Information

The Hawaii Institute for Human Rights is a community based organization that focuses on imminent and important issues facing the citizens of the country. HIHR’s main focus is education to empower the people to be able to participate actively and accurately as constructive citizens in our democracy.

HIHR has a variety of programs that use various projects to offer assistance to people of Hawaii as well as visiting tourists that have also participated in our events.

HIHR’s programs take place at university campuses, community centers and common areas of citizens such as beaches, nature parks. HIHR focuses on education from elementary to college including lifelong learning. These efforts provide courses in topics that are community driven. The education program takes place during times that allow maximum number of participation. During breakfast, lunch breaks and also evening as well as weekends.

HIHR also has a democracy program that assists in providing assistance to participate in decision-making. The heart of the effort is registering people to vote with registration drives. HIHR also provides candidate forums that brings candidates together to present their positions to voters. We also invite elected officials back to speak to include citizens perspective in the legislative agenda.

HIHR also focuses on issues such as the environment. We sponsor an annual earth day conference. The event provides panels, film festivals and keynote speakers to share information concerning environmental issues in Hawaii and the planet. We also explore alternative energy policies such as solar and wind since we are in the middle of the Pacific. HIHR has even visited existing alternative fuel centers such as the biodiesel area.

HIHR also focuses on women’s issues. HIHR sponsors an annual women’s conference focusing on issues including domestic violence. Hawaii like many areas of the world must begin with peace in each home. HIHR hosted forums providing information to female students and community members on positive steps to change the circumstances to ensure human dignity.

HIHR also focuses on multiculturalism in Hawaii, beginning with the indigenous peoples of Hawaii. HIHR works to promote reconciliation between original inhabitants and the majority community now living in Hawaii. We offer a space for all cultures to come together and learn from one another.

The main events HIHR provides are educational forums to discuss important issues of the day in our democracy. It is a modest effort of personal and political empowerment for citizens to participate in politics. HIHR educational forums range from evening lectures of a visiting speaker to an entire three week summer seminar featuring over 25 speakers on three islands of Hawaii.

We look forward to continue our educational and empowerment activities in Hawaii with modest means making moderate improvements in our community. On top of providing education programs, HIHR has learned a lot as well. We will continue with our spirit of volunteerism in the community and also aim toward professionalization of our personal affairs so that we can continue to serve Hawaii.