WASHINGTON, D.C. -- United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye is pleased to announce that the House and Senate passed the Conference Report to the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 on Friday, July 31. The bill contains Senator Inouye's provision authorizing the establishment of a comprehensive community resource center to be utilized by American Samoans and Pacific Islanders at Kuhio Park Terrace (KPT) in Honolulu.

"This center would replicate a traditional Polynesian structure, to the greatest extent possible, and provide a 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 to provide a safe location and constructive activities for 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 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 Workforce Investment Act of 1998 will be transmitted to the White House to await President Clinton's signature.