HI HCR168

Condemns and denounces all forms of anti-Asian sentiment, racism, xenophobia, intolerance, discrimination, hate crimes, and hate speech against Asian Americans and Asian individuals in the United States.

Documents historical anti-Asian discrimination including the 1871 Chinese Massacre, the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, the internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II, the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin, and post-9/11 attacks against South Asians.

Notes that COVID-19 pandemic rhetoric using terms like "Chinese virus," "Wuhan virus," and "kung flu" fueled anti-Asian sentiment, with an August 2020 UN report documenting over 1,800 racist incidents against Asians in an eight-week period and a 1,900% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes in New York City.

Asserts Hawaii's commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, equality, and compassion under the "Aloha Spirit" as a positive role model for the nation.

Urges state and county departments and agencies to ensure their official actions, documents, and statements do not contribute to racism or discrimination against the Asian community.