HAWAII Senator Robert Bunda (D-HI) became the first FilAm to attain a presidency of any state legislature in the US when he was appointed a Senate President in 2001. The third-generation FilAm was born in Waialua. Now, the Democratic President Emeritus senator represents the 22nd District of Kaena-Wahiawa-Pupukea. He is one of Bunda, a former Bank executive and insurance broker, has been a member of the Hawaii State House of Representatives from 1983 to 1994 and currently a member of Hawaii state senate since 1994.
He was appointed Presidential Elector for Hawaii in 1996 and chosen as a delegate to Democratic National Convention from Hawaii in 2004.
Aside from his political duties, Bunda volunteers actively with the Lions and a member of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce in Oahu.
Bunda graduated from Texas Wesleyan College and finished graduate studies at the University of Texas.
He pursued business right after his graduation before working as insurance agent and a Bank Executive in the late 1970’s.
He’s also been a member of the Hawaii National Guard, Texas Army National Guard, and United States Air Force.
Bunda has never shied away from being a FilAm and has praised Filipinos for their hard working ethics especially their contributions in Hawaii.
"Filipinos have contributed to this state’s rich multicultural heritage," said Bunda. "Their hard work and perseverance have not only created notable individual accomplishments and success stories, but they have, collectively, led to significant contributions to the state’s business community and overall economy."
When it comes to Hawaii, Bunda believes that despite the global economic downturn, Hawaii would be able to "find innovative ways to turn adversity into opportunity."
"The Legislature needs to avoid a piecemeal approach to lawmaking that sometimes sends mixed signals to the business community," Bunda wrote in the Hawaii Star Bulletin. "Hawaii’s Superferry fiasco is a perfect example. Our major islands need to stay connected for commerce and communication and family connections. The Legislature should facilitate improvements to interisland transportation systems, not obstruct them."
Bunda is one of five FilAms in the Hawaii state senate joining senators Will Espero, Lorraine Inouye, Donna Mercado Kim, and Ron Menor.
( Published on April 4, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. B2 )
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