175 



I've always said, with humor, to my Native American cousins 

 here that I don't know what happened to the rest of you, but we 

 were the brave ones that went out into the ocean and sought out 

 the mysteries out there. 



Mr. Frank. Right. 



Mr. Faleomavaega. In the western sea. 



You mentioned canoes. It's interesting to note that the cata- 

 maran, as we know them today, are the fastest vessels in the 

 world. But if you don't reahze it, that's a prototype of the Polyne- 

 sian double hull canoe, believe it or not. 



I was privileged to sail from Tahiti to Hawaii, which is about a 

 2700 mile distance, on a prototype Polynesia double hull canoe, 

 about five years ago. And we sailed by non-instrument; in other 

 words, strictly on the waves and the stars and the moon, the whole 

 works. 



And I wanted to say that it was one of the most spiritual experi- 

 ences that I've ever had in my hfe. It was just like I was living a 

 thousand years ago among my ancestors. 



And so I know that your fishing methods are exactly the same 

 as ours, believe it or not. 



And there is some discussion about even our cousins, the Maoris 

 in New Zealand, do the same type of fishing methods the way you 

 do. And the question is how is it, maybe by coincidence. 



I'd like to think that it was more than just coincidence. 



But I really appreciate your comment on this issue. And I cer- 

 tainly want to thguik you gentlemen and all the members who have 

 testified earlier. 



Please, I encourage you, write letters to the Chairman, let him 

 know how you feel about these issues. Let's do something solid this 

 time around concerning the needs of our Native American commu- 

 nities on wildlife and fisheries. 



And hopefully we will come up with a comprehensive piece of leg- 

 islation in the coming weeks or months. And it's all going to de- 

 pend on the kind of input that we get from Indian country. 



And this is the kind of thing that I know the Chairman is look- 

 ing forward to. 



Again, I want to sincerely thank all of you for being here this 

 morning. 



I welcome you to come and visit my office. Please do so, because 

 I'm leaving tomorrow. But, please, before you do come to Washing- 

 ton, make a sincere effort. Come and visit the members. Let them 

 know how you feel about these things. 



And, again, I want to thank all of you, and I wish you Godspeed 

 and safe return to your homes. 



The hearing is adjourned. 



[Whereupon, at 11:45 a.m., the subcommittee was adjourned, 

 subject to call of the Chair.] 



