Ella Kam Oon Chun

She attended University of Hawaii and was a member of many clubs; she graduated in 1937.^[1] Chun joined The Honolulu Advertiser in 1937, where she was the first Asian American woman reporter.^[2][3]

Chun was the first woman journalist of any ethnic background at The Honolulu Advertiser to break away from the "society" pages when she became a City Hall reporter.^[2] In 1956, on the newspapers' centennial, Chun was honored as the longest serving reporter at the paper.^[2] Chun's work often covered Chinese life in Hawaii, from 150 years of Chinese presence there,^[4] to discussions of everyday life of fish sellers.^[5] Her work emphasized the positive aspects Chinese Americans brought to Hawaiian and American life. Her work also described cultural differences to overcome prejudices.^[6]

She also wrote on human interest affairs, particularly on women.^[7]

Chun also served as managing editor for the groundbreaking Waikiki Beach Press, established in 1952, which was one of the first four-color tourist brochures and included serious articles on Hawaiian life, authors, and culture.^[8][9]

Chun was friends with American actor Jack Lord.^[10]

She was included in Notable Women of Hawaii.^[11] The Asian American Journalists Association has honored Chun in the Honor Roll of Asian American Pioneers in Journalism.^[12]