About Us
The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose mission is to secure and safeguard the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and all communities who are affected by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American Community. For more info on JACL National, see jacl.org.
HONOLULU CHAPTER
HONOLULU CHAPTER
HONOLULU CHAPTER
Honolulu Chapter
The Honolulu Chapter is unique because it draws upon Hawaiʻi’s rich, multi-ethnic society and strong cultural values. The Chapter, a member of the National JACL Northern California, Western Nevada, Pacific District (NWCWNP), was chartered in 1980. It was established under the leadership of the late Earl Nishimura.
In Over the last 44 years, the Honolulu Chapter has stood out as a leader in civil rights advocacy and education. Some of our
notable actions:
01
In Organizing around the redress efforts for Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II.
02
Providing legal and media support for Captain Bruce Yamashita in his fight against the Marine Corps for racial discrimination and harassment.
03
Supporting Lt. Ehren Watada who refused to be deployed to Iraq for an unlawful war.
04
Joining the amicus brief filed by the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality and others which challenged the 2017 Trump Administrations’ Executive Order 13780 also referred to as the Trump travel ban.
05
Presenting Removed by Force, a documentary produced by William Kaneko and Ryan Kawamoto, which tells of the relatively unknown experiences of 1,500 Americans of Japanese ancestry who were evicted from their homes, but not interned, during World War II and their quest for redress.
06
Funding various scholarships and launching our Quest to Uncover Innovative Leaders of Tomorrow (“QUILT”) fellowship for high school juniors to learn about civil rights, activism, and participate in a capstone project.
HISTORY
HISTORY
HISTORY
Our History
The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose mission is to secure and safeguard the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and all communities who are affected by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American Community.
1980-The Chapter, a member of the National JACL Northern California, Western Nevada, Pacific District (NWCWNP), was chartered in 1980. It was established under the leadership of the late Earl Nishimura.
Organizing around the redress efforts for Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II.
Providing legal and media support for Captain Bruce Yamashita in his fight against the Marine Corps for racial discrimination and harassment.
Supporting Lt. Ehren Watada who refused to be deployed to Iraq for an unlawful war.
2017-Joining the amicus brief filed by the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality and others which challenged the 2017 Trump Administrations’ Executive Order 13780 also referred to as the Trump travel ban.
Presenting Removed by Force, a documentary produced by William Kaneko and Ryan Kawamoto, which tells of the relatively unknown experiences of 1,500 Americans of Japanese ancestry who were evicted from their homes, but not interned, during World War II and their quest for redress.
Funding various scholarships and launching our Quest to Uncover Innovative Leaders of Tomorrow (“QUILT”) fellowship for high school juniors to learn about civil rights, activism, and participate in a capstone project.
1980-The Chapter, a member of the National JACL Northern California, Western Nevada, Pacific District (NWCWNP), was chartered in 1980. It was established under the leadership of the late Earl Nishimura.
Organizing around the redress efforts for Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II.
Providing legal and media support for Captain Bruce Yamashita in his fight against the Marine Corps for racial discrimination and harassment.
Supporting Lt. Ehren Watada who refused to be deployed to Iraq for an unlawful war.
2017-Joining the amicus brief filed by the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality and others which challenged the 2017 Trump Administrations’ Executive Order 13780 also referred to as the Trump travel ban.
Presenting Removed by Force, a documentary produced by William Kaneko and Ryan Kawamoto, which tells of the relatively unknown experiences of 1,500 Americans of Japanese ancestry who were evicted from their homes, but not interned, during World War II and their quest for redress.
Funding various scholarships and launching our Quest to Uncover Innovative Leaders of Tomorrow (“QUILT”) fellowship for high school juniors to learn about civil rights, activism, and participate in a capstone project.
OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
OUR TEAM
Board of Directors
The Dedicated Leaders Committed to Advancing Civil Rights and Education. With decades of collective experience, our board brings passion, expertise, and vision to drive forward the mission of the Honolulu Chapter.
Minda K. Yamaga
President
Respected Member
Respected Member
Respected Member
Respected Member
Advisory Council
Allicyn Hikida-Tasaka
Clayton Ikei
William Kaneko
Colbert Matsumoto
Alan Murakami
SUPPORT JACL
SUPPORT JACL
SUPPORT JACL
Support The JACL
Support the Honolulu Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League in our mission to protect the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, and all communities facing injustice and bigotry. Your donation helps us advocate for equality, challenge discrimination, and stand up against hate. Together, we can build a more just and inclusive society. Please consider donating today to help us continue this critical work.
YOU ARE INVITED
YOU ARE INVITED
YOU ARE INVITED
Attend A JACL Event
Join us for an important event hosted by the Honolulu Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League! We’re dedicated to protecting the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, as well as all communities affected by injustice and bigotry. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and advocate for equality. We look forward to seeing you there!
JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW
JOIN NOW
Join The JACL
Join the Honolulu Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League and stand up for justice! Your support is crucial in our mission to advocate for equality and make a meaningful difference. Together, we can create a more inclusive society. Become a member today and be a part of this important work!