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Timeline / Defining Rights and Responsibilities / 1852: Chinese workers come to Hawai‘i

1852: Chinese workers come to Hawai‘i

The first Chinese contract laborers arrive. Some bring with them the habit of smoking opium.

Theme
Land and Water
Region
Hawai‘i

Man smoking opium. Smoking opium became a problem in Hawai‘i; the government began regulating the growing industry in the late 1880s.

Courtesy Hawai‘i State Archives