Protesters gather at the Hawaii State Capitol for the ‘Stop Asian Hate’ rally and march

Protesters are meeting today at the State Capitol with colored signs stating: “Say no! to anti-Asian racist terror! ”For the“ Stop Asian Hate Rally and March, ”in the wake of the recent deadly shootings at an Atlanta spa.

A white man was accused of shooting and killing six women of Asian descent and two others in spas in the Atlanta area. The shootings sparked outrage and demonstrations in Georgia and across the country to denounce racism, xenophobia and misogyny.

Today’s event includes a state Capitol march through Maunakea Street in Chinatown and returns to the Capitol with a demonstration in front of the statue of Father Damien’s Memorial. The event started at 10 am and continues until 1 pm in order to support those impacted by racism and misogyny.

“Organizers hope to create a safe space for mourning and healing, as well as obtaining support in Hawaii for various pieces of state and federal legislation that would combat the rise of white nationalist extremism and hate crimes against minorities and women. Organizers would also like racism and White Supremacy to be declared a public health emergency in Hawaii, ”according to a press release.

Today’s speakers include community organizers and state legislators, including Senator Stanley Chang, Congressman Adrian Tam and Miss Hawaii USA 2021 Allison Chu.