By Tiffany Edwards Hunt
Have you heard the latest buzz about actor Scott Caan’s recent comments about Hawaii on Chelsea Lately?
Caan plays Detective Danny “Danno” Williams in The remake of Hawaii Five-O.
He was wahanui on Chelsea Handler’s late-night television show, dissing Hawaii’s laid-back lifestyle, its food, its surf, and generalized about crystal methamphetamine. Handler helped with the insults, offering her own ambivalence about Hawaii.
Here is the exchange, beginning with Caan suggesting his girlfriend should have a Purple Heart Award for having to endure living here:
“Chelsea: She gets to live in Hawaii now, you like that right?
Scott: No I don’t. She doesn’t either. That’s why she should get the purple heart. She’s just sticking it out…
Chelsea: What’s wrong with Hawaii? There are no snakes in Hawaii?
Scott: Everything’s very slow motion. I pick up the cup, and they slowly pick up the cup, you know what I mean. Everything’s too relaxed for me. I like to hustle and there’s no hustle there.
Chelsea: There is no hustle there, that’s for sure. And there’s a lot of crystal meth there.
Scott: A lot of crystal meth. Which, you know, is not my thing.
Chelsea: I once went there. It’s not my thing, either. I went there. And the driver offered us, ’cause usually the driver, the guy at the hotel, will offer you weed or something, but the guy offered me crystal meth. And I was like, What? First of all, Now that I know you’re on crystal meth, I don’t want you driving us, A. And B, what does my face say to you that I like crystal meth? What kind of impression am I giving you? I had to really look at myself that weekend.
Scott: I don’t think it’s personal. I think that’s the routine.
Chelsea: Did you at least learn how to surf while you were out there?
Scott: I’ve been surfing my whole life.
Chelsea: I can tell by your hairdo that you’re a surfer.
Scott: Thank you. This is what I try to do, I try to paddle out and not get it wet.
Chelsea: How does that work out for you?
Scott: It never works. But surfing in Hawaii is different. It’s more like survival. It’s different. Here surfing is surfing, there it’s…
Chelsea: You grew up in Malibu surfing, right?
Scott: A little bit, yeah.
Chelsea: Well, there’s no other beach to surf at, so I don’t know …
Scott: On the planet, I think it’s the greatest place in the world. But literally…
Chelsea: Well, yeah. Surfing in Hawaii is like serious stuff.
Scott: Yeah, they ask you how was your surfing, and you say, “I made it, I’m here. So that was a good one.”
Chelsea: I mean swimming in Hawaii can be difficult, so surfing is very difficult.
Scott: I like that aspect of it. And I like Hawaii as a place, but for about six days at a time.
Chelsea: Yeah, I know, I know, it’s very slow. And the food isn’t great.
Scott: It sucks, yeah.”
The Hawaii Five-O series remake premiered on September 20, 2010, and Caan must have the inside scoop that it’s about to get canned. If he doesn’t and Caan really was that stupid, then he needs to get his walking papers and the character “Danno,” needs to be replaced with a local.
The thing about Caan and Handler talking so badly about Hawaii on national television is that they epitomize the “f— haole” mentality.
Caan said he can only handle Hawaii for “six days” at a time, so why did a casting agent even think it was a good idea for him to star on Hawaii Five O?”
Send the guy back to Malibu to do voiceovers for the next Barbie movie. Let Caan feel the “hustle” navigating the eight-lane highways in LA.
Here is the deal, Caan. Most of us in Hawaii are here because we don’t like the lifestyle of the “hustler.” That is the kind of mentality that ruined Malibu, California even. We who have seen areas of the mainland ruined stand with the natives here in defense of preserving the quality of life.
I am bothering to write about this on Big Island Chronicle because I think Caan’s attitude epitomizes why locals too often have a problem with malahini.
Here is a guy making money off Hawaii. Actually, CBS is making money off the state with this really cheesy show that, in my opinion, shouldn’t be named after the classic Hawaii Five O, starring Jack Lord and James Macarthur, which ran from ’68 to ’80. I am sure CBS is getting tax credits to film here. And then Caan goes on Chelsea Lately and bites the hands that feed them?!
Personally, I think Caan just sabotaged his role on Hawaii Five O. I cannot imagine him surviving the backlash. He has got to be replaced. And honestly his acting on the show is so bad, CBS would do well by casting a University of Hawaii theatre student in his place. Find a local who loves this great state to star as the badass cop. I would suggest Hawaii born star Jason Scott Lee, but he has already been featured as another named detective. What’s Keanu Reeves up to? He’s a local braddah who could represent us well.
That’s the point: we want someone who truly appreciates the lifestyle and culture here.
Hawaii isn’t for everyone, and anyone who doesn’t want to be here should not be forced to stay here.
Caan and his girlfriend should be able to go back to Malibu, and everyone else who shares their sentiment should not waste one more day of their life being somewhere that makes them miserable.
There are people who work their whole lives, “hustling,” only to “retire” some place like here. Those of us who actually get Hawaii see the futility in that.
What bothers me is that people like Caan come here and make money off exploiting the place, when they don’t actually like it here.
They are like those people who move here thinking they want the “little grass shack in Kealakekua,” and actually ruin the place with their tract homes reminscient of Levittown.
Every now and then I enjoy a staycation in Kona. I love sitting by the pool and watching people like Caan and Handler try to relax. You watch them order a drink, and then dog the local for not moving fast enough to serve them.
That’s the same local you are going to be sitting next to in the lineup at the beach, Caan. You dog the local’s work ethic, and then you want him to share the wave? Auwe! That local has every right to be doing circle turns around your sorry rubber ducky ass.
Don’t come to Hawaii with a bad attitude, expecting everyone to be rolling out the lauhala mat. You have to give aloha if you have any hopes of getting any aloha back.
As for the comments Caan and Handler made about crystal meth, well, yeah, “ice,” as we call it is here, is nasty. But news flash: it’s everywhere. It’s in Malibu, too. How many friends of Caan and Hustler are hooked on it?
What’s really ironic is that Caan and Handler talk about the meth problem in Hawaii, at the same time they promote the “hustle” only a tweaker would know.
I had one eyebrow up, listening to that part of their conversation. It sounded pretty darn sensational. I have had taxi rides on Oahu, and never was solicited to buy any drugs.
Actually, there are people who believe that there is a meth problem in Hawaii, as a result of marijuana eradication.
Maybe if Caan and Handler were handed a doobie when they got off the plane in Hawaii, they might take some time to chill the f — out.
Hawaii is what you make it. If you want the hustle and bustle, you can get yourself some meth or pop some uppers from a candy doctor, and work yourself into a frenzy.
There are people in Hawaii who genuinely prefer the natural high of being in the jungle and surfing world-class waves. We are content with the pace of Hawaiian time. We who appreciate Hawaii know how pointless it is to run around like the “white rabbit.” We don’t want to wait until our retirement to figure out that life is about relationships, not the “hustle” to acquire stuff. We actually think that shows like the remake of Hawaii Five O do a dis-service to Hawaii by offering misrepresentations and unrealistic expectations about the place we call home.
Yes, Hawaii has its fair share of problems, like everywhere else.
But the last thing we need is Caan doing our PR work. Beat it, Danno.
If Barbie isn’t your thing, go to Santa Monica and revive Baywatch.
January 26th, 2013 at 10:30 am
I Agree; I love Hawaii 5-0, and in the last episode, even on TV, he barely can say anything wonderful about Hawaii. Are we supposed to like this guy? I’m kinda getting tired of the bantering that somehow has no real end to the climax between him and MCGarrett. Don’t get me wrong, I love the show. Back to reality, though, I think his negative comments about Hawaii are ridiculous; who is he kidding; he’s living in a bug city; I mean, a surfer liking a fast city life–it doesn’t add up for me. Sorry Danno, get off the rock if the rock is killing you!
January 26th, 2013 at 10:32 am
*big not bug, sorry
January 26th, 2013 at 10:49 am
Tiffany:
I was lucky to be able to retire here.
It has become my home to the extent that I cannot
imagine being as happy as I am here anywhere else.
I “hustled’ for decades.
I came here to get away from the increasing mainland
insanity.
This guy and the interviewer represent attitudes I have come to despise about dominant “american” culture.
Thankfully in Hawaii, we are able to resist.
Thank you for the article.
January 26th, 2013 at 2:15 pm
I agree his comments were lame, rude, and ungracious to his hosts.
This Hawai’i 5-0 is not the 5-0 we knew and loved, hasn’t been from Day One.
From a perspective of the story the 5-0 showrunners decided to tell, his diss was fairly in sync with his character, and he didn’t create his character. I’m not excusing Caan, as he would do better to NOT speak like his character when he is off duty.
The LOST actors were the most part always gracious and full of praise for Hawai’i, and said it was a dream to be paid to live here. Caan would do well to review some interviews by Terry O’Quinn, Josh Holloway, Henry Ian Cusack, Dominic Monaghan.
But back to the story of 5-0, they conceived this version around the idea of a New Jersey detective who refuses to be charmed by Hawai’i, who only sees its dangers, who doesn’t like the ocean, would be happy in a suit and tie, and who is here for the love of his daughter. Who wants to stay alive for his daughter, and isn’t enamored of ex-Seal McGarrett’s hero stunts. That’s the basic tension of this buddy drama.
So if they hired a local, they would have to revamp the whole premise. Maybe it was a bad premise, but the show is wedded to a kvetching Dano at this point.
Typical of the “Fish out of Water” TV trope (and its sub-trope “Strange Cop in a Strange Land”), the Dano character has gradually found it in him to warm to elements of the culture and start to appreciate his partner and elements of Hawai’i, although when pressed he still claims to hate the place.
So if you look at the arc of the story, it may contain a lot of Hawaii-dissing, but it’s also the story of how the quintessential uptight haole from the mainland can begin to change his spots.
Sadly, it doesn’t sound like Caan has been evolving or sharing any insights with his character.
It’s too bad Josh Holloway doesn’t want to do a regular show again, because he would make an awesome detective and he has the talent to be both supremely negative and sympathetic at the same time (which Caan really doesn’t pull off).
Ken Leung (Miles “I don´t believe in a lot of things…..but I do believe in duct tape!”
Straume on LOST) would make a truly entertaining sidekick … but looks like he’s going to be a regular on Zero Hour with Anthony Edwards.
Yes, 5-0 is cheesy, inaccurate, laughable plenty, but it has its moments and I watch every episode. Scenery can’t be beat even if the hyped-up color is over the top. Thought it was cool seeing Chin/Daniel Dae Kim speaking Hawaiian in one of the last episodes (on Ni’ihau).
JMHO, but not so sure an actor should be fired for stating an honest opinion, even a rude and ignorant one. Hawai’i can surely shrug off the mouthing off of a Hollywood brat.
Hawai’i knows its own worth, and doesn’t need to react to a gnat buzzing around its ankles.
January 26th, 2013 at 2:32 pm
If Mr. Cann doesnt like it here for more than six days at a time I would reccomend maybe the producers of the show find someone else that might like the opportunity to come and work and live in Hawaii. I wish Mr. Cann well but if Hawaii deosnt suit him I am sure he would be much happier back in Malibu with his g/f.
January 26th, 2013 at 3:31 pm
It’s a job. The man is paid to do a job. He shows up and works the job.
Why don’t you pass a bill to ban Hawaii 5-0.
#@&&#$% idiots!
January 26th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
I consider Caan’s remarks to be a public service announcement for jerks to stay home. Mahalo dude.
January 26th, 2013 at 5:58 pm
I was talking to a guy who lived on Maui for 8 years, BI for the past 3 years. He hadn’t seen/heard of Mr. Caan’s statements ….. but he nearly quoted him! Said he was starting to get used to the slow pace, but it he’d never get used to the food…. cause it really sucked.
I nearly fell over laughing.
Kim
January 27th, 2013 at 1:01 am
Sorry but I bet most who are attacking Scott have only visited Hawaii for “six days at a time” or are just following the rhetoric. I live in Hawaii now and it is the worst place I have ever lived. I know! How dare I say anything different than “I am so grateful to live in paradise” because that is the marketing we are fed. Well Scott and I are on the wrong island for paradise… apparently that’s further over in Maui and Kauai. We’re on O’ahu and O’ahu sucks as he said. Buildings are from the 1960′s and have not been renovated, food here is utter garbage that one would find in a mall food court (with a few expensive exceptions), bums every 10ft, druggies “tweaking” on the busses and crossing the streets (a term I only learned upon moving here). Anyway, I could absolutely go on and on but don’t be so quick to judge. He didn’t say the Hawaiian people were mean or anything about them (they’re very kind) but they are a culture of typical slow-moving islanders. It’s not for everyone. I like hustle and bustle too so I’m with Scott on this one. Hawaii is great to visit but not to live. I understand how just visiting here might give someone a very different impression of Hawaii but know that it is just that, a false impression. Once you are out of the fancy hotel, off your little section of beach, and not being shuttled to your different adventure packages the actual city is quite different.
January 27th, 2013 at 1:43 am
Look at it through his eyes. Honolulu is the biggest sh-t hole in the world. If I had to go over there, getting back on the plane was close as going to heaven. The place sucks. The best thing for Honolulu is a 500 ft tsunami.
January 27th, 2013 at 9:27 am
What Honolulu NEEDS is some CASINOS. You would have such a massive economic boom from Asian gamblers here it would be ridiculous. Even street bums would be pimpin rides.
But THAT will never happen.
What Hawaii needs is casinos, gambling, nightlife. Give Vegas a run for their money. Hawaii would instantly become the destination for Asian gamblers based on geography. So flush that idiotic morality crap down the toilet. Be flush with cash instead. It is not moral to keep Hawaii poor.
Heck even Mr. Caan would like it more if they had poker tables here on the beach.
Just for the record the Hawaii 5-0 franchise has been such an economic benefit to Hawaii over the years to tourism and Hawaii’s image, Hawaii should thank Mr. Caan for lending his illustrious family’s acting talents to promote and benefit the Hawaiian economy.
And since NONE of you probably know ANYTHING about writing for TV or FILM let me point out that CONFLICT is a requirement to write. IT IS NOT OPTIONAL. This is a perfect conflict for Mr. Caan to represent.
He may point out some flaws with local culture, and it’s good to be proud of your culture, but guess what Hawaii is not perfect, in case you had not noticed.
This “if you don’t like it get the fk out” crap is like a big locals only sign. Just alienate everyone who was not borne in Hawaii and see what happens to the local economy then.
Poor dumb tweakers and proud of it is something that needs to be fixed ASAP.
There are so many wonderful things about Hawaiian culture, but pointing out the bad stuff, well that’s the hard stuff you need to work on to get better. If nobody can say this is something that needs to be fixed without getting lambasted by locals, that does not help in the long run.
So again, Mr. Caan is just doing his job man.
BOOK’EM DANO !!!!
January 27th, 2013 at 10:26 am
I’m guessing that complaints about the food come from people who only go to restaurants. It’s true that there aren’t a lot of great ones, even on Oahu, and not a big international representation beyond various Asian cuisines, like you would have in LA even in cheap places. But if you’re feeding yourself, it’s the best. That’s what I’ve missed most during times I’ve lived on the mainland.
January 27th, 2013 at 11:45 am
“you people” who gives a……
Oh I guess you TV watchers do.
Gossip, gossip, gossip
if you all are lovin your life so much why read and comment about some Tv actor’s comments? unbelievable.
No, that’s right, forgot a sec where we’re commenting.
January 27th, 2013 at 7:01 pm
I feel sorry for him if he’s gotta come back here.
January 27th, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Hawaii Five-O 2.0 is awful. The first two episodes was enough. It would be a parody if they weren’t taking themselves so damn seriously.
The biggest flaw of the show imho is Scott Caan’s miscasting as a badass cop. Sorry, can’t take him seriously in that role.
I agree that Hawaii Five-O “used” Hawaii to make a buck. But Hawaii also made lots of bucks from the PR and advertising that H50 did in promoting Hawaii on the maindland, so it’s been a wash. Up until now.
That said, I don’t understand why anyone would get offended or indignant about what Caan said. He’s entitled to his opinions and feelings about Hawaii. But I also think he’s a total idiot for verbalizing it. Japanese have a phrase “baka shojiki,” literally “stupid honesty.” That’s what Caan is guilty of: stupidly expressing his honest feelings about a place that, indirectly, was paying his salary. But hey, it’s his right to be an idiot. He’ll have to deal with the consequences. Or not.
January 27th, 2013 at 8:57 pm
Funny…
My wife’s uncle Gilbert Kauhi played the role of Zulu in the original Hawaii 5-0.
He got flack from Jack Lord for telling him how Hawaii really is at times.
January 28th, 2013 at 3:08 pm
i love hawaii very much and have been here since 1955….hawaii is extremely beautiful…theres also a lot of darkness….we have more meth users per capita than anywhere else in amerika…social injustice is rife…and many young local men have t shirts that say DEFEND HAWAII with an ar15…the large suffering underclass-local people are pissed and at the end of our rope….
January 30th, 2013 at 8:25 am
greg owen wrote:
“….the large suffering underclass-local people are pissed and at the end of our rope….”
i think that is correct.
January 30th, 2013 at 5:42 pm
I watch Hawaii 5 O sometimes only to catch glimpses of breaking waves, the sandy beaches, the lush green and the desert areas of the islands. The show itself, well I think it is not worth it. Actors are only good because they are not laughing at the ridiculousness of the plots and scenarios. Actors, not all are, but some are so full of themselves, that they believe what they are doing is acting. They live in a world of their own Scott Caan is or has such a lousy character to play so he does just fine at being lousy he just has to be himself.leave it up to some guy who was born into the circle with a silver spoon up his, I mean in his mouth to show how ungrateful he can be.his character on the show is a joke and so is he. Rocky up here in Wyoming who will be vacationing next month in Hawaii.
January 30th, 2013 at 9:49 pm
I’m offended that he believes his GF deserves a purple heart, really? How disrespectful. I’m not in the military, but I can imagine if a person was or has family thats served would be disgusted by that comment.
February 8th, 2013 at 6:46 pm
I don’t think I could ever live in Hawaii again and I’m part Hawaiian……