Speech #1090129428

I am even more pleased that several Asian Pacific American organizations or govemmental initiatives are holding their annual conventions in Hawaii this month. This includes the Federal Asian Pacific American Council and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. There are also several Filipino American organizations that will be hosting events this year in Hawaii. including the National Federalion of Filipino American Associations. as 2006 marks the centennial of sustained immigration from the Philippines to the United States. The Filipino Centennial Celebration Commission in Hawaii. led by Elias Beniga. and the Smithsonian Filipino American Centennial Commemoration have done a wonderful job in providing commemorative activities across the country. including in Hawaii and Washington. D.C.