Hanabusa, White House Working With Filipino WWII Vets

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is backing a White House effort to assist Filipino World War II veterans in obtaining compensation for their service, according to a press release from her office.

“It has been my honor to meet many of Hawaii’s Filipino veterans of World War II, and to discuss with them the challenges they have faced in obtaining compensation for their service,” Hanabusa said In a letter to Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary Chris Lu. “Having heard their stories of service and sacrifice, I am proud to offer my support and the services of my staff to assist you and the Interagency Working Group in addressing the concerns of our Filipino veterans.”

More than 250,000 Filipino soldiers fought under the American flag during World War II. Many later became United States citizens. For over 60 years, Filipino veterans and community advocates have fought to obtain compensation for those who served with American soldiers during World War II.

UPDATE: Rep. Mazie Hirono also supports the White House’s efforts, saying in a statement: “As an advocate and supporter of Filipino WWII Veterans for many years, mahalo to President Obama for his renewed effort to ensure each claim receives the proper attention and that all eligible Filipino World War II heroes receive their rightful payments.”

— Michael Levine