Honolulus Chinatwon. Ein Stadtteil im Wandel
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3112/erdkunde.1977.02.04Keywords:
ethnology, Hawaii, urban development, minoritiesAbstract
Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the most important urban areas in Hawaii in regard to the development and change of population and ethnic stock. At the beginning of the 19th century a residence of Hawaii's Kings this area has then been occupied by white missionaries and business men. With the increasing immigration of Chinese labour force into Hawaii's expanding sugar industry Chinese labourers returning from the plantations moved into this area situated on Honolulu harbour and created China town. Chinese style elements in the construction sites, typical institutions like Chinese societies, the Chinese store and characteristic occupations (barbers, tailors, merchants,laundrymen) were introduced. As the Chinese moved in so the Whites (Caucasians) moved out and settled in better regions (Upper Manoa, Makiki, Waikiki). Replacing a meanwhile wealthy population group (Caucasians) by a poor one (Chinese) was the first step in the deterioration of Chinatown's social situation as a residential area. This development continued as most Chinese, having improved their economic condition, migrated from Chinatown to better living quarters, thereby making some space available for the next ethnic group -still, however, owning much of the real estate in Chinatown. First the Japanese and then the Filipinos followed them. Each of these groups attained its highest percentage in the population of Chinatown after peak its immigration. Today, Chinatown has become a problem and slum area with a Filipino majority which needs site improvements of the sub-standard housing facilities. It is to be hoped, however, that such rehabilitation measures would meet the needs of the in the main ageing population and would not abandon the special flavour of Chinatown in favour of the anonymity of standardized high-rise buildings.Downloads
Published
1977-06-30
How to Cite
Kreisel, W. (1977). Honolulus Chinatwon. Ein Stadtteil im Wandel. ERDKUNDE, 31(2), 102–120. https://doi.org/10.3112/erdkunde.1977.02.04
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