Biden Signs Order to Create White House Initiative on Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
Last month, President Joe Biden signed an executive order to renew the White House initiative that advances the “equity, justice, and opportunity” for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. The initiative also includes coordinating federal response to the rise in anti-Asian violence and discrimination.
“For far too long, systemic barriers to equity, justice, and opportunity have put the American dream out of reach for many AA and NHPI communities,” the White House said on a press release. “And racism, nativism, and xenophobia against AA and NHPI communities continues to threaten safety and dignity of AA and NHPI families.”
The initiative will be under the Department of Health and Human Services and it will aim to ensure that the federal government is denouncing COVID-related anti-Asian hate and advancing the health disparities in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
The initiative also hopes to help the community recover from the dual challenges they faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and anti-Asian attacks.
“I applaud the President’s action to reinstate and empower the White House Initiative that will advance equity, justice and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities,” said Congressman Kaiali’i Kahele.
Native Hawaii Krystal Ka’ai will lead the White House initiative. Since 2013, she has served as the executive director of the bicameral Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Ka’ai is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapalama.
“Further, I commend the White House and congratulate Krystal Ka‘ai on her selection as the Executive Director of the Initiative,” said Kahele.
“Krystal’s appointment is historic and she will give a strong voice and representation to Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders at a pivotal moment for our country.”
To read the White House fact sheet on the initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, visit whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/05/28/fact-sheet-president-biden-establishes-the-white-house-initiative-on-asian-americans-native-hawaiians-and-pacific-islanders/.
