Former state representative, longtime women’s advocate and Hawaiian activist, Annelle Amaral, was honored last night at a reception sponsored by the State Commission on the Status of Women. The event at Washington Place was part of the commission’s celebration of Women’s History Month.

Amaral addressed the current fiscal crisis in her brief remarks, calling for actions informed by Hawaiian traditions of generosity and giving. She urged the public and legislators to transcend the “take it from them” impulse in order to protect those who are most vulnerable.

She called on people to look at themselves in a different spirit.

“I have enough. For the good of others, take it from me.”

Annelle said it eloquently, and I caught her conclusion on video.

Thank you, Annelle, for leading the way. Again.