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In 1980, Earl Nishimura founded the JACL Hawai'i,
Honolulu Chapter. In addition to the efforts of Mr. Nishimura, the evolution
of a JACL chapter in Hawaii began with visionaries like Albert Onaka, Edgar
Hamasu, and Lawrence Kumabe. Only a few years after its creation, JACL
Hawaii won the bid to host the national convention and, in 1984, held the
Japanese American Citizens League 28th Biennial Convention in Waikiki. Throughout the 1990s, the Honolulu Chapter was the
primary liaison with the U.S. Department of Justice in the implementation of
the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, the measure which provided redress for
Hawai'i's Japanese Americans unlawfully interned during World War II. Of
significance, the Honolulu JACL persuaded the Justice Department to provide
redress to approximately 2,000 Hawaii Japanese Americans who were not
interned in concentration camps, but were unlawfully evacuated from their
homes – an event that was unique to Hawai'i. Honolulu JACL leaders and pro
bono attorneys initiated and coordinated a statewide effort to gain redress
for Hawai'i evacuees, which ultimately resulted in a Presidential apology
and monetary compensation. During this time, JACL Hawaii also supported Bruce
Yamashita after he was unjustly dismissed from Officer Candidate School in
the Marine Corps in 1989. Yamashita filed a racial harassment complaint in
1990 with the assistance of JACL volunteer counsel. After a series of
administrative and court proceedings, Yamashita prevails and is commissioned
a Captain in 1994, at a ceremony
conducted at the U.S. Capitol, attended by the Congressional
delegation and other supporters, including JACL. JACL Hawai’i along with other JACL chapters
nationwide conducts an annual Day of Remembrance program to remember the day
that President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066 was signed on February 19,
1942, which led to the exclusion and ultimate internment of Japanese
Americans in World War II.. The Honolulu Chapter also hosts other
educational events and forums throughout the year, and co-sponsors events
with other community groups, such as the Pacific Asian Affairs Council,
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, the 442nd, 100th, and MIS veterans
organizations. JACL Hawai'i is
proud of the many issues that it
has raised over the years, and will continue to fight for the civil
and human rights of Japanese Americans and others who face similar struggles
of equality. JACL Hawaii has, once more, won the bid to host the national
convention. Almost twenty years to the day after the 1984 Convention, JACL
Hawai'i hosted the JACL's 75th Anniversary in Waikiki, Hawai'i. The Honolulu Chapter is unique because it draws upon Hawai’i's rich, multi-ethnic society and strong cultural values. The JACL Hawai’i, Honolulu Chapter was chartered in 1980 by the National JACL and is part of the Northern California, Western Nevada, and Pacific District (NCWNP). Honolulu
chapter activities & accolades Conducts annual Day
of Remembrance programs that recall the Executive Order 9066 which interned Japanese Americans during World War II. Successfully worked for redress payments to
Hawaii World War II evacuees and internees. Among the first
non-Hawaiian groups to support Native Hawaiian Sovereignty. Provided legal and
administrative support to Bruce I. Yamashita in his racial discrimination
case against the United States Marine Corps. Supported local and
national legislation addressing "hate crimes".
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