Success Stories of Filipino-Americans in Hawaii 11/17/2023

Hawaii, also known as the Aloha State, is home to more than 370,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, making the archipelago the second most populated Filipino-American state after California. The Filipino community in Hawaii has a long and vibrant history, dating back to the late 19th century. Filipino migration to Hawaii began in the 1900s, primarily driven by labor demands in the sugarcane and pineapple plantations. These early Filipino immigrants, known as ‘Sakadas', played a pivotal role in the development of Hawaii's agricultural industry. Over time, the Filipino community thrived and grew, contributing to the multicultural fabric of Hawaii. Filipino culture, traditions and values became deeply embedded in the local community. Today, Filipinos and Filipino-Americans form one of the largest ethnic groups in the state, comprising a significant portion of Hawaii's population. They have triumphed over various challenges and continue to serve various roles in Hawaii, enriching the Filipino diaspora. Roland Casamina, who owns House of Finance Inc., one of Hawaii’s top residential lending companies, shares how he triumphed over challenges and how embracing his roots as a direct descendant of one of the ‘Sakadas', has helped him propel his career in the finance sector. Vanessa Kop, who serves as Program Chair of the Filipino Community Board of Directors, discusses several initiatives and activities of the Filipino Community Center to address various challenges and opportunities for the Filipino community in Hawaii. As the former President of the Filipino Trade Mission, she continues to orchestrate trade missions between Hawaii and the Philippines, generating jobs and opportunities in her home country. Jade Butay, Director of the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), plays a crucial role in increasing the economic well-being not only of the Filipinos and Filipino-Americans working in Hawaii, but also the entire well-being of the diverse statewide workforce. His top priority right now is helping the devastated and displaced workers affected by the Maui wildfires in claiming their Unemployment Insurance (UI). These are the stories of Filipinos in Hawaii who, despite their successes in their respective fields, continue to serve as ambassadors of Filipino culture and champion the true Filipino grit to succeed in life. Connect with RTVM Website: 🤍rtvm.gov.ph Facebook: 🤍facebook.com/presidentialcom and 🤍facebook.com/rtvmalacanang Twitter: 🤍RTVMalacanang YouTube: 🤍RTVMalacanang Tiktok: 🤍RTVMalacanang