The Hawaii House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 13 on the floor recognizing Dr. Amaphil Amy Agbayani for her work in immigrant rights, education and civil‑rights advocacy.

The resolution, offered and moved by Representative Iligan and seconded by the Speaker, passed on a voice vote. Representative Iligan introduced the measure and led floor remarks praising Agbayani’s decades of work in higher education and community advocacy.

Representative Iligan described Agbayani as “a steadfast champion of civil rights,” tracing her career from the Philippines to the University of Hawaii at Manoa and citing her role leading the student equity, excellence and diversity seed program and establishing Filipino programming at Manoa that led to the Center for Philippine Studies. Iligan said Agbayani has “changed countless lives and has left an enduring mark on the pursuit of justice for all.”

Representative Lamosau told colleagues Agbayani was a “fearless advocate for civil rights, education, and equity,” and cited her service as a founding chair of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and her appointment to a White House advisory commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Representative Hussey rose “in support of the resolution” and described Agbayani’s work as an example of solidarity across communities.

After the voice vote carried, Representative Iligan was directed to present a certificate and the House recessed so members could meet and congratulate the honoree.

The resolution text, as read on the floor, recognizes Agbayani’s advocacy for the Filipino community, her role in expanding access to higher education for immigrants and underrepresented students, and her lifelong commitment to civil‑rights work.