Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR51

Introduced

3/9/22

Refer

3/14/22

Caption

Expressing Support For The Naming Of A United States Navy Surface Combatant Ship After Fireman Second Class And Congressional Medal Of Honor Recipient Telesforo Trinidad.

Impact

The resolution seeks to honor Telesforo Trinidad, who remains the only Asian American and only Filipino American to have received the Medal of Honor. It emphasizes the Navy's commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially in light of recent racial tensions affecting Asian communities in the United States. By supporting Trinidad’s legacy, the bill aims to elevate the recognition of those who have historically been overlooked in military narratives.

Summary

House Resolution 51 expresses support for naming a United States Navy surface combatant ship after Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. The resolution highlights Trinidad's extraordinary heroism during his service, including saving the lives of two crewmembers during a boiler explosion aboard the USS San Diego in 1915. The bill underscores the importance of commemorating those who have served in the military, particularly noting the contributions of Asian Americans and Filipino Americans to the Navy's history.

Contention

While the resolution has support from multiple members of Congress, including representatives from Hawaii and California, its passage may encounter challenges based on broader discussions surrounding military representation and the symbolic significance of naming vessels. Advocates argue that this acknowledgment is necessary for recognizing the contributions of Asian Americans in the military, while critics may raise concerns about whether this is a sufficient response to ongoing racial issues. However, proponents maintain that naming a ship after Trinidad is a meaningful step toward representation.

Latest HI HR51 Activity

View All Events: HI 2022 Regular Session HR51

Companion Bills

HI HCR57

Same As Expressing Support For The Naming Of A United States Navy Surface Combatant Ship After Fireman Second Class And Congressional Medal Of Honor Recipient Telesforo Trinidad.

Previously Filed As

HI HR215

Congratulating Bretman Rock On His Success Across All Social Media, Commending Him For His Contributions To Supporting Youth, And Honoring His Commitment And Contributions To The State Of Hawaii, The United States And The World, Including His Continued Efforts To Support Native Hawaiians And Filipinos.

HI HR80

Supporting A Closer Partnership Between The United States And Taiwan In Values And Common Goals, The Relationships And Exchanges Between The State Of Hawaii And Taiwan, Taiwan's International Participation, And The Signing Of A United States-taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement.

HI HR111

Urging The United States Department Of The Interior To Work With The Office Of The Governor, Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands, United States Congressional Delegations From Hawaii, And Sovereign Council Of Hawaiian Homestead Associations To Make A Determination In Support Of Act 80, Session Laws Of Hawaii 2017.