The legacy of Filipinos in Hawaii is proud and full of courage and fortitude. It began in 1906 when the Hawaii Sugar Growers Association (HSPA) recruited 15 sakadas (contract workers) from the Philippines to work on sugar plantations in Hawaii's then-U.S. territory.
Wilcox had even considered forming a battalion of Hawaiian volunteers to go to the Philippines to assist Filipinos in their pursuit of recognition of their independence from Spain and the United States. Records of naturalization demonstrate that there were Filipinos who naturalized as Hawaiian subjects in the 1850s and that there were Filipinos in the Royal Hawaiian Band. The vast majority of Hawaii's Filipino population, at least 85 percent, are Ilokanos from northern Luzon, whose native language is Ilokano. It is thought that Filipinos may have been in Hawaii at around the same time that Japanese and Chinese merchants began arriving in Hawaii during the reign of Kamehameha I due to Spanish trade (particularly the Manila galleon trade). There are no affluent Filipinos in Hawaii, unlike other ethnic groups, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans. A large number of them are hotel workers, and many prominent union leaders from the hospitality sector and other industries have emerged from the Philippine ranks over the years. Moreover, Filipinos are a unique mix of many different cultures and influences, and this discussion emphasizes the importance of regional distinctions and regional pride among Filipinos.
This is highlighted by the offensive ethnic jokes being broadcast on the radio and by the perception that Filipinos in Hawaii speak with an accent. Even outside of activism and within established circles, Filipinos have been successful in politics, healthcare, education, and the military. Many state regulations prevent Filipino professionals, mostly trained in the Philippines, from getting comparable jobs in Hawaii. Nevertheless, Filipinos have a proud heritage in the Philippines and Hawaii, which often parallels Kanaka Maoli's experience. Filipinos should not be ashamed of who they are. They should be proud that they have a rich history in Hawaii and that people like Libornio were aloha aina, just like their Kanaka Maoli cousins.
The current Filipino community in Hawaii has its roots in 1906 when the Hawaii Sugar Growers Association (HSPA) recruited 15 saccades (contract workers) from the Philippines to work on sugar plantations in the then-US territory of Hawaii. Today, Filipinos continue to make significant contributions to Hawaiian society. They are active members of their communities and have made great strides in various fields such as politics, healthcare, education, and the military. Despite facing obstacles such as language barriers or state regulations preventing them from getting comparable jobs in Hawaii, Filipinos remain resilient and continue to strive for success. The proud history of Filipinos in Hawaii is one that should be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.
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