A resolution acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of the young men who served as colonists on behalf of the United States in the Federal occupation of the islands of Howland, Baker, Jarvis, Canton, and Enderbury from 1935 through 1942, facilitating the United States claim of jurisdiction over such islands.

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4913-4914)

Congressional Research Service

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jul 26, 2011

Acknowledges: (1) the accomplishments and sacrifices of the Hui Panala 'au colonists on the islands of Howland, Baker, Jarvis, Canton, and Enderbury from 1935 through 1942; and (2) the local, national, and international significance of the seven-year colonization of such islands by the United States, which resulted in the United States extending sovereignty into the Equatorial Pacific.

Recognizes and commends the accomplishments, sacrifices, and contributions of more than 130 young men, the majority of whom were Native Hawaiian, who participated in the Equatorial Pacific colonization project.

Extends condolences to families on such islands who lost loved ones in the service of the United States and apologizes for the lack of compensation afforded to those families.

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People & committees

Who introduced it

Sen. Akaka, Daniel K. [D-HI] · D–HI

Committees

Judiciary Committee

1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Sen. Inouye, Daniel K. [D-HI]

Legislative record

Actions

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Jul 26, 2011
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4913-4914)
Jul 26, 2011
Introduced in Senate

Primary sources

Bill text & related measures

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Introduced in Senate · Jul 26, 2011 Formatted Text PDF Formatted XML

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze S.Res.239 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Discuss S.Res.239, 112th Congress: A resolution acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of the young men who served as colonists on behalf of the United States in the Federal occupation of the islands of Howland, Baker, Jarvis, Canton, and Enderbury from 1935 through 1942, facilitating the United States claim of jurisdiction over such islands.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-resolution/239

Text version to examine: Introduced in Senate · 2011-07-26.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/112/bills/sres239/BILLS-112sres239is.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2026-08-10T11:58:08Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Analyze S.Res.239 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine S.Res.239 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Discuss S.Res.239, 112th Congress: A resolution acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of the young men who served as colonists on behalf of the United States in the Federal occupation of the islands of Howland, Baker, Jarvis, Canton, and Enderbury from 1935 through 1942, facilitating the United States claim of jurisdiction over such islands.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-resolution/239

Text version to examine: Introduced in Senate · 2011-07-26.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/112/bills/sres239/BILLS-112sres239is.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2026-08-10T11:58:08Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine S.Res.239 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine S.Res.239 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss S.Res.239, 112th Congress: A resolution acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of the young men who served as colonists on behalf of the United States in the Federal occupation of the islands of Howland, Baker, Jarvis, Canton, and Enderbury from 1935 through 1942, facilitating the United States claim of jurisdiction over such islands.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-resolution/239

Text version to examine: Introduced in Senate · 2011-07-26.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/112/bills/sres239/BILLS-112sres239is.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2026-08-10T11:58:08Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine S.Res.239 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine S.Res.239 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss S.Res.239, 112th Congress: A resolution acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices of the young men who served as colonists on behalf of the United States in the Federal occupation of the islands of Howland, Baker, Jarvis, Canton, and Enderbury from 1935 through 1942, facilitating the United States claim of jurisdiction over such islands.

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-resolution/239

Text version to examine: Introduced in Senate · 2011-07-26.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/112/bills/sres239/BILLS-112sres239is.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2026-08-10T11:58:08Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine S.Res.239 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.