Hawaii statehood: Eisenhower signs the bill, JACL celebrates

Vol. 48, No. 12, March 20, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue

Hawaiian statehood filled this eight-page issue. President Eisenhower signed the admission bill on March 18, 1959, using nine pens, and JACL welcomed it as recognition of the contributions of Hawaii’s largely Asian-ancestry population. Pieces by Shig Wakamatsu, Mike Masaoka and Harry K. Honda looked at the vote, the leaders who carried the bill, and the long history behind it. The House passed it 323 to 89, according to the staff report on the debate.

Elsewhere in the issue, Larry S. Tajiri profiled singer Pat Suzuki. The Sonoma County JACL opened its scholarship to students of every race, and Long Beach groups started a community blood bank. Masao Satow’s national director’s report covered 1000 Club growth and the 1960 National Convention. Civil rights news from California, Utah and Nevada ran on the last page.

What’s in this issue

National

• Eisenhower Signs Hawaii Statehood Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Eisenhower signed the bill admitting Hawaii as the 50th state on March 18, 1959, using nine pens in a brief office ceremony. The signing clears the way for a Hawaiian referendum and formal admission later that fall.
• Uncle Sam’s 50th Star Now in View: JACL Jubilant Over Hawaiian Statehood and Recognition of Its Citizens, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL hailed Congress’s approval of Hawaiian statehood as overdue recognition of the contributions of Hawaii’s largely Asian-ancestry population. The article recounts the Senate and House debates, the leaders who pushed the bill through, and the role of JACL’s Washington representative Mike Masaoka.
• How Congress OK’d Hawaii Statehood, by P.C. Staff, page 2. This continuation traces the House debate of March 11 and 12, 1959, including the rules adopted, the speeches for and against statehood, and the final 323-89 vote. It concludes that Congress completed action on Hawaii’s admission as the 50th state.
• California Senate Committee Acts in Favor of FEPC for First Time, by P.C. Staff, page 8. A California Senate committee approved Governor Brown’s Fair Employment Practices bill, sending it to the Senate floor. The bill would create an FEPC division prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, creed, color, or national origin.
• Utah Governor’s Committee Urges Human Relations Commission, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Utah’s Governor’s Committee on Civil Rights recommended a state human relations commission after surveys found widespread refusal to serve or house Negroes. A civil rights bill passed the House but was deferred in the Senate.
• Nevada Legislature Repeals Ban Against Mixed Marriages, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Nevada legislature repealed the state’s nearly century-old ban on interracial marriages, and the governor signed the bill. The repeal followed a court challenge by labor leader Harry Bridges, who had been denied a license to marry a Nisei.

Commentary

• President’s Corner: Hawaii Example of Democracy in Action, by Shig Wakamatsu, page 1. JACL president Shig Wakamatsu praised the passage of the Hawaiian Statehood Bill as a victory for democracy and a symbol of freedom in the Pacific. He expressed confidence that Japanese Americans in Hawaii would fulfill the responsibilities of citizenship.
• The National Director’s Report, by Masao Satow, page 4. National Director Masao Satow reports on 1000 Club membership growth, new membership cards, committee appointments, and youth programs. He also previews the 1960 National Convention dates and the national bowling tournament.
• Los Angeles Newsletter: Youth Violence and Statehood, by Henry Mori, page 7. Henry Mori reflects on a fatal shooting of a Sansei teenager in Los Angeles and the rising tide of juvenile delinquency. He also notes learning of Hawaiian statehood from his young son and comments on the American Legion’s stance on racial membership policies.
• Washington Newsletter: Hawaii 50th State, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka discusses the passage of Hawaiian statehood on March 11 and 12, crediting Delegate John Burns, the late Joseph Farrington, and the Interior committee chairmen. He describes JACL’s long-standing support and the implications of statehood for Japanese Americans.

In-Depth

• Very Truly Yours: Hawaii’s History, by Harry K. Honda, page 2. Harry Honda surveys Hawaii’s history from American fur traders and missionaries through the 19th-century annexation debates and the 1893 overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. He draws parallels between the annexation of Hawaii and the earlier American expansionism that led to Texas statehood.

Arts & Entertainment

• Key to Pat Suzuki Success, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Larry Tajiri profiles singer Pat Suzuki, noting her success without relying on Oriental themes. He also reports on Nisei performers and productions, including Cry for Happy, Reiko Sato, Sessue Hayakawa, and Tokyo After Dark.

Community

• Chapter Eliminates Racial Restriction in Own High School Scholarship Program, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Sonoma County JACL opened its Pioneer Memorial Scholarship to all county high school seniors regardless of race, color, or creed. Applications are due May 15.
• West Jefferson Democratic Club Drops Racial Designation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Los Angeles Nisei Democratic club voted to drop its racial name and become the West Jefferson Democratic Club. The move drew mixed reaction, including criticism from a Republican columnist who saw it as politically unrealistic.
• Start Blood Bank for Long Beach CLers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Three Japanese American organizations in Long Beach established a community blood bank through the American Red Cross. Families can participate by contributing blood or a $25 sponsorship fee.
• French Camp JACL Picnic Set for April 19 at Micke Grove, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The French Camp JACL announced its annual picnic at Micke Grove Park on April 19 and outlined the chapter’s calendar for the year. The chapter also discontinued its outing for local graduates.
• Initial Hollywood Event Attracts 200, by P.C. Staff, page 4. About 200 members and guests attended the Hollywood JACL outing and square dance at Elysian Park Lodge. The event included team awards, a ten-year Sapphire Pin presentation, and a spaghetti dinner.
• Committeemen Appointed for D.C. JACL Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Washington D.C. JACL chapter president Hisako Sakata announced committee appointments following the January executive board meeting. The list covers programs, membership, the 1000 Club, and other activities.
• Boise Valley Family Children Win Honors, by Bette Uda, page 7. The three children of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Abe of Caldwell, Idaho, have earned academic, athletic, and civic honors. Karen received the Good Citizen Award, while Leroy and Cliff also excelled in school and extracurricular activities.

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