The County Council recognized this week Kauai Filipino Centennial Committee for its dedication and work in coordinating a myriad of Kaua‘i-based festivities in 2006 — a year marking the 100th anniversary of the first Sakadas from the Philippines to Hawai‘i.
The County Council recognized this week Kauai Filipino Centennial Committee for its dedication and work in coordinating a myriad of Kaua‘i-based festivities in 2006 — a year marking the 100th anniversary of the first Sakadas from the Philippines to Hawai‘i.
The Sakadas, or contract laborers, sought a better life outside of their homeland and were the first Filipino immigrants to come to Hawai‘i to work in the sugar industry.
During a meeting at the historic County Building, the council presented a certificate of recognition to committee chairman Oscar Portugal, vice chairman Jose Bulatao Jr., secretary Allan Villaflor, treasurer Sonia Topenio and Ernie Passion, a committee auditor and deputy county clerk.
The council also thanked the committee for staging events enabling residents and visitors who are not of Filipino descent to “share and celebrate a unique culture that Kaua‘i can be proud of.”
Stage presentations on Filipino culture, balls and other events enabled people to understand and appreciate the had work and determination of the Sakadas and their descendants, the council said.
Councilwoman Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho said committee members and Filipino community members exhibited strength and character in the way they honored and celebrated the history of Filipinos in Hawai‘i.
Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura praised the Kaua‘i Filipino Centennial Chorale for having been selected to perform during the opening session of the Legislature last year.
The chorale members sang the national anthem and Hawai‘i Pono‘i.
“You are getting Kaua‘i out there, and that group has certainly been a major part of that celebration,” Yukimura said.
The council thanked the Filipino Chamber of Commerce, the chorale and the Filipino community on Kaua‘i for their contributions to the year-long celebration.
Portugal also invited the public to a dinner on Jan. 20 at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort to conclude the Filipino centennial year.
Call 651-9139 for reservations or contact the Filipino Chamber of Commerce at filipinochamber@aol.com.
