Jonathan Y. Okamura

Jonathan Okamura is professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii Manoa, where he worked for most of his 35-year academic career, 20 years of which were with the Department of Ethnic Studies. He taught courses and published books and articles on Japanese Americans, Filipino Americans, and race and ethnicity in Hawaii. He continues to research, write and lecture on problems and issues concerning race and racism. Opinions are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Civil Beat’s views. You can reach him by email at jokamura@civilbeat.org.

Jonathan Okamura: Micronesians Are The Most Denigrated Group In Hawaii. We Need To Be More Concerned Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

Jonathan Okamura: Micronesians Are The Most Denigrated Group In Hawaii. We Need To Be More Concerned

Hawaii schools in particular need to do more to stop discrimination and bullying in on campus.

Jonathan Okamura: Hawaii’s Brain Drain Is Getting Worse. It’s Taking Our Culture Too Anthony Quintano/Civil Beat/2017

Jonathan Okamura: Hawaii’s Brain Drain Is Getting Worse. It’s Taking Our Culture Too

The state would gain so much from the return of highly educated and socially committed islanders driven out by the high cost of living.

Jonathan Okamura: Why Filipino Americans Haven’t Fully Made It In Hawaii Courtesy: Christine Quemuel/2018

Jonathan Okamura: Why Filipino Americans Haven’t Fully Made It In Hawaii

Increased representation among students and faculty at UH would go a long way toward improving their economic situation.

Jonathan Okamura: Let’s Talk About How To Make Hawaii The Aloha State For Everybody Courtesy of Jonathan Okamura

Jonathan Okamura: Let’s Talk About How To Make Hawaii The Aloha State For Everybody

Hawaii has the most diverse population in the United States, but too many still face racism and discrimination.

UH Football Coaches And The Culture Of Hawaii Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021

UH Football Coaches And The Culture Of Hawaii

Let’s focus on what can bring us together, including with those who are culturally different.