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The Conversation: Hawai’i’s Bookstores, and Perspectives on Anti-Asian Hate

Bas Bookshop

Anti-Asian bias locally and nationally; Police Chief Todd Raybuck and racism on Kaua‘i; Visiting community bookstores across Hawai‘i

Examining anti-Asian bias with actor Daniel Dae Kim

Credit Harold Julian

Many prominent Asian Americans are calling for Congress to pass bills condemning discrimination and acts of hate against people of Asian descent. Actor Daniel Dae Kim spoke before a House subcommittee Thursday following the killing of six Asian women in Atlanta. Kim spoke to Hawaii Public Radio prior to the shooting about anti-Asian bias.

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Actor Daniel Dae Kim

Police Chief Todd Raybuck and racism on Kaua‘i

Credit Kaua'i Police Department

On Kaua‘i, Police Chief Todd Raybuck is being censured by the police commission after an investigation found he mocked people of Asian descent. The State of Hawai’i Organization of Police Officers has called for Raybuck to resign while a community petition is calling for forgiveness. 

KauaiPolice_031921.mp3
Kaua’i Police Chief Todd Raybuck and Mayor Derek Kawakami

Visiting community bookstores across Hawai‘i

What are you reading these days? Across Hawai‘i, bookstores small and large are inviting playgrounds full of stories for the young and old. We spoke with an array of bookstore owners. Some have been sharing stories for over 30 years, while others are just getting started. Bookstores can become important community hubs, so it can be hard to imagine them disappearing. 

Christine Reed of Basically Books

Bookstores_031921.mp3
Nainoa Mau, Executive Director of Friends of the Library of Hawai’i; Jo Ann Carroll of Maui Friends of the Library; Ed Justus of Talk Story Bookstore in Hanapepe; Christine Reed of Basically Books in Hilo; Teri Waros of the former Kalele Bookstore and Divine Expressions

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Noe Tanigawa covered art, culture and ideas for two decades at Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
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