Thomas P. Gill
Legislator cared
By Richard Borreca
about environment
Star-BulletinTHOMAS P. Gill was a labor lawyer, legislator, congressman and lieutenant governor who made his mark by inspiring a young generation in the 1960s to care for Hawaii's environment and lands.
A liberal Democrat, Gill ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1970 and 1974. But his lasting power in politics was as "an apostle of new priorities and ... old-fashioned Democratic militancy to the politics of the dispossessed and the disenchanted," author Tom Coffman said in his 1970 book, "Catch a Wave."
Gill's father came to Hawaii shortly after it was annexed to the United States and worked as an architect, designing many of the major buildings in early downtown Honolulu. Gill senior helped instill a philosophy of caring for the underdog to his son.
Still, critics said Gill never achieved his political ambitions because of his acerbic sense of humor and view on life.
Much of the state's land-use laws and emphasis on environmental regulation are due to Gill's efforts in the state Legislature. Today, he remains a progressive voice in local politics: he was an early critic of the salaries and selection process for Bishop Estate trustees.
Born April 21, 1922, the Roosevelt High School graduate served in the Army in WWII. Wounded, he received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Gill earned his law degree from the University of California.
