WASHINGTON, D.C. -- United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye is pleased to announce that the Senate has authorized the establishment of a comprehensive community resource center to be utilized by American Samoans and Pacific Islanders at Kuhio Park Terrace (KPT) in Honolulu. The provision is included in the Workforce Investment Partnership Act.

"This center would replicate a traditional Polynesian structure, to the greatest extent possible, while providing an atmospheric place for American Samoans and Pacific Islanders to meet, share and practice their cultural traditions. In addition, this center would establish an outreach presence in such areas as health and human services, vocational, bilingual and job skills training, business assistance, and drug abuse, domestic violence, and parental education initiatives," stated Senator Inouye.

The center would also have a recreational component for sports and athletics to provide a safe location and constructive activities for a majority of the KPT residents who are under the age of 18. It would also support the existing child care center to aid working mothers. Lastly, the center would be open to community-based economic development initiatives, such as an open marketplace which may include a cultural marketplace where the arts and crafts of the Samoans and Pacific Islanders, fresh produce, and prepared food products for consumption are sold.

"This will be a community-based and driven center, developed for and by the residents. Their input and guidance will be most important as the center is developed to ensure that it meets their needs," continued Senator Inouye.

The bill now faces a joint House-Senate Conference, and final House and Senate votes before its transmittal to the White House.