Honolulu, Hawaii – 01 May 2021 – The Consulate General of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in Honolulu, Hawaii, has conveyed in a letter to the Chief of Police of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), Susan Ballard, concerns over what the Consulate General perceived as alleged racial profiling by HPD law enforcement authorities on Micronesians living in Hawaii. In his letter of April 30th, Acting Consul General Henry Shrew cited the growing number of complains that his office has received over a period of time from citizens. These stories included more recently a video clip that went viral on social media showing law enforcement authorities harassing some young Micronesians in Waikiki because they appear to ‘fit the general description’ of suspects in a crime reported earlier. Unfortunately, the young boys were apparently at the wrong place at the wrong time and were singled out because they are Micronesians.

In his letter, Consul General Shrew wrote, “I’m quite concerned about this matter as we all should be.” “No group of people should ever feel threatened in their own backyard or community” because of their race or ethnicity. “I implore your leadership to explore the best amicable solution there is that can help calm the fears of Micronesians in Hawaii”. Mr. Shrew went on to say that all these may have been “triggered by the continued negative backlash faced by Micronesians because of recent events”, such as the recent police shooting of a 16 years old Micronesia boy.

Mr. Shrew offered to work closely with Chief Ballard and the HPD in addressing this matter as he is confident this can be achieved through collaboration in the great Aloha State.

Please contact the FSM Consulate General in Honolulu at (808)836-4775 should you have any questions.