U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced on May 13 that she partnered with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center to present “Stories from the Field: Filipino Migrant Workers in Hawaii,” a two-week poster exhibition highlighting the migration of Filipinos to Hawaii in the early 20th century. The exhibition is open to the public in the rotunda of the Russell Senate Office building from May 11–15 and May 18–22.
The event aims to recognize Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by showcasing how Filipino migrants shaped Hawaii’s plantation economy and contributed to its social fabric. This marks the third year of collaboration between Hirono and APAC for such initiatives.
“I am proud to host this exhibition in collaboration with APAC and help share this history of the Filipino and Filipino American communities in Hawaii,” Senator Hirono said. “Throughout May, as we celebrate our communities’ historic contributions, we also reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. This exhibition is also meaningful because 2026 marks both our nation’s 250th and the 80th anniversary of the Luce-Celler Act of 1946, which granted Filipino and Indian immigrants the right to naturalize as American citizens. I will continue working to ensure that members of the AANHPI community and all people have the opportunity to live freely, and be treated with dignity and respect.”
Yao-Fen You, acting director at APAC, said, “We are deeply grateful for our ongoing partnership with Senator Hirono. We appreciate the opportunity to share Smithsonian resources that document and celebrate the rich history and culture of AANHPI individuals and communities.”
The exhibit focuses on two sakadas—Eusebio Maglinte and Epimaco Fariola Mansueto—tracing their journeys from recruitment as laborers in early-1900s Philippines through their lives in Hawaii’s sugar plantations. It also notes how some migrants later moved on from Hawaii, forming large communities elsewhere such as Stockton, California.
Senator Hirono has advocated for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander communities through legislative efforts including resolutions recognizing heritage months; legislation supporting veterans’ families; mental health outreach; data collection on youth behavioral health; as well as presenting Congressional Gold Medals honoring service by Filipino World War II veterans.
Hirono assists Hawaiians with federal agencies, casework, grants, tours, flags, internships, and service academy nominations according to the official website. She became both the first Asian American woman elected to U.S. Senate—and its first Buddhist member—after immigrating from Japan as a child with her mother before earning degrees at University of Hawaii at Mānoa (bachelor’s) then Georgetown University Law Center (Juris Doctor), according to the official website.
