Posted on: Sunday, May 26, 2002

Micronesian unity goal of anniversary outing

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

English is their common language but at home, natives from the Federated States of Micronesia speak one of eight Malayo-Polynesian dialects: Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Kosraean, Nukuoro or Kapingamarangi.

An estimated 4,000 to 6,000 Micronesians live in Hawai'i, according to Danny Rescue of the Federated States of Micronesia Consulate General's office in Honolulu. The first-ever public Constitution Day celebration in Hawai'i on June 1 will be a significant event for the Micronesian population here.

"The objective is to unify our citizenry here," said senior consul Danny Rescue, chairman of the planning and program committee for the celebration marking the 23rd anniversary of establishment of the Federated States of Micronesia. It will take place at Ala Moana Beach Park and McCoy Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The day's activities will include volleyball, softball and basketball competition, cultural exhibits and musical entertainment.

On May 10, 1979, four former districts of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, which had been set up in 1947 by the United Nations, formed a federation and became a new nation. The Federated States of Micronesia in the western Pacific are Kosrae, Pohnpei, Yap and Chuuk, formerly known as Truk.

In October 1982, the federation and the United States agreed to the Compact of Free Association, which allows citizens of Micronesia free access in America. "We are a small, developing independent nation but we have a stable government," Rescue said. "Many of our citizens in Hawai'i go back and forth. They began coming here in 1986." The Micronesian population is concentrated in Leeward O'ahu, he said.

For more information about Constitution Day festivities, call 836-4775.