HE is one of the first Filipino Americans to be elected to the Honolulu City Council since Hawaii’s statehood in 1959.
FilAm Hawaii Councilman Romeo Munoz Cachola represents District 7 (Salt Lake, Kalihi, Aliamanu, Stadium and Airport areas). He currently chairs the Affordable Housing and Economic Development Committee. He is also the Floor Leader during each City Council meeting.
Cachola was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He studied at Quezon University receiving a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws degrees. He immigrated to Hawaii and settled in Honolulu where he became an entrepreneur and realtor.
The 64-year-old began his political career during the early 1980’s. It is reported that Filipino Americans in his neighborhood urged him to run for a House District seat to represent them. He won and represented House District 39 and House District 30 in the Hawaii State Legislature House of Representatives from 1984 to 1992.
He continued his service as a legislator until his election to the Honolulu City Council in 2000.
During his years as a member of Hawaii’s House of Representatives and City Council, he advocated for the World War II Filipino Veteran’s Equity Act.
His uncle Jesus Cachola, was a World War II veteran. Cachola’s uncle had lived with Romy Cachola and his wife so he understood the plight of many Filipino soldiers striving for their benefits.
"It’s a fairness issue. They fought for freedom side by side with Americans," Cachola said to the Honolulu Advertiser. "Before they all die, at least, the payments are the right thing for the US to do."
His uncle passed away before the US approved the Filipino Veterans Equity Act.
As a member of the Honolulu City Council, Cachola has been an integral part in the development of Hawaii. He has served as a chairman in a number of key positions with budget authority.
He was Chairman of the Zoning Committee, considered one of the most powerful positions in the City and County of Honolulu.
In 2003, his peers elected Cachola as floor leader.
In 2005, Cachola accompanied Mayor Mufi Hannemann in a five-day trip to the Philippines to build and Reaffirmed Honolulu’s sister-city relationships with Manila, Vigan and Laoag.
Cachola was reelected to the Honolulu City Council on September 18, 2004.
( Published on March 25, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. B2 )
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