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The State Assembly Monday approved a resolution by Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi (D – 18th) that recognizes Korean American Day in California.

The resolution recognized the day in 1903 that marked the beginning of Korean American history when 102 Korean men, women and children landed in Hawaii after venturing across the Pacific Ocean aboard the S.S. Gaelic. Through the resolution, Hayashi, who represents just under half of Pleasanton, said she hoped to highlight and honor the contributions of the Korean American community to the U.S. The resolution was approved by a unanimous vote.

"Korean American Day grants us the opportunity to reflect on more than one century of the Korean American community, unity and progress," Hayashi said. "Korean Americans have helped to enrich every aspect of American culture: from judges to entrepreneurs, athletes to performers."

According to Hayashi, Korean Americans have become one of the fastest growing groups of Asian Americans. In 1960, approximately 25,000 people of Korean ancestry lived in the U.S., but by 2007, it was estimated that 1,555,293 people with some Korean ancestry lived here. Notable Korean Americans include Sammy Lee, medal winning Olympic diver; Margaret Cho, comedian and entertainer; and Colonel Young O. Kim, a celebrated World War II veteran.

"It is especially befitting to see Assembly member Mary Hayashi, the first Korean American woman in the California State Legislature, present such an important recognition of American culture and history," said Assembly member Ted Lieu, chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus.

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