Hawaii Senate Bill SCR37

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/22
• Refer: 3/11/22
• Report Pass: 4/1/22
• Engrossed: 4/4/22
• Refer: 4/4/22
• Report Pass: 4/18/22
• Refer: 4/18/22

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

If passed, SCR37 would send a strong message of recognition from the state of Hawaii to the Navy leadership, reinforcing the importance of minority representation within military honors and the legacy of diversity in the armed forces. It marks significant milestones, including the seventy-fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines and the seventieth anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty, thereby strengthening the cultural ties and historical context surrounding the naming of military vessels.

Summary

SCR37 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution expressing support for the naming of 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 a 1915 incident aboard the USS San Diego, where he rescued fellow crewmembers during a boiler explosion, earning him the prestigious honor. The bill points to the importance of recognizing individuals who demonstrate valor and serve their country, emphasizing Trinidad's legacy as an Asian American and Filipino American recipient of the Medal of Honor.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SCR37 reflects a deep respect for the military service of Telesforo Trinidad and a commitment to honoring the contributions of Filipino Americans in the U.S. Navy. Lawmakers and representatives have shown overwhelming support for the resolution, viewing it as a crucial step towards acknowledging the critical roles that diverse individuals have played in the history of the U.S. Navy. This support highlights broader themes of inclusivity and recognition of minority contributions to national defense.

Contention

While the resolution has garnered unanimous support, potential contention may arise regarding the broader implications of ship naming practices and the significance placed on traditional values versus modern calls for diversity. Critics may argue that there are other pressing issues in military representation deserving more focus, while supporters stress that honoring figures like Trinidad helps combat racial tensions and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, making it an important contemporary issue.