Hawaii is a unique place, with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. Native Hawaiians, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, and Filipino people have all left their mark on the islands. Filipinos have been in Hawaii since the 19th century, and their presence has had a significant impact on the culture and history of the state. Unfortunately, they have also been subject to discrimination and prejudice.
This article will explore how environmental policies have impacted Filipinos living in Hawaii. The Philippines has a long history of environmental activism, and this has been reflected in the actions of Filipinos living in Hawaii. In 1920, Japanese organizers joined Filipino, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese workers to form the Hawaii Workers Association, the first multi-ethnic union in the islands. This was a sign of inter-ethnic solidarity that would come to define the Filipino experience in Hawaii. In addition, Princess Kaiulani had supported Filipino and Cuban nationalists during her reign. In recent years, environmental policies have had a major impact on Filipinos living in Hawaii.
Act 7, which was passed in 2019, designated December 20 of each year as Sakada Day in Hawaii to commemorate the memory and sacrifices of the first Filipino sakadas in Hawaii and to recognize their contributions and their role in the history and cultural diversity of Hawaii. This was an important step towards recognizing the important role that Filipinos have played in Hawaiian society. In addition, Gina Alagon Jamoralin has been instrumental in improving relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Hawaii. She has worked to promote the culture, history, heritage and important impact of the Filipino people in Hawaii. This has helped to foster better understanding between Filipinos and other ethnic groups living in Hawaii. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, Filipinos still face discrimination and prejudice in Hawaii.
Ethnic jokes are broadcast on the radio, and there is a perception that Filipinos speak with an accent. Terms such as “bukbok”, “pinoy” and “flip” are used to describe Filipinos in a derogatory manner. This can lead to feelings of shame among those who are born and raised in Hawaii. Climate change is also having an impact on Filipinos living in Hawaii. Native Hawaiians are particularly at risk because their religion and culture depend on natural resources.
This means that any changes to the environment could have devastating consequences for them. Overall, environmental policies have had both positive and negative impacts on Filipinos living in Hawaii. On one hand, they have been recognized for their contributions to Hawaiian society through initiatives such as Act 7. On the other hand, they still face discrimination and prejudice from other ethnic groups. Climate change is also having an impact on Native Hawaiians which could have serious consequences for Filipinos as well. It is clear that environmental policies have had a significant impact on Filipinos living in Hawaii.
It is important that we continue to recognize their contributions to Hawaiian society while also working to combat discrimination and prejudice against them. We must also take steps to mitigate climate change so that Native Hawaiians can continue to practice their religion and culture without fear of its destruction.
