U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda has introduced a congressional resolution commemorating the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first Filipino immigrants to Hawaii.
The resolution honors the 15 Filipino plantation workers, known as Sakadas, who arrived in Hawaii in 1906 and helped shape the islands’ economy, labor movement and culture.
Tokuda said the measure recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of the Sakadas, who endured harsh working conditions and discrimination while helping build Hawaii’s sugar and pineapple industries. The resolution also highlights the role Filipino workers played in organizing labor actions that helped advance workers’ rights.
Today, Filipinos make up about a quarter of Hawaii’s population and are one of the largest Asian American communities in the United States.
Original co-sponsors include Hawaii Rep. Ed Case and lawmakers from California, New York, Virginia and Guam. Hawaii observes Sakada Day annually on Dec. 20.
