HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 99-4718, by Representatives Romero, Dickerson, Wolfe, Ogden and Wensman

       WHEREAS, The indomitable men and women of the indefatigable Kalakala Foundation have tirelessly and steadfastly worked in an historic rescue of an historic treasure; and

       WHEREAS, For more than eight years, the Kalakala Foundation has pursued the regional and national dream of preserving a vital piece of our collective history for the enjoyment and education of current and future generations; and

       WHEREAS, Washingtonians and others all over the nation, thanks to the Kalakala Foundation, can now join in celebrating the return to Washington of the Kalakala, a grand and wonderful vessel if ever there was one; and

       WHEREAS, Even the most searching observer would have to look far and wide to find a player in the maritime heritage of Puget Sound more valuable than the Kalakala; and

       WHEREAS, The Kalakala Foundation has put together a thoughtful, impressive exhibit for the Rotunda of the Legislative Building, and the hard-working organization offered an equally thoughtful, impressive presentation at the Washington State Capitol Museum earlier this week; and

       WHEREAS, One year ago, the historic motor ferry Kalakala and her crew reentered Puget Sound to the heartfelt cheers of an appreciative citizenry; and

       WHEREAS, The two hundred seventy-six foot, seven hundred fifty ton vessel, launched on her maiden voyage in July 1935, and retired from ferry service in October 1967, had the capacity to carry two thousand passengers and one hundred sixty automobiles in her gallant career of service to the grateful riders of her time; and

       WHEREAS, Seattle to Bremerton and back was the primary route sailed at an average speed of seventeen and one-half knots by the Kalakala in her working days, and today the Kalakala Foundation envisions this great gem's future as a permanent, waterfront attraction for a very fortunate Puget Sound community; and

       WHEREAS, This cherished jewel of Evergreen State waters boasts thirty thousand square feet of space that can, and will, be used to captivate, educate, and just generally thrill children of all ages for scores of years to come;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the state of Washington commends and commemorates the enduring and endearing spirit of the Kalakala Foundation; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co-Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to Peter Bevis, President of the Kalakala Foundation, and to the other members of this illustrious organization.

           I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

          Resolution 4718 adopted by the House of Representatives

                             January 14, 2000.

________________________________               _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk             Cynthia Zehnder Co-Chief Clerk