The Rhode Island Senate has introduced a resolution to officially designate May of 2026 as "Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month." This initiative recognizes the historical significance of May, which marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in 1843 and the contributions of Chinese workers to the Transcontinental Railroad completed in 1869. The resolution highlights the growth of the Asian American population in the U.S., which reached approximately 24 million according to the 2020 census, and acknowledges the substantial contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians in various sectors, including the military, education, healthcare, and business.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of honoring the cultural diversity and contributions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in Rhode Island. It encourages all residents to engage with and learn about the history and achievements of these groups through appropriate programs and activities during the designated month. Additionally, the Secretary of State is tasked with transmitting certified copies of the resolution to those who have promoted AANHPI culture and history in the state. The resolution was introduced by Senators Ujifusa and Gu on May 19 and is recommended for immediate consideration.