‘No Hate in the 808’: State commissions launch campaign to combat discrimination

Hawaiʻi State LGBTQ+ Commission, Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women and Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission came together for an unprecedented partnership to launch a joint public awareness campaign to advance equity and civil rights throughout the islands.

“No Hate in the 808” marks the first time the three commissions partnered for a statewide initiative, which is also being implemented in partnership with Rainbow Family 808, a local nonprofit supporting families and homeless unaccompanied minors.

The initiative includes bus advertisements beginning May 1 in the City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiʻi County, which will run through May 31, along with targeted digital advertising throughout social media platforms.

It is supported in part through nonprofit advertising programs offered by both counties, expanding community reach and access to critical information.

“No Hate in the 808” aims to educate residents and visitors alike about Hawaiʻi’s nondiscrimination protections and ensure people who experience discrimination know where to turn for help.

“Hawaiʻi has some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation, but those protections only matter if people know their rights,” the commissions said in a joint statement. “The ‘No Hate in the 808’ campaign is about ensuring every resident understands that discrimination has no place in our islands — and that there are clear pathways to seek justice.”

Know your rights

Under Hawaiʻi law, discrimination is prohibited in employment based on:

• Sex
• Gender identity and/or expression
• Disability
• Age
• Race
• Ancestry or national origin
• Religion
• Color
• Marital status
• Sexual orientation
• Assignment of income for child support obligations
• Arrest and court record
• National Guard participation
• Breastfeeding
• Credit history or credit report
• Status as a survivor of domestic or sexual violence
• Reproductive health decisions
• Retaliation

Hawaiʻi law also prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on:

• Sex
• Gender identity and/or expression
• Sexual orientation
• Race
• Ancestry
• Religion
• Color
• Disability

Protection extends to housing, real estate transactions and state-funded services, each with additional protected classes under state law.

Reaching communities where they are

“No Hate in the 808” uses public transit advertising and digital outreach with an aim to reach people where they are — whether commuting, attending school or engaging online.

The initial rollout on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island is expected to expand to additional counties in future phases.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to equity, dignity and inclusion for all people in Hawaiʻi,” the commissions added. “Together, we are sending a clear message: discrimination is unlawful, unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

People who think they experienced unlawful discrimination are encouraged to contact Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission at 808-586-8636 or via email at dlir.hcrc.infor@hawaii.gov to file a complaint or seek guidance.

Visit the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission website for additional information.