A new congressional resolution introduced by a Hawai‘i Democrat would mark the arrival of the first Filipino immigrants 120 years ago in the islands, transforming Hawai‘i’s economy and culture.
U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda is co-sponsoring the resolution honoring the pioneering plantation workers known as Sakadas and their sacrifice, resilience and labor leadership.
“The story of the Sakadas is one of unmatched courage and triumph over adversity,” said Tokuda in announcing the new proposed federal legislation.
There were 15 young Filipino men who in 1906 made Hawai‘i their home, launching a migration wave that fundamentally shaped the islands and helped build thriving Filipino communities throughout the state and mainland.
“Faced with harsh plantation conditions and systemic injustice, these 15 men refused to be broken,” Tokuda said. “They preserved their heritage, fought for workers’ rights and built the foundation for today’s vibrant Filipino community.”
Facing grueling labor, low wages and discrimination, these workers organized historic, multi-ethnic strikes to demand fair conditions, sparking the modern local labor movement.
More than 4.5 million Filipinos now live throughout the continental United States, forming one of the nation’s largest Asian-American communities. They also make up about a quarter of Hawai‘i’s population.
“This resolution ensures our nation permanently recognizes their sacrifices and enduring legacy not only in Hawai‘i but across the United States,” Tokuda said.
Her colleague from Hawai‘i U.S. Rep. Ed Case — while at this year’s Fiesta and Flores de Mayo celebration at Filipino Community Center — reflected on the proud legacy of the Sakadas, who immigrated to the islands for work in the plantation industry, including at O‘ahu Sugar Mill, where the Filipino Community Center now sits.
“This month, when we especially celebrate the accomplishments of our Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in Hawai‘i and across America, we continue to carry forward the Sakadas’ flame as the true embodiment of our American dream,” said Case in the announcement.
Highlighted in the resolution are the profound, lasting contributions the Sakadas and their descendants made to American agriculture, education, health care and civic life.
The measure seeks to elevate their historic impact to the nation, building upon the annual Sakada Day observed Dec. 20 each year by the state of Hawai‘i.
Joining Tokuda as co-sponsors for the resolution are U.S. Reps. Case; Grace Meng and Dan Goldman of New York; James Moylan of Guam; Judy Chu, Nanette Barragán, Ro Khanna and Kevin Mullin of California; and Bobby Scott of Virginia.
The full text of the resolution is available online.
