World War II saw many Caucasians leave Hawaii for the mainland. Filling many of the voids left in the professional world and in business were members of the Hawaiian Chinese community.
Success in business brought economic prosperity for many Chinese. Many were able to move into areas of Honolulu traditionally inhabited by Caucasians.
The Chinese also developed strong ties to many in the native Hawaiian community. Marriages between those of Chinese descent and those of Hawaiian descent have become common.
This close tie between Chinese and Hawaiians have helped many Chinese reach high levels of power in politics.
No one's story is more impressive than that of the late Hiram L. Fong. A graduate of the University of Hawaii and the Harvard Law School, Fong started his law firm, was elected a Representative of the Hawaii Territorial Legislature for 14 years, serving as its Speaker for 6 years. From 1959 to 1977 he served as a U.S. Senator from Hawaii during which time he was awarded eleven honorary degrees from American and foreign universities.
