Hawaiian Senators Promoting Vegetarianism

Pictured are Senators (from left) Mike Gabbard, Suzanne Chun Oakland, and Brian Taniguchi with Hawaiian initiates

The letter of appreciation from Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland

On a beautiful Aloha Friday, October 24, Golden Year 5 (2008), the Hawaiian Center initiates presented the Shining World Leadership Award, on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, to seven Senators who co-sponsored and supported the SCR 84 Resolution. They are Senators Norman Sakamoto, Suzanne Chun Oakland, Carol Fukunaga, Mike Gabbard, Clarence Nishihara, Brian Taniguchi, and Jill Tokuda. The SCR 84 Resolution encourages and requests that public schools offer alternative vegetarian dishes to their students.

Senator Mike Gabbard, a vegan for over 35 years, along with fellow Senators Suzanne Chun Oakland and Brian Taniguchi, attended the Award ceremony. In addition to the crystal plaque, each awardee received a personally signed letter from Master as well as some of Her publications. After the ceremony, a small Hawaiian Vegan Luau Feast was prepared by the initiates. The Senators and their staff were surprised to find that vegan food tasted so good. Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland loved the food so much that she invited other Senators and their staff to come down to meet the initiates and taste the vegan delights!

After hearing more about the benefits of the vegan diet and how it is related to global warming, Senator Oakland had the idea of introducing a bill to start a Vegetarian Day in Hawaii, which was immediately supported by Senator Will Espero. The Hawaiian initiates enthusiastically expressed their willingness to do whatever they can to help make this possible. In a follow-up appreciation letter, Senator Oakland thanked Master for the honor of receiving this Award and said she will “continue to support these efforts.” Let’s hope, through Master’s grace, the first-ever Hawaiian Vegetarian Day will soon be celebrated!