Press Release Regarding the Effects of Hawaiian Statehood

IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 1959 James C. Hagerty, Press Secretary to the President THE WHITE HOUSE THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY MADE PUBLIC THE FOLLOWING LETTERS FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE HONORABLE MAURICE H. STANS AND THE HONORABLE WILLIAM F. QUINN. Dear Mr. Stans: In view of the imminent admission of the State of Hawaii into the Union, it is essential that the Federal Government promptly initiate a careful study of the effects of statehood and develop a systematic and coordinated program for effecting an orderly transition from territorial status to statehood. I believe that the Bureau of the Budget should assume leadership for Executive Branch action in this area, beyond the regular responsibilities of the Department of the Interior, as it has done, at my request, in the case of Alaska statehood. Therefore, I am asking you, with the cooperation of the interested departments and agencies, to undertake the task re- viewing the implications of Hawaii statehood, developing a comprehensive plan for accomplishing the transition, and presenting to me recommendation for dealing with any matters requiring my attention. Sincerely, Dwight D. Eisenhower Dear Governor Quinn: In accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of Public Law 86-3, I am very happy to certify to you the fact that I approved the law today, March 18, 1959. As you start the procedure that will, I hope, result in the admission of Hawaii into the Union as a State on equal footing with the other States, you and the people of Hawaii have my very best wishes. Sincerely, Dwight D. Eisenhower