[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 113 (Thursday, August 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF KIP TOKUDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 2013

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I along with Representatives Smith of 
Washington, rise today to honor the life of Kip Tolcuda, and pay 
tribute to his leadership, service, and dedication to the citizens of 
the State of Washington.
  Kip was a Seattle native and a graduate of the University of 
Washington. Following completion of his graduate studies in social work 
in 1969, Kip entered public service as a social worker with the 
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services and gained a 
reputation for being a strong advocate for children and individuals 
with disabilities. He was later named to the Washington Council for 
Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
  The second son of parents who were incarcerated at the Minidoka 
Relocation Center, Kip possessed an unwavering sense of justice and 
equality. A prominent figure within the Asian American community, he 
served as the president of Seattle's chapter of Japanese American 
Citizens League (JACL)--an organization which is the oldest and largest 
Asian American civil rights organization. In 1998, Kip went on to found 
the Asian Pacific Islander Community Leadership Foundation, a non-
profit organization that focuses on social justice, community 
empowerment, and public service.
  Beginning in 1994, Kip served as a Representative for Washington's 
State 37th Legislative District. During his four terms in the 
Washington State Legislature, he enjoyed many legislative successes. He 
introduced his first Day of Remembrance resolution in 1997, which has 
since become an annual tradition in the Legislature. He served as the 
co-prime sponsor, along with Representative Mike Wensmen of House Bill 
1572, which created the Washington Civil Liberties Public Education 
fund in 2000. Kip also secured passage of the Special Needs Adoption 
bill, which helped adoption of special-needs children. He was a strong 
advocate who helped to pass the Homeless Children's Lawsuit 
legislation, which provided services for over 60,000 homeless families 
with children.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that we recognize the life of Kip 
Tokuda--a true trailblazer. We ask our colleagues to join us in 
honoring a long career of selfless and inspired service to his 
community, the State of Washington, and our nation.

                          ____________________