This report provides the Pacific American perspective on the current problems and future prospects of Asian and Pacific American relations in the context of Federal assistance. The report is divided into three parts. The first emphasizes the long history of contact between Asians and Pacific Islanders in the Pacific. This history, it is argued, has partly shaped the way Pacific Americans view Asian Americans in the United States today. Part I also briefly describes the migration process as experienced by the majority of Pacific migrants, who were mainly Polynesians and Micronesians. Part II outlines some of the contemporary issues in more detail, and describes the way in which Pacific Americans have attempted to overcome barriers to greater participation in the health, education and employment fields. Part III focuses on the origin of the term "Asian Pacific American," the degree of ambiguity in using such a term, and the resulting disadvantages for the Pacific American community. This section is based partly on the results of several community meetings held to discuss Asian Pacific American relations. Finally, the report recommends (1) a change of the existing classification to two separate ones--"Asian American" and "Pacific American"; (2) that a standard Federal definition of "Pacific American" be adopted, and that it be limited to people of Micronesian, Melanesian, or Polynesian racial and cultural origins; and (3) broader-based support for the upward mobility of all Asian and Pacific Americans, perhaps through a national conference and the creation of professional associations and integrated leadership training programs. (Author/KH)