Why Japanese Americans in Hawaii During WWII Were Not Interned Like Those on the Mainland

During World War II, the United States faced a significant dilemma regarding the handling of Japanese Americans. On the mainland, the situation was vastly different compared to that of the Japanese American community in Hawaii. This article delves into the reasons behind this stark difference and the crucial role played by the Japanese American community in Hawaii.

Crucial Role of Japanese Americans in Hawaii

Contrary to the internment camps on the mainland, the Japanese American community in Hawaii was not interned due to their critical role in the infrastructure and economy of the islands. They held a significant number of skilled jobs essential to the war industry, influencing the overall infrastructure and economy of Hawaii. Their presence was so vital that they were not deemed a threat but rather an integral part of the war effort. This is exemplified through the instance of my mother's brothers and their friends, who served as interpreters in the U.S. Army during World War II. Fluent in both English and Japanese, they played a crucial role in the 442nd and 100th Regimental Combat Teams, which became the most decorated U.S. Army unit in history.

FBI Monitoring of Notable Community Leaders

While some Japanese American families were under observation,there were exceptions. For example, my grandfather, though under FBI watch, managed to protect his family and contribute to the war effort. This monitoring was not widespread, but it added to the overall comfort and safety of the Japanese American community in Hawaii. The FBI focused its attention on community leaders, ensuring that the rest of the population could continue their vital work without undue interference.

Protections and Contributions

One of the reasons the Japanese American community in Hawaii was not interned was due to the necessary economic contributions they made. They held skilled jobs supporting the war effort, including in communications, fuel depots, ammunition depots, airports, shipyards, and repair facilities. Their service in these essential roles further underscored their importance to the islands.

Internment of Japanese Americans on the West Coast

While the situation in Hawaii was different, Japanese Americans on the West Coast faced a different reality. The internment camps in California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona were a response to the fear that Japanese Americans might assist the Japanese military in possible invasions or damaging West Coast ports. However, the Japanese American community in Hawaii did not pose this threat. On the contrary, the FBI detained only the leaders of the Japanese, German, and Italian-American communities in Hawaii after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, indicating that the rest of the community was not considered a threat.

Internment in Other Wartime Situations

During World War I, the United States had similar internment experiences. Approximately 6,000 Germans were interned, and all German-Americans were required by law to register as "alien enemies" and restricted from certain areas. This was surprising given that German-Americans constituted the second-largest ethnic group in the nation at the time. Despite these measures, the only act of sabotage during WWI was an explosion on a New Jersey dock. This event led to increased security measures, including the protection of major West Coast ports.

Conclusion

In summary, the unique situation of the Japanese American community in Hawaii during World War II was characterized by their critical contributions to the war effort and the economic health of the islands. This contributed to the decision not to intern them, unlike those on the mainland. The internment of Japanese Americans on the West Coast was a result of fear and suspicion rather than the actual threat posed by the community. Understanding these complexities sheds light on the nuances of wartime policy and the importance of context in historical analysis.