Kauai event highlights the history of the Filipino labor movement in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – An upcoming Kauaʻi event will highlight the history of the Filipino labor movement and honor the contributions of Hawaiʻi’s plantation workers.

Read more Honolulu events mark 160th birthday, Hawaii ties of Chinese revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat-sen

The Kauai Philippine Cultural Center will host a free, public presentation and “talk-story” on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. focusing on the Hanapēpē Massacre and Pablo Manlapit’s involvement.

Manlapit was a labor organizer and the first Filipino attorney in Hawaiʻi.

Organized in collaboration with ACLU Hawaiʻi and the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, the discussion will highlight Manlapit’s efforts to organize sugar plantation workers in non-segregated strikes for promised benefits.

The event marks the massacre’s 102nd anniversary, which resulted in the deaths of 16 people during a strike clash, and honors the legacy of “Sacada” Filipino immigrants who arrived between 1906 and 1946.

“Their strike in 1924 was unsuccessful, but laid significant groundwork with regards to workers’ rights,” said Michael Miranda, a researcher with the Kauaʻi Philippine Cultural Center.

Read more Hurricane Lowell turns north, Kauai County under tropical storm warning

Although Manlapit was convicted of conspiracy in the aftermath of the massacre, Miranda said he was not on Kauai at the time.

The ACLU of Hawaiʻi and the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association will discuss ongoing efforts to secure justice for Manlapit.

“Although we have made strides in workers’ rights and labor since 1924, we must vigilantly protect these rights as they are constantly under assault,” Miranda said. “Knowing our history helps us protect the promise of America.”

The event is free to the public and starts at 6 p.m. at the Kauaʻi Philippine Cultural in Līhuʻe.

Read more North Shore food stall Kahuku Seafood Boil serves up popular garlic butter seafood