Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is honoring the life of Congresswoman Pat Saiki, and her years of public service and lifelong dedication to educational opportunities. At the invitation of her family, Amata was humbled to speak Saturday at the Celebration of Life at Central Union Church in Honolulu.

Honoring the life of history-making Congresswoman Pat Saiki

Remarks in celebration of Pat Saiki's life:

Talofa lava,

I join you in honoring the precious life of a beloved friend, Patricia Saiki. Most of us knew her as Pat. She lived a remarkable life of service, much of it right here in beautiful Hawaii, first as an educator, as state legislator, as Hawaii's first Republican Member of the U.S. House since statehood, and just the second Congresswoman in Hawaii history, then as SBA Administrator under President George H.W. Bush. She was a history-maker, a difference-maker, and a champion for opportunities in education.

Pat was an example to me in both public life and private, since I knew the person and the public figure. For instance, she was bipartisan when possible, bridging divides, bringing people together. Washington could use more of that, but she exemplified that approach to putting people first and recognizing that politics, while important, had to be kept in perspective. She could balance being direct and a truth-teller with being diplomatic and tactful. In other words, she was skilled at her public roles. What counts more, is that she put that to use for people. Her energy and drive went for the public good, always a cause or project that would help people, often in the field of education.

I knew her for decades. Through her generous spirit, she had a key role in an eventful part of my life. She was the person behind my opportunity to serve as Secretary of a National Convention. You have to understand how unheard of that was at the time for someone from American Samoa, and this was years before I was elected to Congress. It simply would not have happened without her, but to her it was just being a friend and putting in a good word, and these attributes were a way of life for her. She was a friend to her friends, and she had a lot of friends. We will hold our memories of her friendship close to our hearts.

She was a wife and mother and grandmother. To her children and her grandchildren, I know you brought her joy, and that she was more proud of you than her titles and accolades, though she deserved every accolade.

Speaking at the Celebration of Life

She left us for a better place at the age of 96, and I think a long life can be something of Heaven's reward on earth, before the true Heavenly rewards to come.

Today, may you all feel the strong support of others around you, and feel the many prayers and thoughts for you, her closest loved ones.

May those of us here resolve to live our lives well, as she did. Her presence was a joy and help to others, and a life to be celebrated. She was a blessing to us, and may we live like her, to bless others. May God's comfort be near to each one today as we say goodbye to our friend and loved one, in joyful hope of the resurrection, enriched by having known her.

Thank you. Soifua ma ia manuia.

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