The Asian American Journalists Association – Hawai‘i Chapter joins members of the local Chinese community in encouraging media to use “Mokoli‘i” whenever referencing the popular islet off Kualoa Regional Park in Windward O‘ahu.
The islet has long been known and referenced to by a nickname (because of its resemblance to a Chinese laborer’s hat) that can have racial overtones, especially in other states. Although the nickname may not seem offensive to many longtime Chinese-American residents here, it is not the official name of the islet and referencing the nickname in the media could perpetuate the idea that it is an acceptable phrase to everyone, including visitors to Hawai‘i who will return to their hometowns on the U.S. Continent.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce, members of the state legislature and over 30 businesses have encouraged local and national organizations to use the islet’s proper name, Mokoli‘i, on their websites and publications.
In light of recent incidents related to anti-Asian violence, the AAJA National office provided guidance for media, including the following:
AAJA Updated Guidance on Coverage of Anti-AAPI Violence
Contextualization
1) Provide context about the 2020 rise in violence towards AAPIs, but also recall that violence towards Asian Americans and other people of color has existed long before the Covid-19 pandemic. We urge newsrooms to cover the violence in the context of the current rise in attacks on Asian Americans and heightened fear among AAPI communities across the country. Understand anti-Asian racism and invisibility and the long-standing stereotypes that have been wielded against AAPIs, or that have pitted AAPIs against other communities of color. Racism against AAPIs is highly nuanced, complex, and has rendered racism against AAPIs relatively invisible.
2) Understand the origins of and the connections between anti-Asian racism and racism towards other communities of color. Consider how different aspects of identity and systems of power affect individuals’ unique experiences. Journalists should apply that intersectional lens to examine their own biases as well. Do not perpetuate stereotypes about AAPIs or other communities of color in coverage. Do not perpetuate anti-Blackness in coverage of violence against Asian Americans.
Read our statement on the guidance update here. Find the Google Doc version of this guidance here.
We hope our local media outlets can join us in the effort to be respectful to our Chinese- American community – both residents and visitors – and refer to Mokoli‘i as the official name going forward.
CONTACT: Wes Nakama (AAJA National Advisory Board Representative)
Cell Phone: (808) 348-1244
Email: wesnakama@gmail.com