Hawaii Leaders and Family Honor Legacy of Former Congresswoman Pat Saiki

“My mother was my hero,” said Dr. Margaret Saiki. “She always wanted to do the right thing.”

Family, friends, and dignitaries gathered at Central Union Church on Saturday to honor the life and legacy of former Congresswoman Pat Saiki, a woman who rose from humble beginnings in Hilo to become a trailblazer in American politics, according to a report from kitv.com.

Hawaii leaders honor former Congresswoman Pat Saiki at memorial service

Saiki, who passed away on September 30, 2026, at the age of 96, left a mark on Hawaii that spanned decades of public service. Her career was defined by a series of firsts, moving from the classroom to the halls of the U.S. Congress.

Politics differed greatly when Saiki entered than it does today. After graduating from Hilo High School, she began her professional life as a teacher, eventually helping to organize Hawaii’s first teachers’ union.

Hawaii leaders honor former Congresswoman Pat Saiki at memorial service

Her transition into elected office saw her serve in both the state House and Senate before reaching the federal level. When she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, she became the first Republican and only the second woman to represent Hawaii since statehood.

“It’s a different age for women and for young girls growing up and so it’s quite remarkable that she actually became a teacher, started a union, went to Congress,” said Dr. Margaret Saiki.

U.S. Congresswoman Jill Tokuda noted that Saiki brought a unique sense of “aloha” to Washington, D.C., even while navigating the significant barriers placed before her as a woman in leadership.

Former Congresswoman Pat Saiki honored for decades of service to Hawaii

Saiki’s legislative priorities were diverse, ranging from civil rights to environmental protection. She was a vocal champion for women's rights and helped secure reparations for Japanese Americans who had been interned by the government during World War II.

Her influence extended to environmental and military policy as well. She successfully convinced then-President George H.W. Bush to halt the U.S. military’s bombing of Kahoolawe.

Former Hawaii congresswoman Pat Saiki dies at 96

Governor Josh Green described her as an extraordinary leader who possessed “bipartisan flair” and a deep commitment to the people of Hawaii.

“Pat Saiki, our extraordinary congresswoman, brought such dignity to Hawaii and bipartisan flair and she comes from the era when people cared for one another in politics,” said Gov. Josh Green.

Beyond her time in Congress, Saiki later served as the administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, continuing a life of public engagement well into her later years.

Her daughter, Dr. Margaret Saiki, recalled that her mother was a lifelong “go-getter” who refused to let age dictate her capabilities. At 60, she began a new career in Congress, and by 62, she had taken up skiing.

“I think she was born to change. I think she was born to do something important in her life,” Dr. Saiki said.