Lanai students advocate for budget support for Filipino community coalition

Under the warm glow of the Maui County Council chamber, students from Lanai High School took center stage, passionately advocating for their community's cultural heritage. Among them was Unica Espiritu, a senior who spoke eloquently about the importance of the proposed budget by Mayor Bill 41. With a heartfelt plea, she urged council members to allocate funds from the Lehi Economic Development and Cultural Program to support the Lanai Filipino Community Coalition.

Unica shared her personal journey as a member of the Filipino class, reflecting on how it transformed her understanding of her heritage. Despite already speaking Tagalog and Ilocano, she discovered new depths of her culture through lessons on the sakadas—Filipino laborers who worked in Hawaii's pineapple plantations. Her class not only studied history but also engaged with the community, interviewing plantation workers and creating videos that showcased their stories. These projects gained recognition, reaching audiences beyond Lanai, including an exhibit at the Sakata Day Hawaii Library and an upcoming feature at the Phil Com Center.

Following Unica, fellow student Maya Fujie echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the profound impact the Filipino class had on her life. She expressed her desire for future students to have access to the same resources that enriched her understanding of Filipino culture. Both students highlighted the importance of cultural education in fostering community connections and preserving their heritage.

As the meeting progressed, local resident Stan Ruidas added his voice, advocating for the value of local knowledge in resource management. He emphasized the need for community-driven initiatives that respect and utilize the wisdom of those who have lived on the island for generations.

The testimonies from these young advocates underscored a collective hope for continued support of cultural programs that not only educate but also empower the next generation. As the council deliberates on the budget, the voices of Lanai's youth serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and community engagement in shaping a vibrant future for Maui County.