Mayor Mitch Roth joined Sister City Cabugao City, Ilocos Sur, to commemorate Sakada Day earlier this month, recognizing and honoring the pioneering achievements and courage of the first Filipino sakadas and their contributions to the history and development of Hawaiʻi Island. The Sakadas or Filipino plantation workers were first brought to Hawaiʻi in 1906 to work on the plantations, and the “First Fifteen,” as they were later coined, began their work on Hawaiʻi Island at the Olaʻa Plantation in the Keaʻau area. In honor of the sakadas, Governor David Ige signed House Bill 604 on April 9, 2015, designating December 20 of every year as “Sakada Day.” This year’s celebration was delayed a few weeks to coordinate commemoration between the County and Cabugao City.

“Our island is truly a special place because of the diversity and vibrancy of our people,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “The Sakadas and their lineal descendants certainly add to that diversity and contribute significantly to our island’s vibrancy. Their culture, language, food, and impeccable work ethic are deeply embedded in our communities’ framework, and we are a better place because of it.”