H.R. 142 Summary

• 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 discrimination against Asians 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-September 11 attacks against South Asians.

• Addresses surge in anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including inflammatory rhetoric labeling it the "Chinese virus," "Wuhan virus," and "kung fu," which contributed to over 1,800 reported racist incidents in an eight-week period from March to May 2020.

• Asserts Hawaii's commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, equality, and compassion in the spirit of "Aloha" to ensure all Asian community members are treated with dignity and equity.

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