Big Isle artist to create statue of Mink to be placed on library’s front lawn

A bronze statue of the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink will be created by a Hawaii island artist to honor the trailblazer who fought for gender equity in sports and education.

Holly Young, who sculpted the Queen Kapiolani statue at Kapiolani Park, has been selected to create the statue at an estimated cost of $138,000.

The tribute to the champion of Title IX will be located on the front lawn of the Hawaii State Public Library. The statue is scheduled to be unveiled in 2017.

Mink’s daughter, Wendy Mink, author and independent scholar in Washington, D.C., said in a news release that the statue will convey her mother’s passion and commitment for peace, social justice and civil rights.

A three-member selection committee commissioned by the state Legislature has approved the design and signed off on the location.

“The main library’s front lawn was selected because of Congresswoman Mink’s commitment to education and learning, and its proximity to all levels of government for which she served: City Council, state Legislature and the federal government,” committee Chairwoman Gladys Mahoney said.

Born in Paia, Maui, Mink entered law school after she was denied entry to medical school because of her gender. She was the first Japanese-American female attorney in Hawaii.

In 1964, Mink became the first woman of color elected to Congress, where she served 12 terms. She co-authored the Title IX legislation banning gender discrimination in schools.

Mink was among six people President Barack Obama posthumously honored with the Medal of Freedom Award, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in November 2014 for her unwavering efforts in gender equity.

She died in Honolulu in September 2002 at age 74.

“She fought for justice and equality, particularly for women and children, those who were underrepresented,” Mahoney said in an emailed statement. “Her landmark legislation, Title IX, along with her many other accomplishments, embodies those principles. She, herself, experienced injustice and discrimination so her commitment and work ensured a better future for everyone. It is important that her legacy lives on.”