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Check back regularly for updates, action items, events, and other news on the Health Justice front!

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Loud and Proud:  Micronesian Community Members and Supporters Push Back Against Racism on the Radio

5/25/2014

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A petition calling for an end to what commenters have described as the regular targeting of "Micronesians" on Hawai'i morning radio has reached over 1,000 signatures in just two days, on the petition website www.change.org.  

The petition writer, Kat Lobendahn, described the catalyst that prompted her to finally take action on what many morning radio listeners in Hawai'i are all too familiar with: ethnically derogatory jokes exclusively targeting "Micronesians," who in recent years have collectively faced growing express and systemic discrimination in the island state.  As Lobendahn reported:

"At approximate 7:15 am this morning (23 May 2014) on Island 98.5 radio show 'Wake Up Crew,' boy was I in for a rude awakening.  The disc jockey's of this program told one of the worst racist jokes that I have ever heard against the people of Micronesia.  This was not the first racist joke against Micronesian's, but it is by far the worst.  Here is their attempt to be funny by telling this UNfunny joke.  

'Why aren't there many beautiful Micronesians?  Because babies with birth defects are usually terminated before birth.'
"

The petition calls on the program director of Island 98.5 FM of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment to "take disciplinary action" against the Wake Up Crew DJs, and to immediately stop the broadcasting of Micronesian jokes on the airwaves.  A written and oral apology is also requested.  

While ethnic jokes have a long history in Hawai'i, reflecting a multicultural diversity rooted in the islands' geographic location and history of immigration, many petition commenters noted that jokes against Micronesians tend to exhibit a level of cruelty and dehumanization well and far beyond what could be considered "joking around."  Others noted the harm caused in perpetuating invidious discrimination that they personally observed or experienced on a regular basis, including several teachers who testified to the bullying and racism faced by Micronesian students in school. 

"As a former teacher at Waianae High, I have seen kids use these jokes as part of a campus wide bullying problem so bad that nearly all Micronesian students are frequently truant," wrote Clarisa Merucci, who signed the petition.  "Micronesians living in Hawaii suffer from systemic and widely accepted, even supported, discrimination and harassment. This needs to stop. It is not okay to constantly berate an ethnic group and it is especially heartless considering the struggles many of them face," Merucci noted.

Another educator, Kira Lee, related how "I've had Micronesian students who were ashamed to tell their friends that they were part Micronesian."

Micronesian parents and grandparents echoed similar concerns for the welfare of their children.  "Experienced this firsthand. Having two kids of my own, I would hate for them to have to go through the same thing," wrote Lei Iguel, of Honolulu.  

Petition signer Esther I. Lokboj wrote, "I don't want my grandchildren to grow up thinking they're inferior because they are part of Micronesia."

The petition also features a spoken word video performance by Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner, a University of Hawai'i graduate student who hails from the Marshall Islands.  Called "Lessons from Hawai'i," the video calls out the often open racism against Micronesians in Hawai'i, pointing to the lack of knowledge and prejudice underlying Jetnil-Kijiner's daily experiences with discriminatory comments and actions.

Local petition signers noted their own concerns about the impact that such broadcasted derogatory statements may have on the reputation and social fabric of Hawai'i.  

As petition signer Aiko Yamashiro wrote, "Some people may think we are calling for 'censorship' but I think the real issue here is calling our public figures into responsibility for the power that they wield. They have the power to educate and build community and connection, and humor and wit can be a tool for that too! Or they can waste that power and make us feel ashamed for the thoughtless things they might say on behalf of Hawai'i."

The petition notes that it will be taken to the sponsors of the radio program.

To sign or view the petition, click here: 
https://www.change.org/petitions/island-98-5-radio-station-honolulu-hi-stop-the-derogatory-racist-jokes-and-comments-against-the-people-of-micronesia
 









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Spread the Word! Free Naturalization Workshop, Housing Assistance Opportunities and a Tale of Lien Apinam

5/16/2014

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Mahalo nui to immigration attorney Jennifer Jung of the Hawai'i Immigrant Justice Center at the Legal Aid Society of Hawai'i for passing along the word regarding naturalization and housing assistance opportunities, and for sharing an adaptation of a traditional story of bravery, peace and respect by Chuukese interpreter and community organizer Innocenta Sound-Kikku.  Please help us spread the word about these important announcements!
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Naturalization/Citizenship Fair - June 7, 2014

Mahalo nui loa to Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, the Hawai'i Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Hawai'i Immigrant Justice Center and the William S. Richardson School of Law for sponsoring this free workshop for immigrants who would like assistance preparing their naturalization application forms.  Please call 536-8826 to see if you are eligible to apply for citizenship, and to reserve a spot (limited to first 40 qualified individuals).

Click on the flier to the left for more information.

What:  Free assistance with naturalization (citizenship) applications for eligible immigrants 
When:  Saturday, June 7, 2014
Where:  Hawai'i State Capitol, 415 S. Beretania St.
Who:  Immigrants eligible to apply for citizenship (must call 536-8826 to determine eligibility and reserve a space)
Cost:  Free
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Section 8 Voucher Waitlist Re-Opened - Deadline to Apply May 21, 2014.

The City and County of Honolulu is re-opening the waitlist for its Section 8 Housing Voucher Program.  This program provides financial assistance for rental housing costs to low-income individuals and families.  Approximately 100 qualifying applicants will be randomly selected to be added to the waitlist; the current waiting time before vouchers are actually provided is estimated at two years.

Apply for a chance to be added to the Section 8 waitlist online here:  https://www.waitlistcheck.com/application/form.php?ID=654-HI003, or click on the flier above for walk-in application information and locations.

For more information on the waitlist re-opening, click on the flier above, or see the City and County of Honolulu Press Release.  For details on the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program generally, see also the Hawai'i Public Housing Authority Section 8 FAQ page and the Honolulu Community Assistance Division website.

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Lien Apinam:  A Traditional Story of Peace and Respect in Chuuk

Please find below an excerpt of an adaptation of a traditional Chuukese story by Innocenta Sound-Kikku.  If you are or know of an immigrant dealing with family violence issues, please read the brochure on the left about available services from the Hawai'i Immigrant Justice Center (click on the brochure to download a copy):

"Once upon a full moon there settled a peaceful group of people on their enchanted island in the 
middle of the Pacific Ocean. This island was called Lukunor, meaning 'out of reef,' because it was located on the outskirt of the region of Chuuk Islands and Pohnpei Islands. The people of Lukunor survived by living off their land and ocean. 

During every twelfth moon the young warriors of Lukunor journey to a neighboring island called Satawan to pay tribute and make sacrifices to their ancestors and chiefs. However, on another neighboring island called Ettal, their warriors also set sail toward Lukunor to invade it..."


To see the rest of the story, click on the brochure above (or click here to download).



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Rally for Health Justice: Friday, May 23 

5/13/2014

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Please join members of Saint Elizabeth's Episcopal Church and the larger faith community in another march and rally for health justice and equality for COFA residents in Hawai'i and throughout the United States.  This is the second monthly rally for this cause and both supporters and allies are needed to draw and keep attention to this critical issue.

The march will begin at Saint Elizabeth's Episcopal Church at 3:00 p.m. and end at the Prince Kuhio Federal Building.  Those who cannot or do not wish to walk can also meet at the Ewa end of the  Prince Kuhio Federal Building for the rally.  Bring signs and balloons! 

Pictures from last month's march are included below.  We need our numbers to increase, so please help spread the word (please download and share a .jpg of the flier on the left by clicking here).  Mahalo nui loa for your support!  

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