Figure 1.--This is a primary school class in Hawaii at the time of the Pearl Harbor. There was no racial segregation, but many neigborhoods were not very diverse and there was a degree of linguistic separation often done as ability grouping. [Taylor] This could be an optional after-school Japanese language class. In part because of a higher degree of racial and ethnic tolerance, the Japanese on the Islands were not interned as on the West Coast.

As a result of the Japanese emigration to Hawaii, the large Japanese population on Hawaii was of concern to American military commanders as Japan and America moved toward war. The disposition of American aircraft when the Japanese struck was more aimed at preventing sabotage than repulsing a Japanese attack. Even though Hawaiia was under real threat of invasion, the Japanese on the islands were never interned like the Japanese on the mainland where there was much less of a threat. They were exempted from President Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 (February 1942). As a result of the Pearl Harbor attack, the U.S. Army instituted martial law including the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. This was not done on the Pacific coast mainland. This gave the Military authorities significant powers over both aliens and citizens. This did not occur on the mainland. But the Jaspnese on Hawaiia were not interned which is suroprising as the real threat was to the Islands and not the Mainland. The fear of a Japanese invasion of Hawaii was very real. As was the possible internment and relocation of the Japanese population. President Roosevelt appointed the Roberts Commission to determine what caused the Pearl Harbor disaster (December 1941). It was chaired by Supreme Court Jusiced Owen Roberts branded Japanese-Americans as disloyal. Besides investigating the poor military respomse, they also addressed the loyalty of Japanese Americans. While testimomy on this was conflicting, the published report only included language condeming Japanese-Americans. This would be a factor leading to internment on the Mainland. It also significntly affected public opinion. President Roosevelt and Navy Secretary Frank Knox were reportedly prepred the Japanese on Hawaii the same as on the Mainland, meaning internment. The needed shipping may have been a factor in delying the decision. The impact of shipping off a third of the Islands' workforce may have also been a factor -- workers needed for building Pearl's defenses and huge construction of facilities needed for the rapidly expanding Pacific Fleet. Apparently pre-war investigations conducted by Army and FBI officials on the Islands appear to have convinmced the investigsators that they had identified the small number whose loyalty was suspect. Shortly before the Japanese attack, Gen. Walter Short, the Army Commandedr in Hawaiia had stated as long as they were loyal, the Japanese population would not be targeted. Lt. Gen. Delos C. Emmons reaffirmed this approach (December 21, 1941). A careful investigation after the attack confirmed there had been no sabotage. Other factors resulted in a totally different policy toward Japanese-Ameicans on Hawaii than the Maonland. Here Gen. Emmons played a key role.

Sources

Taylor, Jarrod. "Diuversity among Hawaii's children durin World War II,:" (2010). The autor writes, "Finally, racial view points in Hawaii differed for adults as well as children. As a community, Hawaii reacted to the disastrous blow that Japan landed on the Navy’s Pacific Fleet. The people of Hawaii came together in order to promote the defense of the islands and of the nation. Children, who learn from parents and elders, were there to witness what was taking place.. Being raised in a community which already enjoyed the benefits of acceptance and diversity, these [Hawaiian] children continued to live together with minimal conflict. As the United States of America was thrust into World War II, racism continued to be a serious cause for concern at all levels of society on the mainland. In Hawaii, racial differences became less of a concern for adults and children alike, as national pride and patriotism were placed at the focal point of the Hawaiian culture"'.

Created: 8:36 PM 7/18/2022
Last updated: 8:36 PM 7/18/2022