Rep. Jill Tokuda honors Iam Tongi, winner of American Idol's Season 21, and Oahu native.

Iam Tongi, a proud son of Kahuku, just won American Idol’s Season 21 and today I congratulated him on the House Floor. Iam captured the hearts of millions across the country with his soulful performances, becoming the first Hawai?i-born & Pacific Islander contestant to ever win. Like many kama??ina, Iam & his family were forced to move to the continent because of the high cost of living. Our children have become our greatest exports. That’s not pono. We must make Hawai?i more affordable so families like Iam’s don’t have to leave their home. Iam, congratulations on winning American Idol. Your music, your story, & your spirit have inspired us all. Hawai‘i is so proud of you— wherever you go, we will always be your ‘ohana.