For Immediate Release: January 31, 2014
Press release by:
Councilmember G. Riki Hokama
Maui County Council
Councilmember Hokama introduces resolution to support naming new Kihei school after Patsy Mink
WAILUKU, Hawaii A resolution urging the state legislature and Gov. Neil Abercrombie to support naming the new Kihei high school in honor of the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Takemoto Mink will be considered at the Feb. 7 Maui County Council meeting, Councilmember G. Riki Hokama announced today.
“Patsy Mink’s accomplishments in promoting educational access bring tremendous pride to the Maui County community,” said Councilmember Hokama, who introduced the resolution. “Naming the Kihei high school in her honor will serve as a reminder to students that, with perseverance and hard work, one person can make a difference.”
Mink was born in Paia, Maui, in 1927 and graduated as valedictorian from Maui High School in 1944. In 1964, Mink became the first woman of color elected to serve in Congress.
She went on to represent Maui County and other parts of Hawaii in Congress from 1965 to 1977 and again from 1990 until her passing in 2002.
Mink co-authored Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits gender discrimination in education. Title IX was subsequently renamed the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act.
The meeting agenda is available online at http://www.co.maui.hi.us/Archive.aspx?AMID=117. Written testimony may be emailed to county.clerk@mauicounty.us.
The bill requiring the Department of Education to name the new Kihei high school after Mink is currently before the Senate Committee on Education, chaired by Sen. Jill Tokuda. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 1:30 p.m.
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