WASHINGTON — With traditional hula and flower lei, more than 200 people gathered in the nation's Capitol yesterday to observe the birthday of King Kamehameha and praise his legacy as a warrior and unifier of the Hawaiian people.

"Kamehameha deserves to be remembered as a visionary ... who was well ahead of his time," said Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, D-Hawai'i. "He exemplified the resilience of the Hawaiian people in the face of adversity."

Throughout the ceremony, speakers referred to Kamehameha's legacy and the almost seven-year battle for congressional legislation that would help create a federally recognized Native Hawaiian governing entity.

"King Kamehameha is well known for uniting the Hawaiian Islands, and today more than ever, Native Hawaiians must unite," said Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawai'i.

Haunani Apoliona, chairwoman of the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs, said the office, established 29 years ago, has two goals consistent with the celebration's theme of " 'A'ohe hana nui ke alu'ia," or "No task is too big when done together by all."

The first is creating a registry of all Native Hawaiians who want to participate in reorganizing a Native Hawaiian government, Apoliona said. The second is helping pass the Native Hawaiian legislation.

"We believe enactment protects existing Native Hawaiian trusts, rights and assets and will bring an end to mean-spirited, costly legal attacks by opponents who currently perceive vulnerability and taste victory," Apoliona said.

Akaka said the House and Senate are poised to vote on separate versions of the Native Hawaiian bill.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada "knows we want it up on the floor as soon as we can," Akaka said. "I haven't given up and maybe we will see it in July."

Freshman Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai'i, said it is "critical" that everyone work together to see the Native Hawaiian bill passed.

The observance of Kamehameha's birthday, sponsored by the Hawai'i State Society in Washington, included more than speeches.

Namakahonuakapiliwale Hula Halau from Wai'anae and Halau Keahiokamalulani of Salt Lake City performed along with a 25-member choir from the First Samoan Congregational Church in Washington.

C. Pomaika'i Gaui, leader of the Halau Keahiokamalulani, said the Washington observance brings the nation's Hawaiian community together as few other events do.

"This helps us remember who we are," said Gaui, who moved to the Mainland from O'ahu a decade ago.

With the aid of a tall stepladder, dozens of lei were draped on the 12-foot black and gold statue of Kamehameha in the Capitol's Statuary Hall.

"Each year following this event, the fragrance of maile and flowers lingers in the Capitol," Akaka said. "The many leis that will adorn Kamehameha's statue will serve as an important visual reminder to Congress and the American people about the plight of Hawaiians."

Hirono, attending her first King Kamehameha Day in Washington, described the celebration as "great."

"It's wonderful to see all the groups that are on the Mainland come and celebrate King Kamehameha Day here," she said.

Those groups included Hawaiian Civic Club associations and councils, the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association and the Royal Benevolent Society.

Reach Dennis Camire at dcamire@gns.gannett.com.