Carr, who interviewed hundreds of Puerto Ricans for her doctoral research at the University of Hawaii, said a second wave of 686 immigrants arrived in 1921 via the Panama Canal. That year marked the first recorded efforts to organize Puerto Rican organizations. By 1924, Hilda Ortiz of the Big Island became the first Puerto Rican teacher in Hawaii, an accomplishment that normally took immigrants three generations, Carr said. They worked hard and played hard. It recreates your energy physically and spiritually.
Music remains a strong Puerto Rican tradition here today.
State Rep. Alex Santiago, whose ancestors arrived with the first wave, said Puerto Ricans are becoming better organized and more responsive to community needs. That, he said, follows the growing political clout of Hispanics on the mainland. About 100,000 residents in Hawaii identify themselves as Hispanic, close to 10 percent of the population. Art, contributions, family, celebration.