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.

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Jonathan Okamura: Here’s How Some Hawaii Candidates Covet The Japanese Vote Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Jonathan Okamura: Here’s How Some Hawaii Candidates Covet The Japanese Vote

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The Japanese vote is highly sought by non-Japanese candidates in the Aloha State.

Jonathan Okamura: Ethnic Names Give Hawaii Candidates An Advantage — And They Know It David Croxford/Civil Beat/2022

Jonathan Okamura: Ethnic Names Give Hawaii Candidates An Advantage — And They Know It

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Politicians in the islands frequently put their middle or maiden names on the ballot to emphasize their connection to ethnic communities and garner votes.

Jonathan Okamura: There May Be No ‘Black Jobs,’ But What About Micronesian Jobs? Angelo Villagomez

Jonathan Okamura: There May Be No ‘Black Jobs,’ But What About Micronesian Jobs?

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While we need to move beyond notions of racialized occupations, it’s even more important to welcome COFA residents into the job market.

Jonathan Okamura: Immigrant Students In Hawaii Defy Stereotypes To Tell Their Own Stories Charlie Kaijo/Civil Beat

Jonathan Okamura: Immigrant Students In Hawaii Defy Stereotypes To Tell Their Own Stories

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In video interviews, the Asian and Pacific Islander students talk about the many challenges they face in Hawaii, the pain of leaving their homes and what they plan to give back to their communities.

Jonathan Okamura: Alarming New Report On Hawaii Public Schools Is One More Sign Of Legislative Failure Ludwig Laab/Civil Beat/2021

Jonathan Okamura: Alarming New Report On Hawaii Public Schools Is One More Sign Of Legislative Failure

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Maybe lawmakers shouldn’t brag about funding new football fields when schools can’t hire enough qualified teachers.

Jonathan Okamura: Hawaii Should Stop Pretending It’s A Multicultural Paradise Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2015

Jonathan Okamura: Hawaii Should Stop Pretending It’s A Multicultural Paradise

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An undeserved but widely held reputation can blind us to the racism and inequality in the islands.

Jonathan Okamura: Hawaii’s Gender Pay Gap Highlights Ethnic Inequality In The State David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Jonathan Okamura: Hawaii’s Gender Pay Gap Highlights Ethnic Inequality In The State

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Micronesian women face the highest pay gap, while Korean women in Hawaii earn a much closer salary to that of their male counterparts.

Jonathan Okamura: Hawaii’s Teacher Shortage Persists Despite Recruitment From The Philippines James Urbaniak/DOE/2023

Jonathan Okamura: Hawaii’s Teacher Shortage Persists Despite Recruitment From The Philippines

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Almost 80 teachers came last year, and 100 more will arrive this year but there’s still a deficit the Legislature needs to solve.

Jonathan Okamura: Filipino UH Ceremony Creates A Cultural Space To Honor Graduates, Families And Community Jonathan Okamura/Civil Beat/2024

Jonathan Okamura: Filipino UH Ceremony Creates A Cultural Space To Honor Graduates, Families And Community

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Graduation is an especially meaningful event for minority students who may be the first in their family to earn a college degree.