-
At a recent book launch, author Innocenta Sound-Kikku was joined by several children singing in Chuukese as she read the book dedicated to Micronesian children. The book is part of a project that aims to fill a literary void for Micronesian children struggling to find reliable books, while also teaching them English. HPR's Cassie Ordonio reports.
-
More than 18,000 Micronesians live in Hawaiʻi, including residents from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau. They share a treaty with the U.S. called the Compact of Free Association, or COFA, an agreement that allows Micronesians to migrate visa-free for work, healthcare, and other opportunities.
-
After months of negotiations, the U.S. and the Marshall Islands agreed to renew a key strategic pact to extend economic assistance to Oceania's western region. As HPR's Cassie Ordonio reports, renewing COFA agreements is critical as China seeks to strengthen its ties in the Pacific. Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia reached agreements with the U.S. earlier this year.
-
A six-unit apartment building in Honolulu’s McCully neighborhood is the focus of a recent tenant dispute. The tenants, who are all Micronesian, were evicted last month. But they say they've had to deal with various maintenance issues for several years. Advocates say the case is an example of broader housing issues facing Micronesians. HPR's Cassie Ordonio spoke with one of the families.
-
The Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau share treaties with the U.S. called the Compacts of Free Association. Micronesians can migrate visa-free to the U.S. and its territories for education, work, healthcare and more. In turn, the U.S. has strategic denial rights over the waters and airspace.
-
Micronesians in the diaspora may have a chance of claiming dual citizenship in their home country while remaining in the U.S. But there’s still uncertainty as votes cast on July 4 are still being counted.
-
Micronesian veterans living in the COFA nations have long faced difficulties accessing free health care through the VA since foreign countries are prohibited through federal law. Some veterans living in the freely associated states say traveling to pick up their medications can be costly, both mentally and financially. HPR's Cassie Ordonio has more.
-
An upcoming cultural exhibit at the Downtown Art Center in Honolulu will highlight the work of Hawaiʻi-based Micronesian artistry for the first time in three decades, according to organizers. The exhibit is titled “7 Degrees North - The Arts of Micronesia” and will showcase contemporary artwork by Micronesians who were selected by jurors to feature their work.
-
A proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot this year would allow residents who were born in the United States but have parental ties to the Federated States of Micronesia to apply for dual citizenship. This is the third time the FSM has put dual citizenship on the ballot. HPR's Cassie Ordonio has more.
-
A Micronesian-owned jewelry brand started by two sisters aims to reconnect the community to their culture. In Hawaiʻi, the sisters said their Micronesian identity was something to be kept quiet, but Sienna Official seeks to empower Micronesian women to wear their culture proudly around their necks. HPR's Cassie Ordonio has more.