The wave of #metoo reckonings has not reached Hawaii yet

As we watch big names in media, entertainment and politics fall to accusations of sexual assault and misconduct, the conversation naturally turns to when that wave will wash onto local shores. After all, when people were posting their #metoo declarations on social media, there sure were #metoo posts from Hawaii as well.

But it hasn’t quite happened yet, at least not in a public way. Oh, there have been water cooler whispers, for sure. Lists of possible suspects. Old stories from back in the day. Rumors about creeps we all know. But so far, no victims coming forward in the media flanked by lawyers presenting new claims and clear evidence that could take down a notable Hawaii leader.

It’s not because it hasn’t happened here, that’s for sure.

There may be a number of reasons Hawaii hasn’t yet had anyone taken down in this sweep of indefensible behavior.

First, Hawaii doesn’t have many titans. Well, we have guys in silk Tommy Bahamas aplenty, but few of the Harvey Weinstein-level of influence on a single, lucrative industry. It’s one thing to complain about a pilau boss at a T-shirt shack or creepy manager in a local branch of a national chain, but those cases don’t often rise to the level of media attention unless they are particularly egregious.

Hawaii is also a place that respects strong women. It is a place where nobody ever tells Auntie to shut up and sit down, and mouthy little girls are cheered and encouraged to speak their minds. Of course, it is not true for everyone, but women in Hawaii tend to possess their own agency.

There is still a culture of quiet in place here. People deal with things in their own way and want to keep dirty stuff private, even if they’re the innocent victim. It’s not as “no talk stink” as in previous generations, but still, people in Hawaii tend to keep their cards close to the vest. Oh, people whisper and rumors swirl, but folks might not want it all spilled out in public where they can lose control of their own story.

Again, not that it hasn’t happened here. Not that it isn’t about to all come loose in the near future. Just notable that with everything happening across the country, there’s been nothing here yet.

It would be amazing if this day of reckoning marked the end of silence and the beginning of safety in the workplace for all, but it is safer to assume that we must continue to be vigilant. This head-spinning house-cleaning of rapists, molesters and harassers has been referred to as the #metoo movement and also the #metoo moment, as though it is a period of time that will soon pass. This kind of behavior is not likely curable in society. It’s more like a termite infestation that requires regular fumigation or else it creeps back in again and eventually takes over.

Reach Lee Cataluna at 529-4315 or lcataluna@staradvertiser.com.