"All kinds of criticisms are heaped on this humble man for trying for so many years to help the Hawaiian people," said Faleomavaega, the celebration's keynote speaker. "This man is unjustly condemned, yet his heart is so pure. I plead with you ... to help."

The legislation, known as the Akaka bill, would have the federal government recognize Native Hawaiians in the same way it recognizes American Indians and Native Alaskans. The legislation, now awaiting a vote no later than Aug. 7 by the full Senate, would create a framework for Native Hawaiian governance.

Faleomavaega said the bill, like any legislation, is not perfect, but that the criticisms of Akaka have become too personal over the years.

"If our Hawaiian people realize and understand and appreciate where he (Akaka) is coming from, then we can then better understand," he said. "We can always agree to disagree, bring points or whatever — that's all part of the process."

Halau O 'Aulani dancers perform at the King Kamehameha event at the U.S. Capitol, hosted by the Hawai'i State Society of Washington, D.C. Bill Clark • Gannett News Service

The Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus of about 101 students in the fourth through sixth grades sang "We Make a Rainbow" and other songs. Halau O 'Aulani, under the direction of Paul Neves of Hilo performed as well.

The crowd included representatives of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the Hawai'i State Society, and the state's congressional delegation.

Akaka, who said he couldn't attend this year's celebration, said in a statement read to the crowd that the Native Hawaiian bill is only one of the steps in a long path to reconciling the 1893 overthrow of the kingdom of Hawai'i.

"We are only at the beginning," he said. "As we celebrate Kamehameha Day, let us be mindful of the king's legacy of unification and his vision for the people of Hawai'i. Let us come together and work together to address the challenges facing our people and our nation."

Haunani Apoliona, board chairwoman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, said the ceremony renews the resolve to push ahead with efforts for Native Hawaiian self-determination.

"May our collective voices, our message and our commitment to our mission reverberate as the chants and conch shells of old throughout these halls," she said. "In this 21st century, let our voices remind this nation that reconciliation with the indigenous people of Hawai'i as yet is unfinished."