Hawaii political and community leaders gathered for a memorial service celebrating the life of former Congresswoman Pat Saiki, a trailblazer being remembered fondly across party lines.

• Saiki was one of the few Republicans to rise to such high office in heavily Democratic Hawaii, yet she won broad respect and got things done because people genuinely liked her.
• She is credited with convincing President George H.W. Bush to stop military bombing exercises on Kahoʻolawe, and he did.
• She pushed for and helped secure reparations for Japanese Americans interned during World War II, winning over Republicans who initially opposed the idea.
• Family and colleagues say her lasting legacy is that she tried to bring people together instead of following strict party lines.

Outlook: Saiki's memorial service stands as a moment for Hawaii's political community to reflect on a legacy of bipartisan cooperation and public service.