Daniel Inouye: “on Saturday, September 28, 2002, Hawaii lost a beloved and extraordinary daughter, Patsy Takemoto Mink, who represented…”

“on Saturday, September 28, 2002, Hawaii lost a beloved and extraordinary daughter, Patsy Takemoto Mink, who represented Hawaii in the U.S. House of Representatives for 24 years. I extend to her husband, John, and daughter, Wendy, my sincerest condolences. The passing of Congresswoman Mink is a great loss for our Nation and our State, and it is a personal loss for me. She was an honorable colleague and a dear friend throughout our political careers. I was privileged to work with Patsy in 1956, when we were both members of the Hawaii Territorial House of Representatives. She was the first Asian-American woman elected to the Hawaii Legislature. In the 1960s, we both gave speeches at Democratic National Conventions. She was Chairwoman of the Honolulu City Council. In 1964, she joined me as a member of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation when she became the first Asian-American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. For 24 years, she was an integral part of the Hawaii Delegation. I appreciated her honesty, I respected her thoughts, and I admired her resolve. Throughout her public service, Patsy concerned herself with making our country a better place for all people. She will be remembered for her powerful and passionate voice as she championed causes for women, children, the elderly, and the needy. For those who were vulnerable or mistreated, she was their able and loyal defender.”