islanders at Kuhio Park Terrace in Honolulu, Hawaii.

"Three years ago at a meeting in Hawaii, community leaders suggested to Senator Inouye and I the idea of a community center at Kuhio Park Terrace. Senator Inouye and I have collaborated on the project since that time, and I have already held discussions with Hawaii state officials on plans for such a center," said Faleomavaega. "We have been waiting for an opportunity to move legislation and I am pleased the Senator had the opportunity to include the provision in this bill."

"I am very happy with the results of this legislation, and I want to thank Senator Inouye for his continued support of American Samoans, both in American Samoa and in Hawaii," said the Congressman. "This community center will provide a convenient location to obtain human resource services, including job training, business assistance, and drug abuse. It will also act as a recreation center and in support of child care. The facility will also be available to Samoans and other Pacific Islanders to practice their traditional cultural activities."

"The Samoan community has expressed its desire to participate in the development of the new community center, and I will be working with Senator Inouye and state officials to ensure that their input is used as the new center is developed, concluded Faleomavaega.