This bill commemorates the 120th anniversary of Filipino immigration to Hawaii, honoring the Sakadas for their foundational contributions to the state's economy and culture.
Jill Tokuda
Representative
HI-2
This bill commemorates the 120th anniversary of the first Filipino immigrants, the Sakadas, arriving in Hawaiʻi to work on plantations. It honors their enduring legacy, recognizing their crucial role in building the state's economy and igniting the labor movement despite facing harsh conditions. The measure also supports the annual observance of Sakada Day on December 20th.
Federal Resolution Honors 120 Years of Filipino History in Hawai'i: Recognizing the Legacy of the Sakadas.
This resolution officially commemorates the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first Filipino immigrants to Hawai'i, known as the Sakadas. On December 20, 1906, fifteen men arrived to work on sugar and pineapple plantations, marking the beginning of a migration that would eventually shape one-quarter of Hawai'i’s modern population. The bill specifically recognizes 'Sakada Day' on December 20 and acknowledges the systemic exploitation these workers faced, including harsh labor conditions and racial discrimination, while highlighting their pivotal role in building the state’s plantation economy and early labor movements.
More Than Just a History Lesson
The resolution goes beyond a simple 'happy anniversary' by documenting the specific hardships and victories of these early workers. It cites the leadership of figures like Pablo Manlapit, who became Hawai'i’s first Filipino lawyer and was eventually deported for his role in organizing strikes for better wages and dignity. For anyone working a 9-to-5 today, this is a nod to the roots of modern labor rights; the bill explicitly credits the Sakadas with uniting workers across ethnic lines to secure the living conditions and fair pay that many now take for granted in the islands.
A Cultural and Economic Anchor
By formally recognizing the Sakadas, the bill highlights how a small group of fifteen men grew into a community that currently represents the largest non-White and Asian-American group in Hawai'i. It underscores their contributions across every sector of modern life—from agriculture and healthcare to education and the arts. For the descendants of these workers and the broader community, this legislation serves as a formal validation of their cultural identity and the preservation of diverse Philippine languages that have become an integral part of the state's social fabric. It’s a straightforward acknowledgment of how immigrant labor literally built the foundation of a state’s economy and civic life.