HONOLULU — U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has honored former King Kamehameha in a speech at the U.S. House of Representatives.
Gabbard says that the ruler, known as Kamehameha the Great, was a skilled and intelligent military leader, monarch and statesman.
She says Kamehameha made his mark on Hawaii by uniting the archipelago under one rule, bringing peace to the islands and protecting the people.
Kamehameha Day was established in 1871. The holiday is observed on June 11 and is marked by parades and lei draping over statues of Kamehameha.
One statue in Washington depicts Kamehameha with a spear in his left hand as a reminder that he ended wars. His right hand is extended in a welcoming gesture.
Gabbard sought to host a ceremony in the hall where that statue resides.