Dennis Hayashi’s federal appointment and a JACL budget question

Vol. 116, No. 19, May 14, 1993. 8 pages. View this issue

News of Dennis Hayashi’s appointment to head the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services ran across the front page. Reps. Norman Mineta and Robert Matsui praised the choice, and JACL National President Lillian Kimura announced that a search for his successor as national director would begin. Gwen Muranaka reported that Mountain Plains District members were concerned over the cost of the JACL national board meeting in Washington, D.C., with estimates running from $15,000 to $18,000.

Other pages followed redress eligibility questions at the Office of Redress Administration, Asian Pacific American groups meeting Attorney General Janet Reno, and public meetings on the Manzanar National Historic Site. Bill Hosokawa wrote about Japanese Americans who sought to restore citizenship after renouncing it at Tule Lake, and Kimura described the White House ceremony proclaiming Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• Some JACL Members Concerned Over Cost of D.C. Board Meeting, by Gwen Muranaka, page 1. Members of the Mountain Plains District expressed concern at their May 1 district meeting over cost overruns for the JACL national board meeting held in Washington, D.C. in March. Estimates of the meeting’s cost ranged from $15,000 to $18,000, raising questions about budget accountability and whether the expense was justified.
• Search for Hayashi Successor Begins at JACL, page 1. JACL National President Lillian Kimura announced that the Personnel Committee will begin searching for a replacement for Dennis Hayashi following his appointment to a federal post. Kimura said she hopes to convene the committee earlier than scheduled to ensure a smooth transition.
• MDC-EDC-MPDC Workshops Announced for Tri-District Conference, page 3. Leaders have been announced for six workshops at the Midwest-hosted JACL Tri-District Conference in Cleveland, covering topics such as young adult issues, women in the workplace, multicultural education, and membership development. Sessions are planned for Friday and Saturday during the August conference.

National

• U.S. Civil Rights Agency Needs Agenda, Report Says, page 1. The Citizens’ Commission on Civil Rights issued a report calling for revitalization of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and a cabinet-level task force under President Clinton to develop a new civil rights action agenda. The report criticized the Reagan administration’s effect on the commission and called for a strong, independent, bipartisan body.
• JACL Meets With ORA on Eligibility Issues, page 1. JACL Washington representative Karen Narasaki met with ORA administrator Paul Suddes to discuss confusion over redress ineligibility determinations, including cases involving children born in internment camps after their mothers had re-entered camps. Narasaki asked Attorney General Janet Reno to delay final policy determinations until incoming civil rights official Lani Guinier could review the issues.
• Hayashi to Head Civil Rights Office of U.S. Health Agency, page 1. Dennis Hayashi, JACL national director, was named to head the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services, making him the highest-ranking Asian American in government. President Clinton praised Hayashi’s record of legal and public advocacy for equal rights as he takes on oversight of ADA enforcement and healthcare access issues.
• Mineta, Matsui Praise Hayashi Appointment, page 1. Reps. Norman Mineta and Robert Matsui praised the Clinton administration’s selection of Dennis Hayashi to lead the HHS civil rights office, calling it a milestone for Asian Pacific American representation in government. Mineta added hope that more such appointments would follow for other qualified Asian Pacific Americans.
• Asian Pacific Groups Seek More Positions in Justice Department, page 1. A coalition of national Asian Pacific American leaders, including JACL representatives, met with Attorney General Janet Reno to discuss the need for more Asian American appointments to judgeships, U.S. attorney positions, and other Justice Department roles. Reno noted the lack of such appointments under the previous administration and expressed commitment to increasing diversity.
• Proclamation Issued in Honor of Asian Pacific Americans, page 3. President Clinton officially proclaimed May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in a May 3 ceremony, citing the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans while acknowledging the discrimination they historically faced. Clinton called on Americans to observe the month with programs and to rededicate themselves to inclusion and social justice.
• Asian Pacific Groups Seek More Positions in Justice Department (continued), page 8. The article continues detailing the meeting between Asian Pacific American leaders and Attorney General Reno, listing attendees including representatives from the Organization of Chinese Americans, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and other groups. These coalitions also met with officials at the Departments of Commerce and Education to discuss increasing Asian Pacific American appointments.

Incarceration & Redress

• Manzanar Meetings Scheduled, page 3. Public meetings to gather ideas and suggestions for the Manzanar National Historic Site are scheduled for May 22 in Pacoima and May 23 in Los Angeles. The site, designated a national historic site in 1992, is currently in the design stage.

Commentary

• A Telling Moment in History, by Bill Hosokawa, page 6. Hosokawa recounts a 1959 Department of Justice press release marking the completion of hearings for Japanese Americans who sought restoration of citizenship after renouncing it during WWII at Tule Lake. He highlights remarks from officials praising Nisei loyalty despite wartime hysteria and promises to continue the topic in a future column.
• Among the Top Ten Films, page 6. The column reflects on popular films among Japanese moviegoers versus American audiences, noting most top foreign films in Japan are U.S. productions. The writer reminisces about childhood movie-going experiences in a farming community and reflects on isolation of Japanese expatriates in rural America.
• Hosokawa Right to Legacy Fund View, page 6. A letter writer defends Bill Hosokawa’s support for the JACL Legacy Fund against criticism from William Hohri, arguing that the redress award amount was symbolic and appropriate. The writer states that JACL’s role in the redress movement should not be minimized and that nonprofit organizations depend on donations.
• Has Clarification on Redress Eligibility, page 6. A letter provides statistical clarification on redress eligibility determinations, breaking down percentages of cases affected by military orders and restrictions. The writer discusses which categories of cases require case-by-case scrutiny versus those affected by ORA’s interpretation of the law.
• Remembers 442nd Soldier, Transport, page 7. A reader recalls working for the Military Sea Transportation Service in Seattle and learning about PFC Sadao Munemori, the Medal of Honor recipient after whom an Army transport ship was named. The writer describes escorting visitors aboard the ship to view the plaque honoring Munemori’s sacrifice.
• Likes Write-up on Late Brother, page 7. A reader writes to correct a detail in a previous obituary about her late brother Tadao Shigeno, clarifying that she and her sister Tamae Asaba both live in Seattle, not Japan. She notes appreciation for the original write-up despite the minor error.
• Invitations From the White House, by Lillian C. Kimura, page 7. JACL National President Lillian Kimura recounts attending the May 3 White House ceremony where President Clinton proclaimed Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, describing the reception and notable JACL attendees. She also reflects on past White House invitations and pays tribute to Dennis Hayashi’s leadership and new appointment.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.