Primary Sources from UH Mānoa Library's Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection
About this Primary Source Set
This primary source set mostly contains everyday correspondence and documents collected during the congressional career of Senator Hiram L. Fong. As one of the few Republicans to hold federal office in Hawaiʻi's history, Fong's moderate policy positions; relationship with his constituents (particularly those of the Asian diaspora); and vast connections to businesses and civic organizations in the U.S. and Asia allowed him to exercise power within the GOP in unique ways throughout the Cold War. These curated sources from the Senator Hiram L. Fong Papers reflect the complexities of his legacy as both a national political figure and as the first Asian American to serve in the U.S. Senate.
This primary source set was created in 2025, in partnership with the Hawai'i Congressional Papers Collection, by James Zarsadiaz. On May 5, 2025, James gave a talk on this subject: Hiram Fong's Asian America: Reflections on his Impact and Legacy.
Banner image: Republican National Convention, July 13, 1964. Senator Hiram L. Fong Papers. Audiovisual, Box 22, Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library.