April 2021 Newsletter
Welcome to AAJA Hawai‘i’s monthly newsletter! Here, you’ll find chapter updates, upcoming events, member bylines and more.If you have a story or career update you want to share with our AAJA family, let us know athawaii@aaja.org!
Chapter Updates and Announcements
The board did not meet this month and will instead meet in May. In past meetings, the board discussed holding a future webinar on diversity in local newsrooms. We are still working on further details and an event date.
Some board members met with AAJA’s Pacific Islander task force to discuss ways our groups can collaborate.
We had a great turnout for our April 22 event on how Hawai‘i’s media reported in the year of the pandemic. Panelists discussed the ways their jobs changed, the challenges they encountered while reporting during the pandemic, what it was like to interact with public officials, the lessons they learned and how their jobs will continue to change as we gradually return to pre-pandemic workflows. You can view the recordinghere.
Member News
Member Jayna Omaye will join the Honolulu Star-Advertiser as their ethnic and cultural affairs reporter in June. “As the ethnic and cultural affairs reporter, Omaye will examine the challenges and successes of Hawai’i’s rich and diverse multi-ethnic communities as the newspaper strives to broaden its coverage with accuracy and sensitivity.” Read more about Jayna’s new role here.
Member Bylines
“Hawaii Data Landscape: Antiquated Infrastructure, Widespread Distrust”
Civil Beat’s Yoohyun Jung writes about the challenges faced by the state’s data ecosystem and recommendations on how to move forward. “A report released last week by the Hawaii Data Collaborative found the challenges go beyond problems with infrastructure, technology, manpower and other resources and extend to the culture — the attitude, values, approaches and a lack of trust— among people who engage with data.”
“Some say bribes smoothed approvals at Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting”
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Ashley Mizuo reports on instances of bribery and corruption in Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting. “It can start with a simple box of malasadas for the people at the front desk of the city Department of Planning and Permitting. From there, according to several people who have had dealings with the agency, getting official approvals for completing a construction project can entail thousands of dollars in cash stuffed into plain envelopes or even sponsoring DPP employees in a golf tournament.”
“Police Killing Of Micronesian Teen In Hawaii Prompts Grief And Questions”
Civil Beat’s Anita Hofschneider writes about the grief and questions that surround the police killing of 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap. “Sykap was at least the second Micronesian Hawai‘i resident to be shot and killed by Honolulu police since 2018 when Tison Dinney was killed. The community makes up an estimated 1% of Hawai‘i’s population of 1.4 million.”
“‘We Keep Trying’: Hawaii Sees Spike In School Absenteeism Due To The Pandemic”
Honolulu Civil Beat’s Suevon Lee reports on new statewide data that shows that 20% of Hawai‘i’s students are at “high risk” for chronic absenteeism. “Missing too much school can set a student up for hardship down the road, starting in the earliest grades. Kindergartners and first-graders who are frequently absent may not be proficient in reading by the third grade. In high school, chronic absenteeism can be a predictor of dropping out of school altogether.”
“The ‘Mauka Shift’ Could Solve Rail’s Utility Woes. Why Did It Happen So Late?”
Honolulu Civil Beat’s April Estrellon reports on the Honolulu rail project and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit’s late shift to realign the elevated guideway inland of Dillingham Blvd. “In doing so, they hope to avoid relocating some of the major high-voltage Hawaiian Electric Co. power lines that hang overhead and some of the lines that run down the center of the road.”
Honolulu Magazine’s Christi Young writes about ‘Iolani Palace’s new White Glove Tour, which was launched earlier this year and allows visitors a closer look at the royal residence. “The white gloves of the title are not just a gimmick; guests must don them before picking up the artifacts.”
“Blangiardi Administration And State Lawmakers Come To Agreement On EMS Transfer”
Hawaii Public Radio’s Casey Harlow reports on a legislative proposal that would transfer the responsibility of Oʻahu’s emergency services system from the state to the city. “Under the measure, the state would give the City and County of Honolulu $46 million in operational expenses for the first year, and reduce that amount over the next three – until the city is solely responsible for the system. It costs roughly $50 million to operate O‘ahu’s ambulance service.”
AAJA National Updates and Announcements
AAJA’s Executive Leadership Program is accepting applications through April 30, 2021. The program explores the responsibilities and challenges of a media workplace, how to lead in the changing landscape and how cultural values come into play. Individuals with at least four to seven years of experience are encouraged to apply. Space is limited and applications are reviewed on a rotating basis until filled. More information available here.
Planning for this year’s convention, #AAJA21, is underway. AAJA National is soliciting ideas on what members would like to see at this year’s convention. Deadline to submit ideas is mid-May. Submit pitches here.
Applications are open for AAJA/Getty Images’ $10,000 Inclusion Scholarship for a student focused on photojournalism. Launched in 2020, the Getty Images Inclusion Scholarships are open to emerging photographers around the world with the aim of promoting greater diversity and inclusion within the photographic and media industries. Applications are due May 20, 2021. Apply here.
The Facebook Journalism Project Scholarship is accepting applications until May 29, 2021. This scholarship provides financial assistance to students who aspire to pursue a career in journalism and media. Five awardees will receive $10,000 each to use toward their college tuition.
The AAJA National Office is looking for a 2021 Summer intern. This internship offers a foray into a nonprofit space that aims to uplift and contribute to journalism, which provides hands-on experience supporting online events and project management. Deadline is April 30, 2021.
Resources
AAJA San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and SPJ NorCal hosted a discussion about the media coverage of anti-Asian racism and violence, and the role that journalists can play in advancing community discussions. The April 9 virtual workshop, “Covering the Rise of Anti Asian American Racism: Solidarity Approaches to Reporting,” can be viewed here.
AAJA Los Angeles held their Founders Forum event on April 2. The virtual panel comprised five of the six founders of AAJA and was held in honor of the organization’s 40th anniversary. You can watch the recording here.
On April 15, AAJA issued a joint statement on the freedom of the press covering protests in Minnesota. The statement was issued with the National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Native American Journalists Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. Read the statement here.
On April 20, AAJA issued a joint statement with the Minnesota Chapter and SPJ-Minnesota to denounce the targeting and detention of journalists doing their jobs. View the full statement here.
AAJA National is looking for volunteers to join its Media Watch group and help revamp its style guide for covering AAPI issues. To express your interest in joining Media Watch or shaping the new AAPI style guide, please fill out this form.
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