When used in referencing someone with Polynesian heritage I suppose it might get a pass, but even then that doesn't/shouldn't make it okay.

I know you're joking, and I know the original tweet was a joke meant to compliment Tonga, but that kind of dehumanizing language can have a very damaging and even violent impact on the folks who use it and hear it and honestly it should be avoided.

You might write me off as a killjoy, and maybe I am, but there are very real and very negative consequences to using this kind of language.