Hawaii Launches 'No Hate in the 808' Campaign to Combat Discrimination

Key facts

• Campaign 'No Hate in the 808' launched Friday in Hawaii and Honolulu counties, running through May 30.
• Partners: Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, Commission on the Status of Women, Civil Rights Commission, and nonprofit Rainbow Family 808.
• Hawaii Civil Rights Commission received 379 discrimination complaints in 2023, including 58 in Hawaii County.
• Campaign uses public transit advertising and digital ads across social media platforms.
• Planned expansion to Kauai and Maui counties has been initiated.
• First collaboration among the three commissions for a statewide initiative.
• Residents can file complaints by calling 808-586-8636 or emailing [email protected].

A Unified Front Against Discrimination

Three Hawaii state commissions have launched a joint civil rights awareness campaign, “No Hate in the 808,” marking the first time the bodies have collaborated on a statewide initiative. The campaign, which debuted Friday, aims to educate residents and visitors about Hawaii’s nondiscrimination protections and direct victims of bias to legal recourse. The partnership brings together the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, working with the nonprofit Rainbow Family 808. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to equity, dignity and inclusion for all people in Hawaiʻi,” the commissions said in a joint statement. “Together, we are sending a clear message: discrimination is unlawful, unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Reaching People Where They Are

The campaign employs public transit advertising and digital outreach on social media to reach commuters, students, and online users. Ads are placed on buses in Hawaii and Honolulu counties, with the campaign scheduled to run through May 30. Michael Golojuch Jr., vice chair of the LGBTQ+ Commission, noted that the ads are “information heavy” but hopes bus riders will have time to absorb the content during their commutes. “It was envisioned as a partnership with other commissions so we can all spread our budgets further,” Golojuch said, adding, “if you want to go quickly, go alone.” The initiative is designed to meet the commissions’ mandate of ensuring the public knows their rights—and how to exercise them.

Rising Complaints and Calls for Stronger Action

Marcus Kawatachi, executive director of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, reported that the agency received 379 discrimination complaints last year, 58 of which originated in Hawaii County. While the campaign aims to address this, some advocates say more is needed. Llasmin Chaine, executive director of the Commission on the Status of Women, said she believes the education campaign can raise awareness about underutilized resources. Community members, however, want the state to take a stronger stance on LGBTQ+ rights. “Not just protecting our rights, but fighting for them by being more vocal,” said Shvartsman, a local advocate. “I think with our representatives, having them be louder about these issues, I think would just make things a lot safer.” Shvartsman noted that discrimination incidents have been “skyrocketing the past few months” due to various factors.

How to Report Discrimination

Individuals who believe they have experienced unlawful discrimination are encouraged to contact the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. Complaints can be filed by phone at 808-586-8636 or via email at [email protected]. The commission provides guidance and investigates claims under state law. “This is a great way for us to meet that mandate of making sure that our community knows that these are the rights you have, but your rights are only there if you use them,” Golojuch said. The campaign also directs people to resources they may not know exist.

Expansion Plans and Future Steps

The commissions are already looking to expand “No Hate in the 808” to Kauai and Maui counties, and have reached out to those counties to participate. The initiative is currently limited to Hawaii and Honolulu counties, but the partners hope to broaden its geographic reach. Golojuch emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Because, like the saying goes, if you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The campaign represents a model for inter-agency cooperation on civil rights education, leveraging combined budgets and expertise.

A Clear Message Amid Rising Tensions

The launch of “No Hate in the 808” comes at a time when discrimination complaints are on the rise, both in Hawaii and nationally. The campaign’s explicit message—that discrimination is unlawful and will not be tolerated—aims to reassure vulnerable communities while educating the broader public. Shvartsman summed up the sentiment of many advocates: “It’s been skyrocketing the past few months, as it kind of has been in most places, due to a bunch of different reasons.” The campaign is a step forward, but advocates stress that sustained government action and vocal support are essential for lasting change.

The bottom line

• The 'No Hate in the 808' campaign is a first-of-its-kind partnership among three Hawaii state commissions and a nonprofit.
• It uses bus ads and digital outreach to educate about nondiscrimination laws and reporting mechanisms.
• Hawaii received 379 discrimination complaints in 2023, with 58 in Hawaii County alone.
• Advocates call for stronger government support for LGBTQ+ rights beyond the campaign.
• The initiative is set to expand to Kauai and Maui counties.
• discrimination via phone (808-586-8636) or email ([email protected]).