Alan Lowenthal: “I sadly come before the Congress to recognize and honor a person that I loved very much, Lillian Kawasaki. Lillian…”

“I sadly come before the Congress to recognize and honor a person that I loved very much, Lillian Kawasaki. Lillian Kawasaki was a dedicated public servant, a respected community leader, a beloved wife, a sister, and she was a dear, dear friend of mine. Sadly, on July 18, Lillian passed away, and a memorial service will be held this Saturday, August 3. Lillian was a generous soul. Her generosity of self always was done with grace and enthusiasm. She engendered tremendous respect and love from all who knew her. She possessed an infectious smile. Her laugh made everybody feel better. Her work for the last two decades was on environmental efforts, first with the Port of Los Angeles, and then with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. It brought not only recognition to her throughout California but also throughout the Nation. She was an expert on water issues and when she passed away was a member of the Water Replenishment District, elected. Long Beach has lost one of its finest. I, and countless others in California, already miss Lillian. She will not be forgotten. ____________________”