In some sad news out of the island of Hawaii, a former congresswoman who was famous for becoming its first Republican elected once it became a state has passed away. Her name was Patricia “Pat” Saiki, and she died peacefully at her home in Honolulu at the age of 96 on the morning, Hawaii time, of Wednesday, September 30.
For reference, Saiki was a moderate Republican who was known mainly for being an advocate for Hawaii’s interests, and for being a Republican who championed women’s rights. According to those who knew her, she was also one who could cross the aisle and work with others while still being a Republican.
“She also was really good at reaching out across the aisle, you know, the Democrats controlled the US House when I worked there, but she still had lots of friends who were Republicans, and she was really middle of the road and could work on deals and come to compromise to for the betterment of the state of Hawaii on so many different issues,” said her former press secretary.
Saiki served in the Hawaii state House from 1968 to 1974, and then served in the state Senate until 1982. After that, from 1987 to 1991, she served for two terms as a United States Congresswoman, the first ever elected by Hawaii as a Republican after it became a state. She then attempted to become a Republican Senator for Hawaii in a race in 1990.
However, she lost that race, and ended up running the Small Business Administration, a role in which she was appointed by President George HW Bush. After those years of service in the federal government, she attempted to serve in the state government again, and ran for governor. That was, however, a race she lost to Ben Cayetano.
“Pat Saiki’s six decades of public service and her pioneering example for young women and Asian Americans in Hawaii and across the U.S., combine to form both a lasting, inspiring legacy and a high bar for all of us who serve the public,” Gov. Green said in a statement. The governor continued, “Jaime and I extend our deepest aloha and sympathy to the Saiki family, with heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices made so she could help so many people.”
“I join all of our Hawai‘i in remembering and honoring the life and legacy of U. S. Representative Patricia Saiki,” said U.S. Representative Ed Case. “She is rightly credited with many specific accomplishments. But above all she was a pioneer who broke barriers, easing the path for others that followed, and her decades of public service were marked by commitment to her country and Hawai‘i, determination, accomplishment, example and grace,” he continued.
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“She was a worthy steward of the office of Hawaii’s First Congressional District, setting a high bar for those that followed and will follow. I join in extending my sincere condolences and appreciation to her beloved family,” the congressman concluded in his statement on her passing.