Hawai‘i Lawmakers Reflect on Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  

US Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele issued a statement ahead of the holiday saying the legacy of Dr. King is honored by saying no to divisive rhetoric, intolerance and injustice.  

He reflected on the state of the country as well as the economic and human toll of the coronavirus and the recent capitol unrest, saying he would continue to work with colleagues in Congress “to protect our democracy, to help ensure the safety of all Americans, including our kupuna, keiki and ‘ohana at home.”

US Senator Brian Schatz wrote a tribute on his social media saying, “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his entire life to marching us closer to a more perfect union. His unwavering commitment to the cause of equality and deep belief in the power of peace changed the course of history — and his spirit continues to inspire the movement to this day.”

He recounted a visit by Dr. King to Hawaiʻi more than 60 years ago, in which Dr. King reportedly commended on the state serving as a strong example of racial harmony:

“As I think of the struggle that we are engaged in in the South land, we look to you for inspiration and as a noble example — where you have already accomplished in the area of racial harmony and racial justice what we are struggling to accomplish in other sections of the country.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In his online post, Sen. Schatz said, “As we prepare to begin a new chapter in our nation’s history, let us recommit ourselves to furthering Dr. King’s dream and fighting for justice.”

Fellow US Senator Mazie Hirono retweeted a post from Senate Democrats which said, “Today and every day we honor his life and legacy, and continue working toward his vision of a society free from poverty and racial inequality.”