Peter Aduja

Peter Aduja
Born 1920
Salindig, Vigon, Ilocos Sur, Luzon, Philippines
Died 2007
Las Vegas, Nevada
Nationality American
Occupation Soldier, Teacher, Judge, Politician

Peter Aduja was the first Filipino American elected to public office in the United States when he was elected as a representative in the Hawaii Legislature.

Biography

Aduja was born in Ilocos Sur in the Philippines and emigrated with his family at the age of 8 to Hilo, Hawaii.[1] Graduation from Hilo High and becoming an Eagle Scout,[2] he went on to the University of Hawaii to major in government and history.[1] In 1944, he joined the United States Army, and along with 50 other individuals volunteered for the 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment.[1]

Following World War II he taught on the island of Hawaii, before attending Boston University earning a law degree there in 1951 and becoming a district court judge.[2] In 1954, he was elected to the Territorial House of Representatives, becoming the first Filipino to be elected to public office in Hawaii, and the United States.[1] After a two year term he worked for the Department of Attorney General, until he served as a state representative from 1966 to 1974.[1]

Family

Aduja married Melodie "Lesing" Cabalona and had two children. Daughter, Melodie Aduja would eventually became a Hawaii State Senator.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Rod Ohira (22 February 2007). "Peter Aduja, distinguished local Filipino". Honolulu Advertiser. http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Feb/22/ln/FP702220334.html. Retrieved 4 September 2011. 
  2. ^ a b "First Filipino lawmaker in US is dead at 87". GMA News. 23 February 2007. http://www.gmanews.tv/story/31840/first-filipino-lawmaker-in-us-is-dead-at-87. Retrieved 4 September 2011. 
  3. ^ Ben DiPietro (6 November 2002). "No Lingle coattails: Republicans lose four House seats". Pacific Business News. http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2002/11/04/daily45.html. Retrieved 4 August 2011.