U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson’s ruling to block Trump’s second Muslim ban brought a quick series of mixed reactions on Tuesday. Hawai‘i residents were initially proud, then concerned at repercussions, but eventually jubilation reigned.

“When Trump got elected, we were disappointed, for sure,” said lifeguard Sammy DeSousa, “but we figured if we just stayed very quiet, Trump might forget about Hawai‘i. I mean, he thinks it’s in Kenya, right? So when the judge spoke out, I thought, oh rats, he’ll notice us now.”

Hawai‘i escaped attention during the Obama years largely due to confusion caused by Trump and others spreading rumors that Obama had been born outside the US.

“I mean, how many times does some mainland tourist start talking loud, asking if we speak English, and do we accept American money?” said convenience store worker Raymond Mongoose.

Many residents went into panic mode, activating protest call-chains telling people to go silent on social media until the attention passed. Instead of fading from the news cycle, the Hawai‘i action gained yet more attention as Trump supporters called for a boycott of the famous destination.

“That was when we realized what a blessing this was,” said choir leader Mynah Manini. “We had been trying for years to figure out how to keep the bigots and racists from coming here. It’s not like we can screen for them at the airport.”

The population of Hawai‘i is less than 30% white, which has long frustrated the state’s few dedicated xenophobes. Hate group members frequently broke ranks by marrying Asians, Polynesians, or other people of color. Or they simply started surfing and “chilling out.” The state also has a thriving LGBTQ population and long welcomed visitors of all persuasions.

“We figured once we legalized gay marriage, they’d just go somewhere else,” Manini explained. “Montana and Utah have beautiful national parks, and they hate everyone who isn’t straight and white. But they just kept coming anyway.”

Judge Watson could not be reached for comment, but some say the part-Hawaiian Obama appointee is no fan of racists. Even if the boycott is an unintended consequence, residents are overjoyed.

“It’s not like all mainland people are evil bigots,” Mongoose continued. “I’ve known at least two or three who were ok. But we’d have room for lots more nice people if the problem kind of mainland haole people would just stay away.”

Local civil and indigenous rights groups are holding forums to generate ideas for more actions likely to stimulate boycotts.

“If we make them mad enough, maybe they’ll just ask us to declare independence, which would be great,” Manini adds.