Civil wrongs
Over half a century ago, Executive Order 9066 snatched Americans of Japanese ancestry from their homes, livelihoods and dignity. The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the incarceration in Korematsu v. United States, noting, “We are not unmindful of the hardships imposed by it upon a large group of American citizens.”
The Court did not address the real injury. The Court relied on law and procedure to sanction hate and fear. Justice was denied.
Sadly, our 25th Legislature did not address the real issue when it failed to pass HB 444. The Legislature invoked politics and procedure to sanction hate and fear. What is even worse is that they did so anonymously.
Even with the lessons learned from the Japanese American Internment during World War II, our Legislature chose to hide behind politics where they should have boldly stood strong to make sure that justice is never denied a group because of who they are.
Our representatives had an opportunity to validate equality, but they chose to be silent as the moment passed them by.
Shawn L.M. Benton
President, Japanese American Citizens League
Honolulu Chapter
