HONOLULU – ID8, through the Project Shaka Movement has launched an initiative to establish an official SHAKA emoji, distinct from the existing CALL ME emoji. Weʻre calling on Hawaiʻi-based cultural organizations, disability rights groups, government agencies, and individuals to submit letters of support for an application to Unicode, the global authority on emoji standardization.
The Problem: Misuse of the CALL ME Emoji
Although the CALL ME emoji was originally designed to suggest a phone call, its meaning has become outdated. Today, the vast majority of users intend it to represent the SHAKA—Hawaiʻi’s iconic gesture of aloha, “hang loose,” good and go-for-it.
Accessibility Barriers & ADA Compliance Issues
Using the CALL ME emoji as a stand-in for SHAKA creates significant accessibility challenges. Text-to-speech systems, which assist individuals with visual and hearing impairments, read the emoji’s title as “CALL ME” instead of “SHAKA” – resulting in incorrect communication. This misrepresentation discriminates against individuals with impairments and violates federal ADA laws. Additionally, hands-free communication systems in vehicles also misinterpret the emoji, impacting public safety and accessibility.
Cultural Inaccuracy & Misrepresentation
The CALL ME emoji as a stand-in for SHAKA is culturally inaccurate. The CALL ME standard is a horizontal orientation with an exaggerated flying elbow, which does not reflect the traditional SHAKA “hang loose” gesture as used in Hawaiʻi. Some platforms even display the CALL ME emoji with the hand pointing downward, making it even less accurate.
The documentary Shaka, A Story of Aloha explores the historically authentic SHAKA – a relaxed arm with the elbow pointing downward and hand upright, mirroring how Hamana Kalili, the Native Hawaiian credited with popularizing the gesture, originally used it.
Even Emojipedia.com, a leading emoji reference site, acknowledges that CALL ME does not accurately represent SHAKA, stating it is “a similar gesture at a different orientation.”
Filmmaker Steve Sue, creator of Shaka, A Story of Aloha and lead applicant for the SHAKA emoji, explains:
“CALL ME, as a horizontal gesture, does not accurately represent the SHAKA’s ‘hang loose’ orientation—elbow down, hand up—and is therefore not culturally correct.”
“To force the SHAKA into the CALL ME emoji is disrespectful to Hawaiʻiʻs culture. It’s no different than ignoring Hawaiian language diacritics or failing to recognize common cultural practices.”
A Globally Recognized Symbol of Aloha
In June 2024, Governor Josh Green officially designated the Shaka gesture as the Official Hawaiʻi State Gesture, reinforcing its deep cultural significance and global recognition. The Shaka is synonymous with surfing, extreme sports, and a spirit of positivity around the world – values that resonate far beyond Hawaiʻi’s shores.
This marks the second attempt to secure an official SHAKA emoji. Last year, Unicode rejected an application by Sue without explanation. Despite this, Unicode has previously approved a wide range of less globally recognized hand gestures, including:
VULCAN Salute 🖖
VICTORY Hand ✌️
PINCHED FINGERS 🤌
HORNS Gesture 🤘
CROSSED Fingers 🤞
FIST ✊
Given its global cultural importance, SHAKA rightfully deserves its place among these emojis.
How to Support the SHAKA Emoji Application
This year, Steve Sue is re-submitting the proposal, this time with stronger letters of support from cultural organizations, disability rights groups, government agencies, and individuals.
Ways to Help:
✅ Submit a letter of support through the online form at ProjectShaka.com/emoji
✅ Mail a letter to:
Attn: Steve Sue
ID8 501(c)(3)
1012 18th Ave.
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96816
A sample letter of support is available on the website.
Let’s work together to make the SHAKA emoji a reality and ensure that Hawaiʻi’s most recognized symbol of aloha is accurately represented in digital communication worldwide. 🤙