Posted on: Thursday, June 12, 2003

House backs tribute to Mink

Associated Press

A resolution to rename the post office in Pa'ia, Maui, after the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink was approved Tuesday by the U.S. House of Representatives, her successor in Congress said.

U.S. Rep. Ed Case was joined by fellow Hawai'i Democrat Neil Abercrombie as principal co-sponsors of the resolution to rename the post office on Baldwin Avenue the "Patsy Takemoto Mink Post Office Building."

Mink was born in Pa'ia.

"It's a fitting permanent remembrance of her," Case said in a telephone interview. "This is a person that just led an incredible life. She was a pioneer in so many areas."

Mink, one of the most liberal voices on Capitol Hill, died Sept. 28 at age 74.

"I don't think that people are finished mourning for Ms. Mink," said Case, who described the renaming of the building as a "tangible" memorial in her honor.

Mink served in the House for 24 years over two different stretches after serving in the territorial and state legislatures. She also served on the Honolulu City Council for four years.

She graduated from Maui High School, where she served as the first female student body president, and earned degrees at the University of Hawai'i and the University of Chicago.

"This was a local girl that made incredibly good," Case said.

He said naming a post office after a member of Congress has no precedence in Hawai'i, although there are post offices on the Mainland named after lawmakers. Case said he hoped the renaming in Pa'ia would inspire young people to emulate Mink.

The Pa'ia move was initiated in January by the Maui County Council.

The resolution will now go to the Senate, where it is expected to receive a positive reception, Case said.

Hawai'i' Democrats Daniel Akaka and Dan Inouye also introduced companion legislation in the Senate.