A Full Honor Wreath Ceremony for Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Medal of Honor recipients took place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery Wednesday June 21, 2000, in Arlington, Va. From left are: Yeiki Kobashigawa, US Army, retired; Rudolph Davila, US Army, retired George T. Sakato, US Army, retired. President Clinton laer presented the medals at a White House ceremony. (AP Photo/Heesoon Yim)
By Curtis Narimatsu
Inimitable And Auspicious Heroes
1. WIA 442 F Co.’s Hoxie Nagami lived a long life, albeit disabled (1921-2000). Wataru Kohashi saved Hoxie after Hoxie got shot. Unarmed Wataru got 4 German POWs to carry Hoxie on a stretcher out of Wataru/Hoxie’s foxhole back to the base camp. Wataru was gentle to the POWs & they respected/ trusted him. Wataru was told by the base camp M.D. that Hoxie was going to die from extensive wounds. But incredibly, Hoxie survived. Wataru born 1922 & Hoxie were boyhood pals. Hoxie’s brother was KIA [Takayama brothers died almost same time w/separate outfits/companies -- Bobby Command wrote a great Veteran's Day tribute to them a decade ago]. After Hoxie suffered series of strokes, he fell into a coma at Hilo Hospital. At 3 a.m. the floor nurses heard Hoxie scream “Wataru, come get me!” about 5 times. They were shocked that comatose Hoxie “came alive.” Alas, Hoxie died unconscious within minutes of his “outburst.” Wataru is deeply affected to this day because when Wataru embraced Hoxie in their foxhole 55 yrs. before Hoxie’s death in yr. 2000, Wataru kept repeating to semi-conscious Hoxie “I goin’ come get you, I goin’ come get” before Wataru left to summon his German POWs to get Hoxie to the medics/base camp. Fact truly is stranger than fiction. As you know, Hoxie died before Yuki’s upgrade to MoH. Yes, band of brothers code of honorable silence – platoon leader Jack Wakamatsu of LA asked Wataru to give up Wataru’s DSC to KIA.Humility/devotion like you cannot ever imagine! Metaphysical, really. Wataru says that the boys’ devotion to each other is surpassed only by a mother’s love/sons’ love for okasan/mama. Amazing. Is this a cliche` war story? Not if you were there in the foxhole.
2. Yes, addressee mailer for KIA Kiyo Muranaga from 65 yrs. ago — notification of son’s death to/via internment camp administrator. Rhetorically/shikata ga nai [what can you do...?], so deeply sad that something’s not right here … (sigh), so sad, so sad.
3. Stanley Hara respectfully told Gov. Sam Wilder King in 1953, “You haven’t seen the last of me, Mr. Governor,” when King rejected farm produce outfit headed by Stanley to ship island produce to Mainland during winter months. King was for Big 5, not grassroot joes like Stan. Which is when Kazuhisa Abe had 30 yr. old Stan run for House [Dem Revolution 1954]. Abe/Stan got big boost from Jack Hall’s ILWU – until hothead Eddie De Mello [Hilo dock clerk] wrongfully told members that Stan cozied up w/Big 5 via watered-down work comp law 1956. As Stan intones, politics are the art of compromise, & Gov. King vetoed record # of Dem Bills, unequalled to date — so Stan/solons had to get half a loaf instead of none. Faladoo/noisebox Eddie De Mello was incapable of comprehending politics. When George Martin came along, the ILWU was in much better hands. Everyone respected George Martin. Stan credits Masato Doi/Vince Esposito for polishing up Stan on legislative procedure, topped by Stan’s alter ego Abe.
4. Stan says that Abe galvanized Territory-wide [primary upgrade to Manoa] enrichment of university role/function, while Tommy Sakakihara compelled expansion of UH-Hilo. Abe unrelentingly told Manoa’s boss Holmes to updraft UH’s calibre/fiscal needs. Gerald De Mello should’ve enshrined Stan into UH-Hilo’s hall of honor/ fame at the outset [I exhorted Gerald to do so, which Gerald did long after Gerald's cronies were installed. Why not create an "inspiration/molder" category to enshrine non-UH Hilo alumni like Scrub Tanaka/Tommy Sakakihara? Stan Hara's dream has come true -- what Stan reached for was a 5,000 Arts/Sciences enrollment w/various advanced degree programs, on 500 acres of land. Stan got the South Pacific/Micronesian influx in the 1970s. Tremendous vision/pragmatism. Stan says that Jack Burns pushed for a UH satellite Waimea campus focused on astronomy/marine biotech. I know personally that Scrub Tanaka supported Burns in such outreach/branch, w/core function at UH-Hilo in Hilo. Scrub catalyzed land expansion for UH-Hilo to provide affordable housing for non-resident locals from Kona/Ka`u/Kohala/Hamakua/Puna.
5. Stan born 1923 tried to buy Naniloa Hotel lease w/2 others but financing fell thru, which is when Kazuhisa Abe told Stan to buy commercial property [such as Stan's current Keawe St. block across the old Food Fair Supermarket b/n Mamo/Ponahawai Sts.]. Stan even visualized redeveloping Keawe St. downtown from Ponahawai St. up to Haili St., where a pedestrian mall would connect up w/developer Tai On Chock’s projects from Waianuenue Ave. down to Haili St. Grand designs/creative plans stymied by recession/high interest rates/counter- culture protest [old town atmosphere]. Stan disputes Scrub Tanaka’s disapproval of Stan’s real estate investments. Stan says that Stan was ever afraid to accept a complimentary cup of coffee from a patron/voter/business owner, which would make Stan owe an obligation to such donor. It wasn’t until Kaz Abe told Stan to loosen up & be more sociable that Stan accepted next-to-nothing in money value gratuity. Stan applauds Scrub for Scrub’s purity/devotion to clean government, but Stan says that Stan tried to make a living to support his family, & should not be condemned for that, or for Orchidland [affordable land ownership]. Thanks, Curtis
Enemy Aliens Even Though U.S. Citizens
Even patriot Futoshi Frank Arakawa (1891-1977), born here/Nisei, was classified as enemy alien WWII. Frank did stirring President’s Day tribute pre-WWI, was WWI doughboy/officer, yet was interned WWII. Frank was Stanford U grad/civil engineer, designed TR Saiki’s Keaukaha home [TR also interned, though TR was alien]. About Hung Wai Ching 1905-2002, Hung Wai gets the U.S. Customs plum job for former FBI chief Bob Shivers, then exclaims to acolyte Ted Tsukiyama born 1920, “You know, I wanted that Customs job myself! As Collector of Customs [comes up close to Ted & jabs Ted w/Hung Wai's elbow] I could control the opium trade & become a millionaire!!” Hung Wai actually did become a millionaire [real estate developments], only to give away his treasures to uplift the common folk. A tight-fist he was not!! Amazingly, Hung Wai never used his immense influence w/the War Dept./FDR & Eleanor/high-placed contacts w/military-industrial complex to gain any benefit or profit for himself. Unlike today’s Wall St. moguls, Hung Wai never looted/pillaged others. He did the opposite — paid his own money to get boys/girls higher education — which is why he was called the gentle Chinaman. Even his acolyte, radical Koji Ariyoshi 1914-1976, kissed the ground where Hung Wai walked.
Love, Curt
(Curtis Narimatsu is a lifelong resident of Hilo who writes about the forgotten past such as the old plantation days & untold heroes.)
November 8th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Really good Curtis tell these histories. So much is being lost of the earlier generations. Our current gen needs to know how it was. Keep up the good work
November 9th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Thank you for your kindness, G. Dalton, and thank you, Editor Tiffany Edwards Hunt, for allowing me to publish my notes above, and for your great photo accompaniment.
Our Penal Code’s Master and Servants Act of 1850 gave our early sugar planters slave labor via the Chinese coolies [Persian kuli for slave], surprisingly which was opposed by Sanford B. Dole, George Wilcox, C.J. Lyons, J.O. Carter, A.F. Judd, & C.C. Bennett, all of whom decried such odious legal device as barbaric & reminiscent of Southern Planter society pre-Civil War. Unlike disintegrating Manchu China, because of the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between Hawai’i and Japan 1871, which gave Japan favored nation status in Hawai’i, Japan reduced the Chinese 5 yr. coolie labor term to 3 yrs. Of course, the cheapest labor came from Asia, not from Europe [higher expectations/prohibitive transportation costs/etc.]. Even after U.S. annexation/Organic Act rescinded our Master/Servants Act [violation of U.S. 13th Amdt. prohibiting slavery], the cabal of private Japan immigration companies/our local haole planters coerced immigrants into nefarious slave-reminiscent contracts. Thankfully for our Issei/Japan immigrants, in contrast with Chinese immigrants nearly half a century before, our Issei came as united villagers from Japan, not as isolated sojourners, thence the undying pledge to the kumiai/village ass’n-org & its banking/lending tanomoshi [pooled funds]. Thence, you always see current obits w/AJA decedents born before 1935 being part of a village/neighborhood kumiai. AJAs born after 1935 were not ensconced in a nearly lifelong village paradigm, thence no affiliation w/a kumiai-community ass’n. Of course, our great Luso immigrants came as intact families starting in 1878, preferred White Stock, so to speak, vs. Asian single men as mere commodities to be discarded when their usefulness declined. Serendipitously, our 1st Japanese store in the Haw’n Islands was Hilo-no-Kuni by Kunizo Suzuki [not Kuni fabrics], who married a Haw’n lass, then a Luso lass, & who became our 1st local buddahead business tycoon. Why we AJAs/JAs today don’t know about him is because he married “out of race,” so to speak, meaning that he violated our sacrosanct code of “pure-blood” fidelity, marking him a traitor/renegade to our master race precept. Of course, Meiji Japan capitalists or business houses who set shop in Hawai’i included Nanyusha/Itohan/Hamano/Murata/Kojima/Hirose/Suga/Iwakami, but these were short-lived [quick buck, which never happened because of our austere conditions], whereas our small merchants like Kuni who started off as itinerant peddlers slowly but surely grew to tycoon stature. Thanks again, G. Dalton and editor Tiff!! Sorry I was away from a computer till now. Aloha always, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Deification –
I know that youngster Kevin Jakahi born 1969 deifies Les Murakami via Kevin’s Trib
columns. Imprint via Les governs Kevin’s outlook. If Kevin had more of a historical
bent, I’m sure that Kevin would see the flaws as well as the virtues of coach Les.
Les is like the wind — blowing whichever way suits Les for the moment. Not a
noble virtue. Kevin’s leukemia which nearly killed Kevin brings us all to our feet to
encourage Kevin in Kevin’s pursuits. God speed. Love,–Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
D.C. wayfinder Jesse Shima 1901-2002 [reincarnation of alter ego Missouri's John Henderson] –
Pi`ihonua Henry Shimabukuro’s [Henry born 1931] dad’s brother Jesse Shima[bukuro]
is our untold hero, way more impact than Mike “Moses” Masaoka 1915-1991, who only
facilitated our Issei naturalization 1952. Jesse was our Nikkei enabler to upward mobility
via the inspiration of his Henderson family in D.C. Sen. Henderson 1826-1913 was
the son of white sharecroppers from the South, & when his parents died in 1836,
he was made an indentured servant of a White master. He escaped such bondage &
went out on his own, making big money off land speculation. He served in the Civil War
& became a U.S. Senator, where he picked up where President Lincoln left off, by passing
the 13th Amdt. which outlawed slavery [President Lincoln allowed border slavery to win
re-election 1864]. Having been a slave himself, John Henderson knew what human cargo
was all about. A firm abolitionist, he became known as among our greatest statesmen/
humanitarians. He also prevented the politically-motivated impeachment of President
Andrew Johnson. JFK invoked his memory a century later in extolling him as among the
greatest men of history. Jesse was adopted into his family a decade after John’s death,
being that Jesse/John virtually were clones of each other in their orphan status. Which is
why John’s wife/son left Jesse their estate. Henderson Castle was a landmark in the heart
of D.C. [today's Meridian Park]. Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Masako Narimatsu Kiyojima 1907-1990 [Dr. Masato Hasegawa 1913-1991 respected this step-aunt] –
Masako helped older sister Haruko Narimatsu Hasegawa 1905-1995 raise Haruko’s 2 broods of kids [1st 3 boys from hubby's 1st marriage, whose wife
died from flu pandemic 1919], which is why oldest stepson of Haruko, Masato, sent Masako med school grad invite to Masato’s milestone.
Haruko was a neat freak obsessive & outspoken w/all of her kids. Masako’s oldest sib Masaaki 1902-1970 went to Pahala to work, which
caused next in birth order Haruko & Masako to resent Masaaki’s resettlement a world away from native village Wainaku. Masako is mother
of Gerald De Mello’s hero Chiyono Kinoshita born 1931 [born when immigrant ojisan Masayuki Narimatsu died 1880-1931]. Wryly, Haruko had
Masaaki house Haruko’s teenage son Yoshito for one year, inasmuch Haruko’s hubby died in vehicle accident & Haruko had hard time to
feed her children. It was joyful in Pahala to have Yoshito live w/Yoshito’s cousins Masawo born 1927 & Masayoshi 1930-1993. Yoshito’s
baby brother Mitsuo born 1929 feels so hurt that Yoshito might’ve felt “thrown away” by mama/okasan Haruko. The Kiyojima kids Yoshiko/Chiyono/
Masayuki [Buddy] regarded Yoshito as kolohe at best, far less praiseworthy as a norm. Yoshiko/Buddy regarded Yoshito as not in sync w/Yoshito’s relatives.
Yoshiko born 1930, Chiyono born 1931, Buddy born 1933.–Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Oops, the point about Masato Hasegawa, Queen’s Medical Ctr. medical director — he rose up from a dirt floor background, with nothing but the puka shirt on his back, living at so many places because of his family’s hardship [single widowed step-mama], whose step-aunt Masako Kiyojima became Masato’s spiritual mentor/mama, & Masato in turn was enabled by Carl Smith [famous atty/icon] to ascend up the social ladder. No, haoles are not devils. We’re all sinners, no matter our DNA. Good and bad of every ethnicity/culture. Budgie Carlsmith was a terrifying litigation atty but an egalitarian at heart outside the courthouse — son of Carl Smith, Budgie braided/railed into Trotskyite haole Steve Christensen born 1941, who happens to be everyone’s libertarian idol, but Budgie was a pussycat upon people of color/locals. Budgie’s daughter Marilyn is sweetness personified, a haole only in skin tone. Love always, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Masato Hasegawa is same age as my dad Toshi 1913-1998, and Dad’s oldest sis Haruko was Masato’s stepmom, though Masato had highest praise for Dad’s next oldest sis Masako, whom Masato had soft spot for [because of Masako's empathy/compassionate nature -- Haruko was just too rough/edgy for Masato's personality]. Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Takie Okumura inspired by missionary Henry Martyn –
Cambridge grad Henry Martyn renounced all honor & position & sailed to India as a Christian missionary,
where he died in his devotion, heroism, and unselfish service to God/humanity/others. So inspired by
Martyn was Doshisha U. theology seminary pupil Okumura that Okumura decided to do the same when
sempai Jiro Okabe appealed for volunteers to Hawai`i. On the same boat to Hawai`i was Sadanosuke
Hata, later known for his Hilo S. Hata import store chain. Jiro Okabe came to Hilo in 1880
to open the 1st buddahead Christian church in the Sandwich Islands. Okabe moved to
Honolulu in 1892 & was replaced by Takie in 1894. Takie couldn’t understand the creole
Nippon language here spoken by the Nisei/children of immigrants ["Mama hanahana yo
konani" -- mama is working & can't come to church], so he started up a Nihon gakko
japanese language school. Of course, there was an English language class too.
Ironically, Buddhist Yemyo Imamura’s own language school conflicted/rivalled Consul
General Miki Saito’s language school opened by Takie, & Japan officials thereafter
gave Imamura the cold shoulder. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Scrub Tanaka was for new faces –
Scrub backed Case over Akaka 2006 — never mind Case’s impatience — Scrub wanted
fresh faces. Scrub backed Yamashiro over Lorraine Inouye 1992. Scrub was not the
ILWU’s pal. Scrub felt Lorraine was inept to continue as mayor [remember, Scrub was
male chauvinist]. Nonpartisan races benefit GOP idealogues who don’t declare their
party brand. Scrub would support Stacy Higa for mayor 2008 only because Scrub
couldn’t stomach Lorraine Inouye, & Scrub decried Harry Kim’s GOP label 2000 —
vicariously, Scrub decries Kim boy Kenoi. Actually, Lorraine Inouye doesn’t even
acknowledge Scrub — that’s how chauvinist Scrub is in Lorraine’s eyes. Scrub
couldn’t stand Ariyoshi’s panty-ass character, which is why Ariyoshi sucked up to
incessant self-promoter Mehau. Scrub was relieved that Lingle beat Hirono 2002,
inasmuch it affirmed Scrub’s belief that the Dems self-destructed, especially w/
vamp suckers like Paul Matsumoto/Gerald De Mello/Butch Castro/Larry Balberde. Which is why Scrub wanted
Case to wipe out these barnacles, no disrespect to actual sea barnacles . Scrub didn’t back Dods, but felt
that Dods’ money clout could beat Lingle 2006. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Lube job Portagee [Gerald De Mello born 1943/Hilo High '61/UH Masters '67] –
I was happy to see Stanley Hara enshrined in last year’s
UH-Hilo Hall of Fame [distinguished alumni/service awardees].
Sadly, Gerald/Tseng don’t like posthumous. Which means that
forgotten Scrub Tanaka still is omitted from this heretofore odiferous/
murderers’ row lineup. Even in death, Gerald is obsessed w/snuffing
out Scrub’s name from history. And yet Gerald picked dead/gone
faladoo noisebox Eddie De Mello! Do you know that Gerald is Jerry
Chang’s bosom buddy/crony & veritably tents at Jerry’s legislative
offices when Gerald is on O`ahu? No problem, except that do-nothing
solon Jerry is on Gerald’s “I’m IT” list sans Scrub [who triggered UH-Hilo
expansion w/Burns]. Yes, chumquat Chang was past enshrinee via
Gerald. Whoa, here I come upon my Pauka`a childhood/lifelong neighbor
Laura Figueira, who happens to be Bobby Bunda’s go-fer.
Gerald, if you gonna pick a Portagee, why not Paul De Silva, for Christ
sake, who was there at your HoF facade, unenshrined, who headed our Dem Party
& fought for UH-Hilo expansion, who had everything to do w/UH-Hilo’s
legal eagles, who utterly respects your peer Rick Castberg, & who didn’t
forget about Scrub Tanaka?!! Laura Figueira?? Okay, I appreciate
your picking Leonard De Cambra [repair shop], but at least he kept things
running well! Bobby Bunda’s girl? Come on, Gerald?? The “whack me
baby” HoFame list also includes love thyself Yukio Takeya/love thyself
Filipino style Quirino Antonio/my dearest cousin Chiyono Kinoshita
[provost secretary]/& Kulani jailer Peter MacDonald.
Pazienza/pazienza vs. uno telmoso/obstinado Gerald De Mello.
Consuelo, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Refrigeration man Harry Nishimura 1908-1998 —
Geography/job influence one’s destiny. Harry exemplifies the American
Dream [coined 1931 amid the Great Depression], immigrants’ son who
was enabled by magnanimous VHY employer/Doc Hill/beneficent
malihini, & whose daughter is loving/authenticly honest Merle Lam
born 1941/’59 Hilo High grad. Harry was GOP via his vocation,
still prevalent today. Pat Saiki was GOP via her dad’s Davies
job, just as Merle Lam helped w/Doc Hill’s campaign. Pat worked
for GOP Toshi Ansai 1908-1990, who worked for GOP Baldwin.
“Haole go home” vitriol a misnomer. Buddaheads’ detractors
were none other than the Heens/Trasks of nearly a century
ago, just as we see w/progeny Walt/Haunani today. On O`ahu
our guardian angel was oyabun/Merchant St. godfather
Frank Atherton 1878-1945 who enabled later leaders
Frank Atherton Chong/Masayuki Tokioka/Hung Wai Ching/
Koji Ariyoshi to emerge [Koji, no relation to George].
Harry/Merle always are grateful to their kazoku/family
friends/associates. Kansha,
–Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Bob Alder –preserver of the past [theater] —
LA-raised Bob Alder, 63 yrs. old, musician on the S.S. Monterrey, stayed in Honolulu
1978-1990, where he helped restore the Hawai`i Theater on Pauahi/Bethel Sts.
He moved to Hilo for a quieter life in 1990, & here he helped restore our Palace
Theater. Stu Hussey was Palace director some 9 yrs. ago & ran Bob off
the restoration project. Stu left the Bd.
shortly thereafter, & Bob reinvigorated Palace’s restoration via wonderful director
Quack Moore [consummate pro -- SNL fame]. Sadly, Steamy Chow weather
vanes w/the powerful wind, & still is stuck on Stu’s tenure/gas, vs. Bob’s
utter altruism. Yes, Steamy retros back to 2001-2004, no good reason to do so.
Bob is our unsung hero. Steamy [age 87 yrs. old] still thinks Stu has the power.
Wrong. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Sempai — respect for elder –
Statehood Joe Farrington 1897-1954 idolized Robert Taft 1889-1953.
Hung Wai Ching 1905-2002 idolized Farrington. Ted Tsukiyama born
1920 idolizes Hung Wai. KingLit Ching born 1936 idolizes Ted.
Scrub Tanaka 1915-2006 idolized Jack Burns 1909-1975. Isamu
Kanekuni born 1921 idolizes Scrub.
–Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Gunboat diplomacy — Korean War up to now —
Bobby Command puts it best when Bobby says that “Imperial Japan did not
want to invade Hawai`i/West Coast — it was a napkin plan that never went
beyond that. Imperial Japan’s militarism in the 1920s/1930s was that its
misguided warrior class felt that Japan had as much right to the riches of
East Asia as the Americans, British, & Dutch did — & when you think about
it objectively, they had a valid argument. It certainly made it easy to veil this
in the ‘Asia for Asians’ excuse.” Gunboat diplomacy [imperialism/
colonialism] begets more violence/repression. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Hung Wai Ching 1905-2002 —
From: Tom Coffman [greatest historian in Hawai'i]
Subject: Hung Wai Ching — JANM
Dear Curtis and all fans of Hung Wai Ching and Shigeo Yoshida,
Please help spread the word in Los Angeles that Japanese American National Museum is showing “First Battle”
PLEASE TELL KING LIT! I WANT TO INTRODUCE HIM.
I have been concentrating on other things and haven’t done what I should have to spread the word. Dr. Dick Kosaki, Mildred and I will be there (thanks to Hawaiian Airlines) to talk story.
—Tom Coffman
—–Original Message—–
Subject: Curtis Narimatsu on Hung Wai Ching — Hung Wai is modern Hawaii’s greatest wayfinder
From: KingLit Ching
To: Children
Subject: Hung Wai Ching
Curtis Narimatsu of Hilo, Hawaii, is one of Hawaii’s most unique historians/geographers. Curtis has enabled me to understand what HW meant to the Hawaii AJAs (and Mainland AJAs) in its broadest, historical context and, as a consequence, per Curtis –HW’s greatness as a visionary, a Christian and a humanitarian. There is no one who truly understands HW’s contributions and motives better than Curtis. I am both grateful for and humbled by Curtis’ efforts to enlighten me. Curtis is referring below to “The First Battle” DVD on the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV’s) formed by HW who were the forerunners of the 100th/442nd (you all have seen this DVD). — Dad
Hung Wai Ching’s legacy [100th/VVV/442nd/Statehood/Asia prosperity]
1. Thank you, KL! Great DVD! Uncle Willy Thompson has Hung Wai’s speech
video when the VVV honored him years ago. Hung Wai had irrepressible pizzaz!! He
had his boys in stitches when he said that the best part of the gala event was the cocktail
opener! What a people-person! Uncle Willy, like all the 100th/442nd boys, worships this
remarkable Chinaman! When Jesus said let us drink by the water, Hung Wai took that to
affirm the cocktail hour!
[Hilo's Willy Okino Thompson is State 442 prexy]
2. Hung Wai’s UH mentor Charles Hemenway knew that Charles’ finest protege/understudy
Hung Wai was best suited as intermediary between military-law enforcement/civilian
authorities, & sole civilian advisor to military Hemenway had FBI’s beneficent Bob Shivers
handpick Hung Wai to lead the pre-WWII Council for Interracial Unity. After the Pearl
Harbor attack, Shivers had Hung Wai lead the Morale Committee as the key link between
military/civilian authorities. Irrefutably, Hung Wai had the people skills/persuasive-
disarming-charmingly infectious personality to move mountains in a blink/wink of an eye.
Hung Wai had the complete backing of Merchant St. boss Frank Atherton [Big 5 godfather],
who adored/respected Hung Wai. As you know, Atherton’s Castle & Cooke ohana
enabled Chinese upward mobility & supported Hawai`i-bred Sun Yat Sen, father of modern
China. Charles Hemenway was nearly Atherton’s equal as Big 5 oligarch, though
Hemenway is regarded as the template/genesis of UH Manoa. Hemenway’s only son died
tragically, & Hemenway took in Hung Wai & Shigeo Yoshida as Hemenway’s spiritual sons.
3. Yes, Shigeo Yoshida Hilo High grad/prodigy is our greatest buddahead historymaker [averted
buddahead mass internment], but Hung Wai Ching is our greatest AJA enabler, way more
impact than Yoshida [Hung Wai is genesis of 100th/VVV/442nd/Statehood culmination]. Not only
in public altruism, but also in personal beneficence. Hung Wai is the auspicious sugar
daddy to innumerable suffering souls, among them his 100th boys, for whom he secured
their Ala Wai club facility. Name any local joe/jane — in some sense, he/she has been
bestowed w/grace/generosity by Hung Wai. That’s why Hung Wai, a bigtime baron in
his era, died broke-okole — he gave it/others his all — he gave away everything he
had. Unlike his rich peers/hoarded wealth/Christian miserliness–WASP austerity, Hung
Wai was the complete opposite — a Jesus sans robe/donkey/cane. Look at Hung Wai’s
baby brother Hung Wo Ching [Hung Wai 1905-2002][Hung Wo 1912-1996], millionaire
investor/power broker [Dem godfather Jack Burns' financier] — Hung Wo’s name
immediately flashes owner Aloha Airlines [Kukuihaele's Ruddy Tongg, Mike's dad, was
the original owner] — Hung Wo’s name stirs awe — whilst Hung Wai’s name is relegated
to the dustbin of forgotten social/political history. But yet Hung Wo’s legacy falls
far short of Hung Wai’s incomparable feats/historymaking events. Minor vs. major
in impact/results. Japan/China trust us because of Hung Wai [restored faith
that America is not condescending vs. Asians -- LBJ/Sam Rayburn (Congress bosses)
always thanked AJAs for the rescue of Texans LBJ/Rayburn's Alamo lost battalion.
President Truman opened up the colorblind military as a result of unity of service by
diverse ethnicities (Negroes/Asians/Latinos/etc.)]. East Asian prosperity today is a
direct result of Hung Wai Ching’s uplifting of down & out buddaheads here. Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Grooming for great leadership —
In conversing with a parent whose child is an alltime prep judo star,
I mentioned our Issei/immigrant Kichimatsu Tanaka 1875-1954 who
introduced what we know today as judo [Kichimatsu's yoshin ryu jujitsu
learned under his master Jigoro Kano 1860-1938, the father of judo in
Japan] to the Western World starting right here in Hilo at Furneaux Lane,
then Kilauea Ave., & finally at fabulous dojo/hall Shinyu Kai bldg. 1915
owned by our esteemed Mainichi newspaper/Nobuji Tokushiro at “Nippon Alley” ergo
Ponahawai St. which included Dodo Mortuary [1st mortuary elevator
here 1923] & Mainichi newspaper bldg. 1918 [formerly across the
street at Punahoa lane -- also called "Nippon Alley"]. I mentioned that
Oyabun Kichimatsu’s granddaughter is Karen Tanaka Tanabe born 1951, to which
the parent/communicant exuded, “Yes, she’s great at sewing these
judo outfits.” Kichimatsu, my unspoken hero, the lowly itinerant masseur
who brought judo to Western Society!! Still forgotten today by mainstream
judoka/pundits. Kichimatsu learned his art ["The Gentle Way"] from the
Master, Kano. Kichimatsu in turn passed it on to his star pupil, Seichiro/Seishiro
Okazaki 1890-1951, founder of Danzan ryu jujitsu in the U.S. [so-called
eclectic martial art], who in turn spawned all the self-attentive judoka
we see today. Tanaka sensei not a household name, sadly. Why do
I reprise this obscure note? The Bible of Sports, ubiquitous Sports
Illustrated Magazine, just featured among the greatest-ever mixed martial
arts titlists, Hilo’s BJ Penn, linking him to antecedent/forebearer Seishiro
Okazaki [Penn's strengths are floor action/jujitsu/grappling], with no
mention of the man who created Okazaki, both in martial arts & in
later Hollywood renown as masseur to historymakers like FDR/Douglas
Fairbanks/Jean Harlow/Johnny Weismuller — Kichimatsu Tanaka. Our Genesis.
In politics, LBJ’s dad groomed eventual House Speaker Sam Rayburn, who
in turn groomed LBJ [greatest Civil Rights advocate], who in turn
groomed “Johnny” Burns [as LBJ affectionately called Jack Burns], who
in turn groomed Dan Inouye. Dan’s saddest fact? Dan didn’t groom
anyone [such as Ed Case] to take Dan’s place. In “parson” lexicon,
Hung Wai Ching 1905-2002 spawned later great religious leaders/
character builders such as Rev. Abraham Akaka. Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Our railroad landmarks –
The old Hawaii Consolidated Railway flagpole concrete base sits off
Kuawa St. [literally means guava] amid construction vehicles. It really
should be encircled safely as a memorial, perhaps under the auspices of
the Laupahoehoe Train Museum, the only rr museum
here. The Kawainui stream rr diversion tunnel is a sight to behold along
the Onomea scenic drive just mauka of the wooden bridge, blasted out
of solid rock. Catchy phrase: “Wela ka hao,” meaning the iron is hot,
to denote an old narrow gauge locomotive converted to run on the wider
standard gauge tracks in 1900 before the new standard gauge locomotives
arrived. A Betsy locomotive could’ve been christened to counter,
“Don’t overheat too soon!!” Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Urban renewal —
No, Stan Hara born 1923/Tai On Chock 1927-2001 were not going to
level/raze Keawe St. in an urban renewal project. They were going
to restore the quaint/idyllic look of oldtown Keawe St. with pedestrian
corridor for hands-on shopping experience. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Scrub Tanaka & Hanabusa –
Though Scrub touted wahines for agency chiefs [Fumiko Iwamasa for
Welfare Dept./Sumako Hayashi Scrub's chief aide], Scrub was male
chauvinist on solons, & would reject Hanabusa for Gov./U.S. House/
U.S. Senate. To Scrub, somehow wahine solons are too individualist/
non-team players, like Hanabusa/Patsy Mink/Helene Hale, or just too
clueless like Lorraine Rodero Inouye/Mazie Hirono. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Ambience —
Isn’t Vegas about escaping from Hawai`i to enjoy gambling/ambience?
If so, then legalizing gambling in Hawai`i won’t keep our residents home,
but certainly will be an added feature as a tourist spot for outsiders, esp.
from Asia. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
UH-Hilo’s 1st chancellor Paul M. Miwa 1920-2003 –
O`ahu Kapalama native Paul Miwa is Doshisha U.’s best-known American educator.
Paul was Syracuse U administrator before managing UH-Hilo thru its
inception into a 4 yr. B.A. program 1970. Paul was a steadying influence
in UH-Hilo’s embryonic phase. Paul was followed by no-nonsense
blunt Ed Mookini. On a personal level, Paul was an utter blowhard,
always bragging about himself & Paul’s athleticism/golf game at the
Elks Club. Paul’s wife Betty/Shinae accented Paul’s bluster w/her own
imperious attitude toward local buddaheads. Which is why Paul/Betty
were utterly isolated/lonesome in their sunset years. No one could
put up w/their monoshiri/know-it-all attitudes. Yikes! But to me, inside
them Paul/Betty had good hearts — they just couldn’t connect/relate
grassroot level w/locals here. Yes, they fit the stereotype/bigotry of
know-it-all haoles. After all, they thought of themselves as bananas/
yellow outside-white inside, at least to local joes/janes. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Current President Bush on social security —
Imagine, Pres. Bush wanted to privatize social security & invest funds
into the stock market. 442 Tom Mizuno from Waialua married Kona gal,
worked Pahala Sugar, then moved to Hilo/sold cars. Tom was a gutsy
strong baseballer, as good as anyone here [outfield/clean-up long ball
hitter]. Tom is back in Waialua. Rich Nakamura’s dad’s original last
name was Tenjoma [Yamaguchi prefecture], but dad Masa adopted by
Nakamura. Masa was Kitagawa Motors’ brain behind the operation.
Dopey Morita Pepe`ekeo boy, married Nekoba from same village. Dopey
had tremendous inner fire/determination, though he didn’t show it on
the outside. Pepe`ekeo mill camp boys incl. Norm Mizuguchi/Russ Okata/
Bobo Lapenia. Rich De Sa pitched for Asahi/got connected to Japan major
league via Angel Maehara/unlike his cousin Tony who actually was better
but didn’t go far because Tony played for Luso Braves. Yes, Joey De Sa
Diamond at Lanakila Field/Park is named after Rich’s brother’s son [Joey's
mom is Puerto Rican Matias -- great baseball genes]. Obama econ mainstay
Larry Summers born 1954 needs to stop being Mengele [Summers said that
men innately smarter than women in science/engineering]. Marker of
superiority — Summers genius, so to speak, precocious mind. Yikes!!
Rahm-bo Emanuel born 1959 made $232,000 as Freddie Mac director 2001,
after FM was plagued w/bad loans. Directors are casual/part-timers, not
fulltime employees. John Podesta [dad Italian/mom Greek] born 1949
salutary backdrop, Georgetown Law grad ‘76 [peers Ron Ibarra of Kona/
Mazie Hirono], Bill Clinton’s chief of staff 1998-2000. When Henry Peters
was asked why he/BE trustees made a killing as trustees, he flatly said,
“we’re like CEOs of large corporations.” Yikes! Don’t ask Rahm Emanuel
why. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Mo`o ali`i [diplomas not the measure of greatness] —
Yes, diploma-laden Bill Westervelt [B.A./B.Div./Doctor Divinity Oberlin (honor.)]
our foremost authority of Haw’n folklore into English. Bill’s undiploma’d/unadorned
esteemed peer nonpareil on Haw’n culture/health care/anthropology was intrepid
translator Theodore Kelsey, self-taught man. Both Westervelt/Kelsey immersed
completely via manuahi avocations on Hawaiiana. My kupuna June Gutmanis 1925-
1998 like my Dad & like her kupuna Theodore Kelsey, no college education [my Dad only
completed 8th grade]. But to me Kelsey/Gutmanis/my Dad were steeped in life
learning/self-educated. As a negative example, I never forgot John Silva, who
always self-pity-ed/lamented that he always got gypped because he didn’t know how
to read & write. Here we were 1975, & he, all but 50 yrs. old, w/no dyslexia-
innate impairment, didn’t self-start to read/write. But at the other end, a negative
example of diploma-arrogance, was pol-icon Wal Bento, intolerant/judgmental, who
had no clue that the Shinmachi furyoshonen/juveniles saw He-Man Kanaka/Jap
Matsu projectile him out of White Fence onto Punahoa St. No, da kids neva’
razz dis portagee fo whea he waz — dey wen laugh ‘cauz dis white flash
wen fling out thru da door like one white stringbean. Mameya Lane means
beans [pleasure center] in japanee!! Pleazha/treazha road, brah! Hea we say,
eh, no tink you betta’ jus’ cause you get diploma. Nonetheless, June Gutmanis was
cantankerous Theodore Kelsey’s devoted protege’ — & Kelsey taught her well,
because non-diploma June is the blockbuster author of integral bks. Na Pule
Kahiko [ancient prayers]/Kahuna La`au Lapa`au [herbal medicine]/Pohaku
[stones], not to mention scribed for Nat’l Geographic/Readers Digest. Born
in Nebraska like cornhusker Swede Steve Christensen, June came up the
hard way, even being WWII pilot!! Straight-shooting/plain-speaking [not small
talk] like ‘dem curmudgeon Appalachia hillbillies/Scot-Irish toughies. June Gutmanis
taught me all I know about HUMAN NATURE, a la sensible/pragmatic non-judgmental
Ka`u Mary Pukui & her AJA daughter Patience Namaka Bacon. June spoke
of listening to Kelsey emote about Queen Lili`u’s timeline/life maturation
& how intolerant/grandiose throne-pusher Lili`u blew her own monarchy
right out of the tranquil Pacific Ocean, only to regret her Bento-like arrogance
after it was too late [post-1893 overthrow]. Yep, she flew out of power
like on Mameya dirt lane ’cause she thought too much of herself/megalomania.
Clearly, a Disraeli/King Solomon she was not! See, ‘dis not about emperor/
empress worship like ‘da 442 kids/3rd generation-sansei flatulently bespeak
[pilau smell] glorified b.s. of their realistically flawed fathers. Like today’s b.s.
drivel about realistically flawed Lili`u, 442 b.s. just as bad. Kelsey/Gutmanis got
me grounded to reality here. Lovely, baby. Sadly for me, June/my Mom Teruko 1916-1998
died w/n 2 weeks of each other [June fatal heart attack/Mom fatal stroke], &
my Dad Toshi 1913-1998 died just 4 months after them [pancreatic cancer].
Mo`o ali`i — they are my lifeblood throne-bearers in my eyes till this very day.
Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Western culture — everybody’s equal –
Bks. of Daniel/Revelation show the metamorphosis of Christianity.
Just as Old Testament’s David/Noah/Abraham emoted the God
of Love, so did Peter/Paul transition from Old Testament fire/
brimstone to New Testament peace/goodwill to all. Thru
such sequences, we come to know that everybody’s equal before
God. Which is why the hegemonic pharisees persecuted Jesus.
Fast forward to William of Normandy who became King of England
in 1066 A.D., who ruled via feudalism, but such baron knight
crusades bankrupted the monarchy, which resulted in the
Magna Carta in 1215 A.D., that guaranteed the rights of
freemen [but in fact limited the King's power to protect the
rights of barons]. The Anglican Church resulted from Henry
VIII’s repudiation of the Pope’s refusal to allow Henry to
divorce in 1540. Of course, the “divine right of kings”
creed thereafter resulted in the outbreak of England’s
Civil War in 1642 & divine king Charles I’s execution in 1649.
Such liquidation of divinity stemmed from Elizabeth I’s Poor
Law signalling government relief for the destitute in 1601,
also fueling grassroot jury trial redux [intro'd by Normans
in 1066 A.D.][1670 trial of Quakers William Penn/Mead known
as jury foreman Bushell's Case that established independent
jury verdicts unmoved by abusive elitist judges].
Nonetheless, our American Revolution was caused by our
colonial repudiation of Monarchal economic exploitation.
France followed suit in 1789 via incendiary Voltaire/Rousseau
[both of whom died in 1778, right after the American
Revolution]. But Marx’ seeds of communism [public's
ownership of means of production--land/labor/capital--
vs. feudalism's control by landowners; vs. capitalism's
control by investors; vs. socialism's control by
laborers] resulted in 2 epochal genocides unmatched
a century ago — Stalin’s purges/Mao’s “cultural
revolution” — which did nothing but concentrate power
in a supertyrant/despot, destroying each society’s
social progress/aspirations. USSR disintegrated
via economic collapse in 1991, & Red China has
incorporated capitalism to shore up its economy.
Communism as precept never fulfilled itself in reality.
Everybody’s equal via the American Dream, rooted
firmly in antiquity via Scripture. We are reminded
via Matthew/Isaiah, & via Francis of Assisi/Erasmus
of our Social Gospel. Alms-giving/Divine Grace a
la King David/Jerusalem 1000 B.C. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Terry Shima/discouragement a part of life [if it ain't about 442, forget it!] –
Hi Ted Tsukiyama: It’s sad that Terry Shima chose not to go public w/Terry’s experiences w/his Uncle
Jesse Shima. I propagated Terry’s anecdote on Jesse before Terry pulled back on it. So goes the
untold legacy of Jesse Shima. Terry is a Laupahoehoe buddahead who was WWII
conscript/then to Georgetown, & to foreign service. Terry’s 442 “JAVA” story is an
“oracle” all its own, but my focus solely is on Jesse, whose crossroad in history is unmatched.
You being Christian, it’s about the fullness of time. My theme [if one dabbles in Scripture]
is everybody’s equal, which Jesse’s life exemplifies. Ted, you’re the very one who extolled
about the legacy of River St. Church. Your okasan attended it, Dan Inouye’s okasan
met Dan’s otosan there, & “the rest is history,” so to speak. My upshot on you militant
buddaheads [unlike on shin Issei Jesse Shima] is that in being born 1920/thereafter, your
outfit was able to graduate from high school [thanks to DPI egalitarian Oren Long post-
1934], unlike my otosan’s generation [my otosan born 1913/Wainaku mill villager/plantation
kids stopped at the 8th grade]. Your high school diploma set your gang on its audacious
run into history [442/GI Bill/Statehood/extraordinary leadership-mentorship]. My heart
rests w/the generation that had it much harder, my otosan’s gang. In this sense, you/I
are a world apart. But we can agree to disagree, still the same. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
From: Ted Tsukiyama [born 1920/442 historian]
Subject: Ted Tsukiyama’s upshot of Jesse Shima
Curt:
How did you know about the River Street Church? The tentacles of your historic research reach out farther than I have ever credited you with!
Yes, I have just finished a Church History for the forthcoming 120th Anniversary of Harris United Methodist Church, to be observed this coming July 13, 2008.
Ted
—– Original Message —–
From: Curt
Subject: Ted Tsukiyama’s upshot of Jesse Shima
From: Ted Tsukiyama
Subject: Great historian Ted Tsukiyama on Jesse Shima 1901-2002
Curt:
Yes, the article in the Hawaii Pacific Press first was published in the Hawaii Herald. Jesse Shima was one of the easiest subjects to write about, with an unbelievable remarkable story. They threw away the mold after Jesse Shima left us; they don’t make any like him any more.
What Church story are you referring to? [the history of the River St. Church -- your mom/Dan Inouye/etc.]
Ted
—– Original Message —–
From: Curt
Subject: Great historian Ted Tsukiyama on Jesse Shima 1901-2002
Hi Ted: Isn’t the Hawaii Herald article the same one that was in the Hawaii Pacific Press?
Will you mail me the story of today’s Harris Methodist Church? Thanks, –Curt
——————————————————
From: Ted Tsukiyama
Subject: Nephew Terry Shima on Jesse Shima 1901-2002
Curtis:
Thanks for sharing another facet in the life of a truly great humanitarian. Jesse Shima stands high in my pantheon of heroes. Did you read my story on Jesse Shima that was published in the Hawaii Herald a few years ago?
Ted
November 9th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Hysteria & Tokyo Rose [AJA Iva Toguri 1916-2006]
Hysteria overcame fact when Tokyo Rose Iva Toguri, zoologist,
was imprisoned by Tojo’s warlocks after she visited her ailing
family member in Japan. Under coercion/torture, she became Tojo’s
Tokyo Rose [anti-U.S. propaganda to disrupt U.S. military morale].
She was unwilling like POW John McCain. She was fully exonerated
& today is ennobled as an American hero. Prince Konoe was Tojo’s
nemesis & refused to exonerate principal/fully guilty Hirohito as requested
by MacArthur [who used Hirohito to ensure post-WWII stability]. For
this, Konoe was indicted as war criminal but chose death over folly.
Masaharu Homma should’ve released POWs after supply ran out from
central hdqtrs. But a soldier to the core, Homma could not release
enemy combatants, lest he be hanged for treason. Nonetheless,
Geneva Accords don’t excuse “following orders from high command”
w/crimes vs. humanity. Homma was shot [preferable to hanging]. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Sluice gates/locks at Wailoa pond
Twist on nomenclature: Waiakea folks refer to barge locks at Wailoa pond
[where today's double arch pedestrian bridges are] as “Upgates,” while
Waiakea Mill folks [where Hilo Shopping is today] refer to barge locks
as “Downgates.” Sluice gates/2 barge locks were to keep mullets &
other delectable fish in Wailoa pond. The only remnant today is the
rock mortar rampart that serves as the park wall perpendicular to
the pedestrian arch bridge closest to the large pavilion. The adjacent
dry dock/dockyard was used up to WWII, then fell into disuse after the
4/1/46 tsunami. The sluice gates/barge locks were discontinued after
Waiakea Sugar Mill [where today's Island Chevrolet is built up on 10 ft.
fill corner Kilauea/Kekuanao'a Sts.] closed down in 1948–Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Civil Unions bill [same sex marriage prohibited by State Constitution] –
Colleen Hanabusa wants to win next yr. [tougher Gov. race vs.
Abercrombie, instead of easier U.S. House inasmuch Mufi/Case
keyed on Senate in 2012]. Abercrombie tougher foe vs. GOP
Aiona in general election. Unlikely that GOP will crossover to
vote for Hanabusa over Abercrombie in Dem primary. U.S. House
race deflates stirring Civil Unions matter at our State level, inasmuch
economy/unemployment/Al Queda pressing D.C. issues. Hanabusa
better off for House race. On moral compass, you see the difference
b/n expedient-opportunist State Senate [I don't want to single out
Hanabusa] of today vs. Sen. John Hulten 1913-2002 of the pre-1973
Roe vs. Wade era, even though the roles are reversed? Hulten was
pro-life [Fighting Catholic to the bone] & opposed our abortion Act
based on his Faith, heedless of the so-called counterculture sway
of the 1960s & early 1970s. Even more pronounced/noblest of all,
Hulten was the only solon who fought [& beat] biggest influence
peddler Bishop Estate, whose trustees were Big 5 moguls — essentially,
Bishop Estate lords over/megapoly on land ownership, & its Big 5
trustees had stranglehold over commerce, autocratic control over
imports/exports/industries/finances/banking. Politically inclusive/
free-spirited Hulten, former California appraiser, always saw Hulten’s
Dem Party as the Party of the Unwashed, in that Hulten’s Catholicism
pegged him as the symbol of the nobody/powerless in society run
by Yankees [Protestants]. To Hulten, Bishop Estate’s Yankees/
Pilgrims-Puritans were the most recent incarnations of Catholic
persecutor Elizabeth 1558/Church of England. Unlike cowards Jack
Burns/serf Ariyoshi, Hulten fearlessly took on invincible Bishop
Estate, while Burns & then Ariyoshi soft-peddled on illogical
nonsense about how 2 classes of land interests would be created
by breaking up Bishop Estate’s demented rule over land/power,
namely fee simple owners/lessees who were not eligible for
leasehold conversion since their leases would not end soon.
Land reform as Burns/Ariyoshi saw it was off limits/taboo when
it came to Bishop Estate. Cowards. You see the huge gap
between Hulten & Burns-Ariyoshi? Yes, Hulten also proposed
the interisland ferry when Burns-Ariyoshi gloated over comps/
freebies by our 2 air carriers [Haw'n/Aloha]. Yikes! Love, -Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Evolving retail outlets –
Tanimoto Variety Store was the antecedent to Kress Store before Kress
came to Hilo 1932. Tanimoto Store was about 200 ft. south of Kress Store
on Kam Ave. Of course, Doc Hill’s 1962 2nd Hilo Shopping Ctr. on Kilauea Ave.
sped the antiquity of Kress Store. Doc Hill’s 1st Hilo Shopping Ctr. is where
today’s Bayside Chevron is on Kam/Pauahi Sts., destroyed by 1960 tsunami.
Then the Kaiko`o Mall 1971 took major shopping away from Kress downtown,
followed by Kress’ death knell via Prince Kuhio Plaza 1985. Of course, the
big box retailers led by Walmart took major shopping away from Prince
Kuhio Plaza. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Tasuku Harada 1863-1940 bridged Japan-U.S. relations
Father of Japan industrialism Eiichi Shibusawa 1840-1931 hand-picked Japan’s
1st Yale U. divinity grad Tasuku Harada [president of Kyoto Christian Doshisha
U. 1907-1920; friend of Castle ohana here] to head UH Japan Studies program
1921. Harada bridged East-West relations w/altruists Frank Atherton-Bill
Westervelt-Alex Hume Ford-Charles Hemenway. Harada’s internationalism spawned
the next generation of peacemakers/leaders Shigeo Yoshida-Shunzo Sakamaki-Hung Wai
Ching. Amazing succession of leaders from Shibusawa to Harada to Hung Wai
Ching. Cross-cultural from Nipponese to Chinese-American, just the way
idyllic internationalists such as Merchant St. godfather Frank Atherton would
have it. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Dr. Francis Wong 1919-1971 [died of cancer]
Nicknamed “Fonkey” [Fun Chung], mother Japanese, Francis’
dad had restaurant mauka/Puna corner of Kilauea/Mamo Sts.
[by Kaya cutlery]. Leadership is a strange quality, seemingly
innate in guys like Steere Noda 1892-1986, who started his
Asahi baseballers at age 13 [to fight boredom], & Fonkey, who
started his Wanderers club in 1933 at age 14 [to fight boredom].
Boys used to play “steal stone,” meaning boys from a designated
circle would steal stones in center of other circles protected
by other boys. Fonkey knew that after a while, kids would start
stoning each other, then stone businesses/homes/etc. Thence
Fonkey’s drive to create wholesome outlets for his gang.
Fonkey’s club came from the Mamo triangle site where
Mamo/Kilauea/Keawe Sts. intersect. Thought to be mostly Chinese/
Korean kids, Fonkey’s boys actually all kinds/classes
of ethnicities. This year marks the 76th anniversary of Fonkey’s
amazing club — Fonkey entered his boys into the P & R league
run by teachers [& couple] Toma Tasaki/Mew Soon Chock [Tai On's
older sis]. Fonkey’s Wanderers captured no less than 5 team titles
in hoops/VB/track just in their 1st 2 yrs. of play 1933-1935. Ah Pat
Chun as advisor helped the boys excel. Fonkey had that magical
quality that facilitates great altruism in others. Though Joe Ayala
was a moocher/gambler, Fonkey knew that Joe was a great
mentor/coach, & Fonkey made sure that Joe coached the young
rebellious kids, esp. in boxing, being that Joe himself was a former
boxing titlist. Joe absolutely worshipped Fonkey, as did icons Dickie
Furtado [yes, the all-around athlete]/Bill Hapai [yes, Judge Hapai's
ohana]/John Low [yes, restaurant Sun Sun Lau/Kow's family]/W.H.
Kalua [yes, swim stars]/Ed Ung [yes, Beans Afook's family]/&
ubiquitous Johnny Yuen [pronounced Yen], Tai On Chock’s wife
Laura’s oldest sib/only brother, born 1923, who went on to be Fonkey’s
key confidant. Johnny was BoHawaii’s Rudy Peterson’s/Bob Sasaki’s/
greatest enabler Jim Evans’ stalwart golden boy [moved from bottom up],
started 1941 till retirement 1988, w/WWII as rifleman 9th Div. 47th Inf.,
Distinguished Inf. citation/Bronze Star awardee.
Fonkey’s boys Allen Correa [yes, Jimmy's family]/Tony De Sa [yes,
renowned baseballers incl. Joey De Sa]/great hitter Al Toodie Souza
[USF HoF]/Bert Nakaji [Lincoln Wrecker who was told by Fonkey not
to jump fence over to Fonkey -- team first, not me first]/Tai On Chock
[also told by Fonkey to lead Piopio Bears -- to Fonkey, each guy had
to lead/mission something needed in a locality -- Bert at Lincoln Park/
Tai On at Hilo Center-Piopio St.]/Br. Duane Cockett [Fonkey supported
Catholic Church-school/Kazuma Hisanaga [Fonkey worshipped by Beans
Afook, & Kazuma was Beans' protege] — today’s crop Guy Enriques [yes,
solon 1st scholarship recipient of Fonkey's endowment 1972]/Glenn
Hashimoto [Pirate who crossed over to Fonkey]/Pete Kimi [yes, hotelier
family/baseballers Eric Kurosawa-Ted Sugai-Russ Ejima-Earl Wakakuwa-
Derek Shigematsu-Russ Goya [yes, Wrecker-Pirate crew]/Lee Hamora/
Dan Labasan/Rich Pascual/Bully Spencer/. Fonkey was
surgeon U.S. Army/Navy Medical Corps WWII/Korean War, Lt. Commander
Naval Reserve — just an amazing leader. Yes, the Ho`olulu stadium is
named after him. Johnny Yuen carries on Fonkey’s legacy/tradition of
altruism/quiet strength. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Barack Obama’s tutu wahine —
“Toot” was very fortunate to come Hawai`i 1959 [Statehood] because
Hawai`i suddenly opened up to the world/inclusionary [vs. customary
Big 5 exclusion]. Toot was fortuitously lucky that Rudy Peterson 1904-2003
busted open Bank of Hawai`i 1955-1961 to women/minorities at the cusp of
Statehood. Unquestionably, Rudy is the biggest exemplar to banking not just here
but Stateside [BoAmerica] as well. Born into dire poverty, Rudy never forgot
his roots but unlike contempos then & today, Rudy always was compassionate/
generous of himself/his money. Essentially, Barack Obama has Rudy Peterson
to thank for in Barack’s upbringing — Toot didn’t have a college degree/was
tough-bred to the bone — not that escrowers needed a BA/BS, but accession
at the top post-Statehood welcomed a college degree. Barack’s wife said
2 weeks ago that to understand Barack, you need to understand Hawai`i.
No, not Chicago, not NYC — but Hawai`i! Everyone/everything impacting
our culture impacted Obama, incl. “outsider” Rudy Peterson [who set the
stage/tempo for rival First Haw'n Bank's Kanaka Johnny Bellinger]. By the
time Toot came to traditional handmaiden BoHawai`i [subrogated to Bishop/
1st Haw'n Bank] 1959, Cooke’s aristocratic bearings imprinted BoH as the
elitist/hi makamaka bank, over 1st Haw’n Bank. But grounded/grassroot
Peterson directed BoH toward populist marketing [Peterson recruited by
sage Walt Dillingham 1875-1963, who'd learned his bitter lesson not to
make money his god when Walt double-crossed buddaheads/Pinoys WWI
era by backing sugar planters, only to find WWII that buddaheads/Pinoys
were America's most loyal/patriotic/devoted-to-the-death subjects-people]
& popular inclusion w/n its ranks [ergo, marketer Bob Sasaki -- directors
incl. HWo Ching 1958-Chinn Ho-Mas Marumoto-etc.]. And Jack Burns
Del. to Congress 1956-1959, born into poverty like Rudy, understood well
& worked w/Rudy & their shared egalitarianism/altruism. Neophyte Gov.
Bill Quinn 1959-1962, ever imperious/impudent, was just too clueless/immature
for Rudy to embrace. Hawai`i is opposite from Stateside, esp. on race relations.
Here, local vs. malihini incl. anti-haole & anti-popolo slur/bigotry. Thence,
geopolitics, not race per se. Class-culture wars, not race wars. After all,
white/black no make diff if we lump da buggas togetha as us vs. dem, right?!!
Class-culture, not race, gang!! I always say that if Obama wasn’t raised by
middle class ohana, he’d be punking out on Houghtailing St./Rican territory.
Puerto Ricans are lovely folks, but the low-class stereotype hanging out at
Lanakila would be ascribed to Obama, who has Rican-Popolo looks. Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Outside infusion of ideas/action vital
Andy Wilson’s dad Bill, Shell Oil mgr., was benefactor/alter ego to
Tommy Kaulukukui in Waiakea. Pure haole, but aloha spirit is colorblind all the
way around. Milburn Gregory 1897-1966 WWI veteran out of Tex-Mex San
Antonio [a la Sam Rayburn/LBJ-- Hawai`i's greatest Statehood friends], came
to Hilo in 1937 as mgr. of Hawaii Motor Supply on Kam Ave. He immediately
joined up w/Dem Party’s Kanaka Johnny Wilson’s boys to rattle vs. GOP oligarchy.
I`iwipolena Lane’s Frank Serrao 1912-1986 [DLNR land agent located in old
County Bldg./Lt. Gov. under Oren Long 1951-1953 known as Sec. of the Territory]
& Kea`au Seiichi Morita 1907-1992 broke in Milburn to local politics. Leigh Hooley
1898-1982 was having a grand time dealing w/his militant former YMCA boys
who joined Dem Party like Dan Inouye born 1924. Luso pal Joe Fern 1872-1920 O’ahu
1st mayor died of diabetes & had Johnny Wilson 1871-1956 succeed him & carry
the torch of the common working man/woman Dem Party. By the time Wilson
became senile 1950, Taka Miyamoto 1897-1981/Herb Kum 1906-1993 took over
day-to-day mgmt. Lyman official John Beukema 1899-1984, whose Hilo Ctr.
[settlement complex--gym/etc.] along Kam Ave. like Milburn Gregory’s store,
was apolitical [Beukema of Springfield College was Kiyo Hamakawa's born 1929
inspiration to go to Springfield College, where Kiyo was hoops star & embraced
by Naismith HoF John Bunn/Bob Cousy]. NCAA godfather Bunn knew all about
Mandarin magician Ah Chew Goo born 1918 via HoF star player Hank Luisetti.
Myron Isherwood 1909-1984 married Muriel Lyman of Puna & was a great
sportsman/volunteer, but apolitical, as was Richard Nigga Tong 1912-1987,
as was Ruddy Tongg 1905-1988. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
“Did he [KIA] suffer?” —
My Dad Toshi 1913-1998 was the squad leader who told the parents/
families of 442 KIAs that their son did not suffer. My Dad vowed never
to have KIA families suffer anymore. My buddy Mel Gamayo born 1948
Vietnam special forces combat veteran, approached KIA elegy by
how much fact the family could handle, based on Mel’s eyeballing them.
W/vast TV-press coverage [Korean War was the last pre-TV war],
Mel was aware of outside truth-sourcing. If Mel felt that the family could
take the cold truth [almost never happened], Mel would say that amid the
unimaginable pain which the KIA suffered, Mel cradled his brother-in-arm
literally as a mother cradles her beautiful baby to comfort/love everlasting,
gently reassuring the KIA that everything’s gonna be all right, everything’s
gonna be all right, till the KIA draws his last breath. Sad, so sad. On the
other hand, if Mel felt that the family couldn’t take the cold truth, Mel would
omit any account of suffering. W/today’s cell phone camera technology,
the hell of war [per Union Gen. Sherman] is blasted before our very eyes.
Resume the draft/conscription! Our best deterrent to our own imperialism
[let's see rich/spoiled kids convoyed out to the line of fire -- ain't gonna
happen in Iraq/Afghanistan]. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Schooling not gauge of life learning —
Auto tycoon/GM’s Jim Roche 1906-2004 never went to college because his dad
died young. Haberdasher hat-wearer Harry S. Truman never went to college,
yet he was the epitome of Common Sense [practical actions]. Schooling
is no gauge of intelligence. Jack Burns barely finished St. Louis High, & as
a 21 yr. old flunkie who mooched off his mama/drank like no tomorrow, &
smooched w/Army girls while showing off his hoops moves. Gang, there
is a heaven/hope springs eternal! My dad never even finished junior high.
But Dad would listen to merits/demerits of line-item veto over budget
appropriations [checks & balances/separation of power b/n executive/
legislative branch]. Though line-item veto used by most state governors
[who also choose not to release monies if legislators override governors'
veto], U.S. Supreme Court struck down Congressional authorization of
line item veto to President on ground that U.S. President [Clinton]
usurped legislative sovereignty/authority. Hell, there was no
high school for Scrub Tanaka 1915-2006 to attend! Asshole personality
Isamu Kanekuni born 1921 knows political science better than poli-sci
professors. It’s about passion/immersion, not diplomas. Nope,
Isamu never went to college. One common thing about the
foregoing self-educated men — they don’t waste their breath/
time tolerating small talk [who did you bump into at the
supermarket today? Did you have constipation this morning?].
You see distinctly the small talk noiseboxes — the minute they
get thrown off by your deflection of their nonsense, they
immediately clam up like indian wooden statue outside a saloon.
Because suddenly, focus is not on their silly topics anymore.
And then when they’re forced to speak substantively, their
pace of enunciation slows to a crawl — because it’s not about
them or their topic anymore — it’s about anything but them, which
disinterests these talking heads to da bone.
Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Never mind your opinion — just say he [KIA] was a real hero —
442 F Co. kotonk [Westminster CAL.] KIA/posthumous DSC Kazuo Masuda led a
3rd straight nightly recon when he was killed. Yuki Okutsu had refused to recon
3 nites in a row, because the Germans were waiting for our boys. Which is when
Kazu Masuda upped/went into death’s jaws. F Co.’s Wataru Kohashi muttered how
insane it was to have our boys go on a 3rd straight recon, w/the Germans knowing
we were coming. Wataru felt how utterly tragic it was for Kazuo to meet the Reaper.
Wataru said “Dis bugga’ like kill himself, or what?” Wataru’s earlier DSC was given to 1st
442 KIA Kiyoshi Muranaga, kotonk, which then was upgraded to MoH 8 yrs. ago.
So Wataru/MoH Yuki Okutsu knew what they were talking about. But “suicide
charger” Kazuo averted forcing another squad guy to meet the Reaper. Thanks to
Kazuo, another fella came home to live his life. Wataru was trying to avoid meeting
Kazuo’s kazoku/kin, but I told Wataru that eventually, they’d meet Wataru. So
just tell them Kazuo was a real/true hero, which he was!! Wataru candidly thought
Kazuo had a death wish [suicide charger]. I want to feel that Kazuo, like his
kamikaze mikado/ancestral kin, felt it his highest duty to give up his life willingly
for our U.S.A. End result — Kazuo was our everlasting hero!! Of course, Wataru
doesn’t have to lie to cover up Wataru’s feeling that Kazuo was dastardly reckless.
Wataru can just flat out refuse to talk about the war, period! But after 65 yrs.,
it’s about closure/completion for KIA families, not about Wataru. So be a sport,
be noble. Salve/comfort them. Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Mitsuo Hasegawa born 1929 [my Dad's oldest sister Haruko's 1905-1995 son]
Mitsuo has tremendous love for his kazoku/family. Older brother Yoshito born 1926
felt thrown away by mama Haruko when Haruko sent Yoshito to live w/Haruko’s oldest
sib Masaaki 1902-1970, because Haruko had too many kids to raise [incl. 3 from her
deceased hubby's 1st marriage, whose former wife died in the 1919 flu pandemic].
Which is why rough-hewn Yoshito always was ostracized as lazy/useless by all of
his first cousins. Till this day Yoshito has a huge chip on his shoulders. Mitsuo cried
when Mitsuo described Yoshito’s feelings of abandonment/desertion. This is how loving/
utterly compassionate Mitsuo is. Mitsuo? Highest-ranking NCO [Sgt. Major] 442
replacement
[exact replica of my Dad]. Tough as nails on the outside. Heart of gold inside. I gave
his kazoku 1935 newsclip of Yoshito being awarded prize at Ha`aheo Elem. School for
garden/vegetable/fruit crop excellence. Mitsuo? When Mitsuo went to see oldest half-sib
Masato [Queen's Medical Director, M.D.] give a seminar in Hilo, Masato 1913-1991 turned
his back on Mitsuo. Masato forgot Masato’s hard scrabble roots. Masato/my Dad 1913-1998
got along well, only because Masato felt relieved that my Dad became older brah’ to Haruko’s
kids Suemitsu 1924-1997/Yoshito/Mitsuo/[Ray--Haruyoshi too young]. Had my Dad known of
Masato’s turncoat behavior/truculence vs. Haruko’s biological offspring/
Masato’s half sibs, my Dad would’ve beaten Masato to a pulp. But no one said anything
[haji/shame]. Masato asked Haruko’s baby brother Charley [Yushin] for loan to send Masato
to school. Charley ran Babang’s Wainaku Store but didn’t have cash to lend Masato. Masato
never came again to see Charley. That’s Masato — freakin’ asshole, in spite of his title/status.
Mitsuo, heart of gold. Then there’s Gaichi, orphan baby of Haruko 1922-2005, whose dad
was Uchinanchu contract worker old enough to be Haruko’s papa, Haruko only 16 when Gaichi was
born to her. Ojisan 1880-1931 forced Haruko to give up Gaichi for adoption [to uchinanchu Tokeshi
of Wainaku]. Gaichi walked across Wainaku Ave. to play w/same age Charley [Gaichi's uncle born
1920] every day, & always called Haruko mama. Amazing twists/turns! Ojisan haji/shame because
of Haruko’s orphan/uchinanchu child. But Ojisan Masayuki was ill w/emphysema for the last
decade of his life & Gaichi had free rein of the kazoku estate. No secrets — Gaichi knew Haruko
was Gaichi’s biological mama. Gaichi served in the 442 w/my Dad & referred to each other
as
bruddahs, Dad being sempai/older brah’ to Gaichi [actually was Gaichi's uncle]. Masato’s
brothers from his dad’s 1st marriage [Wife died from ful pandemic 1919] are
Masanori/”Jack” born 1915 & Takao/”Tommy” born 1918. Yoshito lived w/mama Haruko’s
oldest sib Masaaki 1902-1970 as a teen for 1 yr. [Masaaki's wife is Tsuyoko "Tsuyo-san"],
w/kids Masawo born 1927/Masayoshi 1930-1993]. Our ojisan/grandpa “Ole Jake” 1880-
1931 did not drink alcohol but was a bootlegger middleman [okolehao/sa-ke]. His nickname
comes from the bootleg lingo of “ever faithful” [to one's friends]. Masawo’s girlfriend
Yoshiko See says that Masawo has been very forgetful ever since he fell down/hit his head
in Dec. 2007[doesn't want to see M.D.]. TIA/stroke/dementia? Cousin Buddy Kiyojima
born 1933 was always a nice kid/guy,
per Uncle Charley [Yushin born March 1920 -- has full-blown/final stage Alzheimers].
Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Bringing Gospel to the masses –
William Tyndale 1494-1536 was burned at the stake for translating the Bible
into English, in defiance of Vatican Latin hegemony. Such absurdity would’ve
saddened Constantine I 272-337 A.D. 1st Roman Christian emperor, who was
transformed at the Battle of Milvian Bridge 312 A.D. when he saw the sign of
the Cross in the sky, & who proclaimed religious tolerance via his Edict of
Milan 313 A.D. Mystic Thomas A`Kempis 1380-1471 also would’ve been deeply
saddened by such malignant fear.
In intermediate school, Earl Nakasato born 1942 was accused by the cafeteria
monitor/teacher of not paying for his mid-morning cup of soup. When confronted
at the soup vat, Earl angrily threw his soup back into the vat. The vat had to be
thrown away. Such indifference/disregard/shortcoming by Earl transformed him
into the sensitive Christian he is today. When Earl fought w/peer at Nihon Gakko
School, Earl ran into the bushes when his dad 1914-1992 went to pick him up for
his expulsion. Earl never really made it up to his father. When Earl went off to
Ft. Ord, he spoke such thick pidgin that the airport courtesy matron asked if he
spoke English, rather than his foreign/mother tongue. Yes, domestic privacies per
Samuel Johnson which transformed Earl into our winged angel. Earl is such a loving/
forgiving person, he said it could’ve just as well have been him who gang raped Yang’s
girlfriend [Sansei honor student who no longer lives here] masterminded by Yang
himself [who later committed suicide -- drug addiction], including Butch Castro. Yes,
albeit as poetic justice laureate Alex Pope said, to err is human, to forgive is divine, swell-
headedness a half-century later reduxes Yang’s girlfriend as the almighty equalizer. I
know who she is & she ain’t a Dem Party faithful, that’s for sure. Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Polio & leaders a century ago —
As a child, Masaji Marumoto fell off a horse & walked w/a noticeable limp.
He was Shriner Hospital’s 1st surgery patient. He did office work for
his tycoon sponsor Kawahara. Field labor was not suitable because of
his limp. Thus arose his penchant for book learning. Had he been
able-bodied, would he have commanded a slew of “firsts” here
[1st AJA on Big 5 bd. 1954/1st AJA in nation on Supreme Court 1956/
etc.]? Right here in Honoka`a village 40 miles north of Hilo,
Joe Fontes was Ahualoa School principal –
he was book-learned because he was a cripple [walked w/double
canes]. So was Judge Botelho — book-learned because he too was
crippled. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Genoa Keawe R.I.P. 1918-2008 –
Aunty Genoa was a devout churchgoer/Mormon, & served her God
way more than her famous singing gigs. However, she expressed
appreciation for everyone who enjoyed her music, & was grateful to
music deejays. As w/Kahauanu Lake, Aunty
Genoa had an abiding respect for her music industry peers. But
she privately lamented about Iz Kamakawiwo`ole’s rough mannerisms.
He carried today’s generation on his huge shoulders, & she wished
only that Iz could be a gentle giant of a leader, not a rough guy.
But after Iz’ brother Skippy’s death, she felt better that Iz toned
down his militant ways. Yes, she was more tutu than colleague
w/younger heroes like Iz. She did not hear Rose Kaohu Moe
1908-2000 [Tau Moe's wife], her forebearer [Rose's fame was
worldwide], but she had understood that Rose was a legendary
wayfinder from Hawai`i. Aunty Genoa was folksy/humble/
unpretentious, & you won’t find another kindred soul like her.
Love, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Winning attitude/strategy [anecdotes a la Blessed Mother Maianne Cope] —
1. Rawhide tough Bobby Lee born 1921, cigar-toting boxing czar 1947-1978,
has his share of detractors who disdain his rough projection/image, foremost
among them being the late Sad Sam Ichinose 1907-1993, who accused
Bobby of closing down boxing here [Bobby nixed Sam's tomato can imports
who were to be squished by Sam's money fighters]. Flip side is that Bobby
was among the first to nix Ali’s continued career here, based on Ali’s
Parkinson symptoms over a quarter century ago.
2. But casual boxing fans know not that Bobby was among our greatest
amateur fighters, our Jake La Motta incarnate. Bobby waived off
a pro career because he didn’t want his brains jostled. Smart move.
3. Winning attitude?? Our all-star AAU squad led by Bobby & mythic
lightweight rival Frankie Fernandez was awestruck by Stateside
lightweight template Georgie Toy, who mesmerized our boys w/
his speedbag magic/rhythm. Problem is that Toy was in the
same weight class box-offs as Bobby & Frankie. As die-hard
observers like Paul Lou know, Bobby vs. Frankie tiffs endure
as our greatest ever matchup/results. Well, unfortunately,
Bobby was intimidated by Georgie Toy’s magnificence, &
Bobby fought timidly in losing to glamour boy Toy. Had Bobby
been steel-resolved as w/Bobby’s legendary tiffs vs. peer
Frankie Fernandez, Bobby’s do or die attitude could’ve
won him the fight vs. Georgie Toy. Yes, the proverbial
could’a/would’a/should’a. Frankie got bruised up in the
other National semi- go, & was in no shape to corral/
punch out Georgie Toy in the Finals, which Toy won.
4. Strategy?? Watch Jake LaMotta again. Qualify that
you see him get browbeat by the greatest-ever fighter,
boxing perfectionist Sugar Ray Robinson. But watch
closely LaMotta. Jake exemplifies the inside school of
fighting. Watch how Jake tucks his chin & avoids
spear-straight shots. Watch Jake’s “lazy-S” [misnomer--
denotes upper torso/head weave -- also called doing
the 8] movement — how Jake avoids head shots/direct
impact blows. Oldtime boxing is the art of self-defense,
& my paradox/exemplar is Jake LaMotta, my raging bull
who used his head to strategize, not just to be
a battering ram. Had mythic hero Bobby Lee been
schooled in strategy, he would’ve had the confidence/
winning attitude to beat Georgie Toy.
5. Our 1st local Nat’l AAU titlist Jose Mercado [son of
Sakada/Pinoy], who toiled in Na`alehu sugar mill
60 miles south of Hilo, chafed that his toughest foe
was forebearer Nat’l AAU runner-up Gilbert Murakami,
prototype moving target defense. Jose never could
land a clean punch. But as amateur coach Charley
Miller [ex-pro boxer] intoned, Statesiders were
cat-quick & able to corner runner Gilbert. As fellow
peer Joe Louis said [genesis is in Greek mythology],
“You can run, but you can’t hide.” Winning attitude??
Do or die. Catch can. Strategy?? Angles/geometry –
cut off the ring, don’t chase the runner. Pursue
diagonally, w/the 4 corner posts [& if necessary,
the ring ropes] as your army. Five to one
advantage [4 corner posts w/you in pursuit vs.
your solitary foe]. Best example of this — watch
Salvador Sanchez vs. Richard Rozelle 1979.
Rozelle is Gilbert Murakami getting cornered/
pummeled, via Sanchez’ winning attitude/strategy.
6. Which brings us to Syracuse area NY’s International
Boxing Hall of Fame, hometown of indomitable
warrior Carmen Basilio. My goal is to pick up where
world boxing godfather Hank Kaplan left off 1919-2007,
to enshrine Kui Kong Young born 1916 & Bobby Lee,
as Hank did w/Bobo Olson & Sad Sam. Hank loved
Hawai`i. Erudite Herb Goldman chairs the selection
committee, & he promises to endorse Young/Lee.
Syracuse?? Blessed Mother Marianne Cope of
Syracuse’s Sisters of St. Francis, a fledgling
retreat in 1883, came upon our lepers here 125
yrs. ago, after 47 other orgs refused. She
chastened, “There are Chosen Ones to
sacrifice themselves, & it is my privilege to
be among the abandoned lepers.” Amazing
courage!! She became a martyr to her Faith.
As Father Damien himself did. King Kalakaua’s
wife Queen Kapi`olani, w/tears streaming down
her face, exuded to Blessed Marianne, “My
poor afflicted children, you left your home &
your country to care for my children — you
are my Sister.” And so it is that Franciscan
Marianne is beatified a la Saint Damien.
Fittingly, Hilo’s St. Joseph School has the
longest continued presence of our Blessed
Sister[s] from Syracuse. “Light the Way,”
of virtue/valor/victory [of Good over Evil].
Beatified Marianne 1838-1918. We frail
beings are drawn to spiritual giants of
history. Syracuse, pono, baby! Love, –Curt
——————————————————————————–
From: Judy Hayashida
Subject: O`ahu Oldtimers Boxing Club 1985 still existent today
Curtis, If it’s okay I would like to use some of your information for my OTBC slide show!
[IT'S OKAY--Curtis]
Judy
From: Curtis Narimatsu
Subject: O`ahu Oldtimers Boxing Club 1985 still existent today
Pro-active boxing trainer/organizer Fred Yasui had life/death amateur fights vs. indomitable
David Kui Kong Young born Dec. 1916. Only the titular Frankie Fernandez vs. Bobby Lee
wars surpassed the Yasui vs. Young chapters. Of course, Freddie’s older brother,
stoic Johnny Yasui, is the top man in the Yasui dynasty. After Johnny’s storied
pro boxing career, Johnny started the Waipahu Boxing Club sponsored by ubiquitous
plantation mgr. Hans L’Orange.
With boxing fading in the 1980s, spirited Freddie decided to restore our boxers’ glory
days by starting up the current Oldtimers Boxing Club [OTBC], w/facilities provided
by boxing fan/udonya entrepreneur Shiro Matsuo. So in 1985 Freddie corraled his
1930s peers Young/Bobby Lee/Benny Mactagone, along w/brothers Johnny, Ed, &
Tommy, & Shiro’s saimin noodled into history as boxing’s feature bowl. As the
original gang died out, our former Hilo kazoku/family benevolently underwrote the
maintenance of OTBC, w/tremendous guardian angels like Masa Nakaoka/Masa’s
brother-in-law Ray Hasegawa [who is my first cousin]/George Yanabu/Bobby
Hayashida. Why “outsiders/former neighbor islanders?” Because transplanted
emigrates are very goal-oriented. Hawai`i legacymakers in social/political history
are former neighbor islanders — Dom LosBanos/Spark Matsunaga/Toshi
Serizawa/Sakae Takahashi/Luso-Portuguese Joe Pao/JB Fernandes — all Kaua`i genesis
– from Maui are Takaichi Miyamoto/father of the workingman Najo Yoshinaga/Elmer
Cravalho — from Hilo are Wainaku’s Bishop Stephen Alencastre [hails from Porto
Santo Madeira Portugal, home of Christopher Columbus' wife's family]/100th Batt.
godfather Farrant Turner/Shigeo Yoshida [Hilo High's greatest alumnus '26 -- who
averted mass internment of our 160,000 buddaheads here WWII]/Walt Dods’ dad,
hoops teammate of Ah Chew Goo/greatest Sakada-Pinoy Pablo Manlapit/
& of course the war canoe king of Hilo Kamehameha the Great, not to mention
Jesus incarnate — the man who suffered tremendously — Henry Opukahaia
1792-1818 [named such because upon his parents being killed by Kamehameha's
forces vs. Kaiana -- 10 yr. old Henry tried to escape w/his baby brother on his
back, only to be speared by Kamehameha's warrior, which split open Henry's brother's
back & belly -- thence opukahaia stands for split belly -- Henry's suffering ended
w/his fatal typhoid fever in 1818] — Henry’s love for humanity immortalized him
as a forsaken martyr to his unconquerable devotion/Faith.
Our OTBC & Bobby Lee are featured in Dan Cisco’s phenomenal book, “Hawai`i
Sports History, Facts, & Statistics 1999.” Love always, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Hirohito’s hawks like Tojo vs. doves like Admiral Osumi Nagano –
Hirohito professed admiration for the West/U.S., promoted himself as
a nature-loving/pacifist biologist, but was just as much an imperialist
as the U.S. was under Teddy Roosevelt. Hirohito chose war hawks
from the Army like Tojo, over Naval doves like Osami Nagano 1880-1947,
who studied at Harvard/was military attache to U.S., & Isoroku Yamamoto
1884-1943 [Niigata native like blindly loyal devotee Kiyo Okubo/Rich Imai],
who was less redemptive than wise/sage/older Nagano, the real hero
behind the doves. Sadly, Nagano was dismissed as old fart & not as
forceful/powerful as Yamamoto, who threatened to resign if Nagano would
not approve [Nagano reluctantly said okay after being coerced by Yamamoto]
Yamamoto’s attack on Pearl Harbor [to give Japan 6 months to gain
Indonesian oil sources, in light of U.S. embargo vs. Japan]. Yamamoto told
Nagano it was do or die [no war material to carry on vs. U.S.]. Manchuria
was rich in iron/steel resources, thence Tojo’s invasion [vs. Nagano/Yamamoto
opposition]. Nagano was our foremost dove who wanted to co-exist/cooperate
w/U.S. Younger Yamamoto was more feisty & figured that co-existence was
okay only if Japan were given leeway to capture natural resources [SE Asia
oil/rubber/iron]. Hirohito chose war hawks vs. symbolic dove Nagano. Tojo
studied in Nazi Germany, thence Tojo’s war hawk demise. Peaceful Prime
Minister Konoe was ousted in favor of Tojo by Hirohito himself. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
“Take it out once in a while”
Groucho Marx 1890-1977 got fired from his
TV talk show when his regular guy guest said that he had
13 kids, at which point Groucho slapstick style said, “Hey,
I love my cigar too, but I take it out once in a while!!”
Yikes!! David Letterman is like a fun-
loving Groucho Marx, & Jay Leno is like Johnny Carson.
John Lennon’s favorite caricature was Groucho
Marx. Charlie Chaplin was so exquisite/superhuman in his
physical comedy, that few folks can imitate Chaplin’s demanding
duck walk. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Jetty on west side of Wailoa river mouth
Silt and sand constantly build up in Hilo bay and at the mouth of
Wailoa river. Which is why you find today’s jetty/groin on the west or
Hilo side of our Wailoa river mouth, to increase the river current
to flush away the built-up sandbars. The first jetty was built in
1897 [to make safer navigation for the Waiakea Sugar mill, which
barged its bagged sugar from the headwaters by where today's
low income apartment bldgs. are at the innermost reaches of
the Wailoa pond], & Matson Navigation [its first port was at
today's Suisan boat harbor on the west/Hilo side of the harbor]
rebuilt/extended the effect of the original jetty with wood planks
installed on piles on both sides of the mouth of Wailoa river extending
out into Hilo bay for 100 feet or so, that prevented sandbars from
forming in the Wailoa river channel which blocked passage of vessels
and small crafts. Because of Hilo’s immense rainfall, silt/debris
constantly wash down from land elevations into Hilo bay via culverts/
Waiolama canal/Wailuku river/Waiakea stream/etc. Thence, when you
look at century-old photos of the mouth of Wailoa river, you see sheaths
of wood planks on pilings on both ends of the river mouth. Now you know
why. The ocean current along the shore moves from Wailuku river toward Wailoa/Waiakea river. Aloha, –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Failure/rejection inspired Francis “Doc” Wong 1919-1971
Mamo St. [Times Square/Fort St. of Hilo] had its Chinese gang incl.
Ah Chew Goo/Ah Yet Wong [later M.D. on Maui]/Reggie Lau [Ralph Lau's
baby brother of Hily Dry Goods--martial artist Bernie Lau's stepfather]/
Ed & Robert Ung [Beans' baby brothers], all just a year or so older than
Fonkey Doc Wong. Doc Wong wanted in w/this gang, but was rejected
because Doc was younger than them, not that Doc was half-Japanese
[parents owned restaurant on SW corner of Mamo St.-Kilauea Ave./
parents rented apt. at 2 story Hale Nani Apts. off Butcher Lane off Kumu
St. that shows up in 1946 tsunami photos]. So instead of sulking, Doc
just goes & starts Doc’s own gang that became today’s incredible Wanderers.
Ah Chew got too renowned for Ah Yet Wong’s [no relation to Fonkey] gang
& joined Froggie Yoneda’s Lincoln Wreckers group. Eventually, Ah Yet’s
gang disbanded [after kids finished up schooling]. Yes, failure/rejection
resulted in the formation of Fonkey’s Wanderers club. Amazing — adversity
created positive opportunities. As it turned out, Ah Yet’s gang led w/air
about them [imperious], kind of like how buddaheads Ted Tsukiyama/Ed
Ichiyama are today [proud]. Doc Wong’s gang was grassroot/earthy/
compassionate/loving. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Taisho/”Generalissimo” Isamu Kanekuni Yamaguchi ken–
Isamu always obsesses over money, saying that John Tsukano should not
have written the greatest 442 book if John were going to go broke doing
so. That na-ga-ee hana shee [motor mouth/long-winded] Shun Kimura
is all show & no go [orator/no substance], despite Shun’s proven track
record as our greatest mayor 1964-1974. That my focus on remembering
gallery of past heroes [Ho`olulu baseball stadium should remove Dr. Francis
Wong's name & revert back to Ho`olulu baseball stadium name, but honor baseball's
long-serving contributors/pioneers Nobu Maruyama/Richard Nakamura/
George Thompson--Uncle Willy's brother/Jimmy Correa][Civic Auditorium
should remove Afook-Chinen names & revert back to Hilo Civic
Auditorium name, but honor hoop/Civic Auditorium icons Richard Pablo
Chinen/Walter Victor/Al Manliguis -- Hilo Armory should honor Beans
Afook] is a waste of time, per Isamu, because newspapers aren’t
gonna publish stories that don’t affect today’s readers. No one cares
about the past/history. Again, Isamu is a very negative example/role
model to anyone who aspires to serve others/humanity. Which is why
Isamu doesn’t think twice about shorting anyone servicing him [waitresses/
customer reps/etc.]. Isamu is taisho/tenno heika [sh_t don't stink/lord/his
majesty, the emperor]. Again, Isamu has high school diploma [born 1921,
Hilo High 1939 grad, thanks to DPI chief Oren Long 1934-1946]. Isamu from
money is god geostrategic/merchant roots Yamaguchi ken-district [same w/Hiroshima
ken-district]. To Isamu, if you ain’t gonna make a dime off your efforts, you’re
too stupid to know better. Which is why Isamu feels that Haw’ns & cash
mngmt. are like oil & water. Isamu doesn’t live the aloha spirit, except in
sycophancy — extends credit to vendors to get a leg up on them — but
Isamu gets wiped out when they write him off/no pay bills-invoices. Isamu
is not austere like Scrub Tanaka was — Isamu has lifetime of salted-away
dough from his essential commodity wholesale distributorship. To me, for
Scrub’s lack of money thereof, Scrub Tanaka was more redemptive than Isamu.
Scrub never made money his god. After all, Scrub is Kyushu Island Fukuoka
ken-district [home of warrior class samurai, revoked back to farms after
Meiji Mutsuhito 1868 dissolved samurai/adjacent district Kumamoto same
roots -- my dad is Kumamoto, which is why Scrub respected my dad, who
was Scrub's elder -- watch Tom Cruise's movie The Last Samurai]. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Leadership
Earl Finch died a broken man, in spirit/body. Where was the 442 leadership
to take care of our boys’ savior/messiah? Seiji Naya was brought here from
Japan by Hilo Uka’s Henry Oshiro born 1920, who coached our boxing team on
its jaunt to Japan, where Seiji was star boxer [Seiji actually Korean].
I asked Seiji directly why Seiji never showed gratitude to Henry [Waiakea-
Uka Camp 6 boxer/Pablo Chinen's bosom buddy], who got Earl Finch to
sponsor Seiji here. Seiji dismissed Henry as a guy w/PTSD. I told Seiji
that Seiji should respect Henry even more, being that Henry had such a
good heart to give Seiji a dream life in America [Seiji big whip/chief
economist-professor]. Seiji is for Seiji, just like the leftover crop of 442
boys still living [those born b/n 1920-1925 & replacements born 1925-
later]. Sheez … –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Kenichiro Zenimura 1900-1968 —
Buddahead Zenimura considered “father of AJA baseball,” but Takie Okumura 1865-1951
started it all before Ken was even born! Chimpei Goto 1887-1954 chronicled Okumura’s founding
of baseball. Asahi owner Ken Oki 1895-1988 bolstered Japan linkage via Bozo Wakabayashi
1908-1965, not to mention Oki’s r/n w/Onomea native [Japan college guru] Hisashi
Koshimoto 1894-1935 [Japan baseball HoF enshrinee]. Hilo hurler Yasu Nakamura [deported
back to Japan violation Prohibition sa-ke] was most impressive to Bay area AJA scouts 1922,
other than Hilo Boy Wonder Kenso Nushida 1900-1983. Other Hilo JAC stars Mas Jinbo/Mas
Shimamura/Fat Okino held up well w/Stateside AJA calibre [augmented "all-star" calibre].
Hilo hurler Shigeru Ironman Morimoto not able to augment because family commitments/job.
Kathy Jinbo Yamada born 1952 is Ironman’s granddaughter/Mas Jinbo’s kin.
In today’s top-flight competition, our Hilo stars would be pro entry level. Nakamura had
good size 5′8″ for 1920. Zip-da-do Zenimura only 5′0″ 110 lbs. Nushida only 5′1″ 125 lbs.
Peewees — no size/positiion for higher pro calibre. –Curt
November 9th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
“Poor as church mice” [Ted Kelsey 1891-1987 not the only destiny-maker] —
In 1987, just 3 yrs. before Scot John Young died 1902-1990, stout-hearted protege`
Ted Tsukiyama born 1920 did the interview of Ted’s lifetime, which Ted promptly
forgot about. Ted too caught up in Ted’s own glory of the VVV [germinated the
follow-up 442 via godfather Hung Wai Ching 1905-2002]. This is the irreplaceable
Scotman Young live/clear — “You see, the plantations didn’t want to spend their
time and money on these Japs and Chinks — they didn’t want any attractions for
these kids that would take them off the plantations. When I came here to Honolulu,
Old Dr. Billy Goat Smith [1883-1967] tells me he got a problem on his hands at Royal
School [misnomer, Emma St.'s tenement-ville]– Hung Wo 10 yrs. old/Hung L 12 or
so/Hung Wai teen/ — the Chings lost their father on the old Haleakala boat — he was
a cook who came out on the deck & took opuku [opium] & got washed overboard –
they never found his body [not true --KL Ching says immigrant Yei Ching lived to a ripe
old age]. He left 5 daughters and 4 sons — they poor as church mice!!
When Hung Wo & Hung Leong were kids at Royal Elem., we had hot lunches for 10
cents — their mother so sad & poor, she give them 10 cents to buy one pie and split
the pie between these 2 little boys. So ole’ Billy Goat [Smith] tells me — ‘da kids canNOT
live on that! They got to get hot lunch!’ So for 4 yrs. I spirit my money to Dr. Smith
for these poor church mice, but I never want the publicity about it. But somebody
’squeal’ & that’s why Hung Wo never forgot me — so I retired from YMCA in 1966
on my birthday April 1, Hung Wo writes me his tribute which I didn’t want — he
says ‘As of this date, as long as I live for as long as you live, you will receive from
me [Hung Wo] $3,000 a year.’ I DIDN’T receive it, but he still thanked me for the
lunches I paid for these poor kids out of Emma village. His written P.S. said ‘thanks
for all the lunches!’ Chinn Ho really adored his leader huge Lloyd R. Killam [1885-
1981], & Chinn Ho worked for Dean Witter, so he got his 20 boys from his McKinley
Class of 1924 to pitch in money every month, & that money BUILT the Ilikai Hotel!
And Chinn Ho puts on this fabulous fete to honor his leader big Lloyd Killam!!
Hiram Fong/Masaji Marumoto/Hung Wai Ching/Harry Lin, all these boys. Chinn Ho
wanted it kept secret, so you keep this to yourself, okay? Lloyd Killam [previous
YMCA director 1912-1924] told me [Young YMCA director 1924-1928] that the
haole plantation owners and Merchant St. bosses [Big 5] would hate me, that I’d
be an outcast. Because Lloyd told me to stay away from these guys. I didn’t care,
because my father had already disowned me because I was recruited by Lloyd to come
to Hawaii to be among Chinks. I didn’t even know Japs existed! Anyway, I never regretted
my choices. I wouldn’t have it any other way. These are my kinds of people [Asian immigrants].
But the good haoles were William Westervelt [1849-1939], who took good care of me, Frank
Atherton [1878-1945], who was so unlike the other plantation types, & your guy Charles
Hemenway [1875-1947], who took care of you kids at Manoa. Al Vierra was another great
leader but sadly he died young. Chinese Stephen Mark was another great one who talked to
you kids in the VVV.” — Yikes!! Destiny-makers all! P.S. — loving soul Andy Wilson’s
born 1946 dad Bill was Tommy Kaulukukui’s born 1913 spiritual papa/sponsor/alter ego at
Shell Oil Co. in Waiakea/Yashijima-ville. The Wilsons pure haole but so what?! Aloha is
color-blind, baby. Love, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Angelheart Rev. Bob Nakata was leftist Ron Fujiyoshi’s ROTC understudy. Ron says that Bob stays away from Hawaiian sovereignty, & thence Ron dismisses Bob as half-hearted. I say Bob has a point, and Ron misses the point. Love always, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Champion of humanity KingLit Ching born 1936 –
KingLit not only rescues the damsel in distress as our Prince Charming, he rescues humanity
from vengeful Zeus a la Prometheus. Yet, unlike JFK’s Whiz Kids that place disastrous
faith in egghead diplomas, KingLit grounds us in harmony w/common sense/uncorrupted
authenticity/noble cultural memory of simpler sensible times. KingLit is not today’s stock
character who achieves fame/fortune & no sooner talks down to people a la Donald Trump.
KingLit is our Rousseau who finds utopia w/n the hearts of everyday people [even though
KingLit is Harvard MBA]. KingLit’s sentimental romance/undying innocence sustain him beyond
the temptations of pride-narcissism/self-interest-greed. Because of KingLit’s grassroot
courage/sense of self-worth, KingLit is my Abraham who gathers his people toward the Lost
Horizon in search of Truth/Canaan. Love, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Clarity –Billy Kenoi at age 40 –
It’s not about public service [Clinton's Lewinsky debacle not impeachable].
It’s about hypocrisy [family values a la John Edwards/uptight self-righteous
attitude a la Clayton Hee]. Thankfully, I’ve seen a tremendous positive
maturation in Billy Kenoi, from his rough/tumble obscenity-riddled pep talks
among anti-drug forces–from the alleged Grabel incident 5 yrs. ago —
to John’s transformation from son of thunder to apostle of compassion.
Thru sheer clarity/positive purposeful attitude, Billy is our mayoral John
the beloved. More so than Wayne Metcalf/Ron Menor, Hawaiian heart Billy
understands living Aloha, not just preaching it. Love, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:09 am
FDR key foreign relations advisor Harry Hopkins 1890-1946 –
Harry Hopkins was born into grassroot America & plucked out by FDR
to lead New Deal/WPA, & then was called by FDR to be FDR’s closest foreign
relations advisor. Hopkins was Jesse Shima’s friend/confidant, & loved
Jesse for Jesse’s fulfillment of the American Dream [coined in 1930 amid the
Great Depression]. No other Nikkei had friends in such highest reaches of power/
influence. Hopkins advised Jesse on the “Social Gospel” & that for much that
is given, much is expected, per Jesus. Jesse learned well under Sensei Hopkins.
After all, the name Jesse is but a variant of Jesus. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Mordecai’s disciple — Jesse Shima 1901-2002 our most important Nikkei in U.S.
Hebrew Mordecai took in orphan Esther as his own child, & Esther went on become
Queen Esther of Judaic tradition. Mordecai means “to serve” in ancient Judaism.
So what does this have to do w/Jesse Shima? D.C. Howard U. has churned out
more Black Ph.D.s than any other college, & ranks among the greatest 100 colleges
in America. First-ever Black president & longest-serving chief Rev. Mordecai Johnson
1890-1976 [president 1926-1960] was Jesse Shima’s bosom buddy. Rev. Johnson
oversaw the greatest accomplishments in civil rights, including alumnus Thurgood
Marshall’s Brown v. Bd. of Education decision 1954, w/Howard campus being the nerve
center for strategy. Rev. Mordecai saw in Jesse –Mordecai himself in the mirror, as if
Old Testament Mordecai had suddenly come alive. Jesse was Mordecai Johnson’s Esther,
& Rev. Johnson never let go of this providential awakening till Rev. Johnson’s dying day.
Through Jesse’s dear friend Rev. Johnson –our top Nikkei went on to become chosen
leaders in their fields [Laupahoehoe's Kenneth Otagaki's brother/Suehiro/etc.] Mordecai
kept a close eye on Jesse as Jesse was brought up by D.C.’s matron saint Mary Foote
Henderson, wife of deceased former Missouri Senator John Henderson. Mordecai studied
Jesse’s adjustment to D.C.’s Black population as Jesse evolved from Esther the orphan to
Queen Esther, & how Jesse always uplifted destitute Blacks. Mordecai’s own Black friends
regaled about Jesse’s sense of fairness/love for all. Yes, Mordecai Johnson never lost sight
of Hebrew Scripture, & forever embraced & advocated for Jesse Shima. I thank Jesse’s
nephew, Henry Shimabukuro born 1931, for these never-before-seen observations/evaluations
of Uncle Jesse. Jesse had greatest aloha for Henry, who was among the earliest Nikkei to ascend
up the military chain of command [Air Force Colonel -- came home to care for ailing okasan Matsu
Shimabukuro in 1983]. Henry, like Uncle Jesse, is magnanimous
in praise of others like Rev. Mordecai Johnson. Henry lived/worked/schooled in D.C. during Jesse’s
“golden years” post-WWII, & lived w/Uncle Jesse-Aunty Miyoko during the critical period post-
WWII/Korean War [Jesse's diplomacy between Japan-U.S.] Terry Shima was a draftee & not
among the original 442 boys like my Dad. Terry was gone/away during the juncture of the Korean
War. As I eyeball the post-1920 born buddaheads like Terry/Ted Tsukiyama/Ed Ichiyama, these
guys fawn over their era, unlike common saint of Equanimity Herb Isonaga
[1921-2009 Kaua`i boy but humble as the summer day is long, unlike his post-1920 born
contempos]. Like I told our greatest AJA historian Dr. Franklin Odo — homogenized fluff is not accurate
history — we’re all Jekyll/Hyde, & Jesse Shima was no different [Jesse's rejection of okage sama de
--expressing that Jesse's hanai mama Mary Foote Henderson was more a mama to Jesse than Jesse's
own biological mama/etc.] Love, –Curt
Jesse at the nerve center of power/influence in D.C. Jesse’s Henderson legacy catapulted
him to work with the leaders in Congress/White House. Jesse facilitated Issei/older Nisei
entrepreneurship [Tony Honda kazoku]. Jesse uplifted his Nikkei like no other Nikkei in
America. Howard University was Jesse’s spiritual brother in arm. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Tanomu [help/support]/untold hero Jesse Shima –
Shokan Shimabukuro [Jesse Shima] 1901-2002 [Issei; naturalized U.S. citizen 1957]
came to Hawai`i & went to Hilo Lyman Boarding School, then attended McKinley High
School from 1918-1923. Jesse sojourned to D.C.
where he was hanai’d into 13th Amendment genesis [abolished slavery] Sen. John Henderson
of Missouri [abolitionist]. Jesse was unable to inherit D.C. scion Henderson’s estate as its
sole beneficiary because of anti-alien inheritance/land laws. But Henderson left enough money
for Jesse to live out comfortably Jesse’s life. Jesse sponsored/tanomu our later greatest leaders
from Hawai`i [D.C. GW/Georgetown U. incl. Dan Inouye/Katsugo Miho/Shige Kanemoto/John Ushijima/
Herb Shimabukuro(no relation)/Sumio Nakashima/Don Ching/Al Shim/Jack Desha/etc.]. Sparky
Matsunaga went to Boston’s Harvard & only later came to know benevolent Jesse. But again,
exemplar Dan Inouye’s militant discard of sonkei mukasho no [respect tradition/elders] resulted in
nascent solons Dan/Sparky/etc. not availing themselves of immense wisdom in centenarian Jesse.
Jesse was responsible for post-WWII Japan reconstruction [was informal embassy for Japan until Japan
began post-WWII embassy in 1952]. Jesse facilitated Okinawa’s remaining a prefecture of Japan
instead of Jesse’s native Okinawa being a U.S. trust territory/colony. Jesse was responsible for
post-WWII Okinawa reconstruction [supplied commodities/goats, like how Steve Yamashiro's dad
supplied pigs]. Jesse was responsible for 1952 Naturalization Act allowing Issei to be U.S. citizens.
Jesse aided JACL’s Mike Masaoka 1915-1991 on legislation. Again, Dan Inouye’s militant gang never
thought enough to avail of Jesse’s proven wisdom/statesmanship. Inouye, now on his twilight march
to his Maker, regrets such youthful indiscretion/insolence. Genro/oyabun/godfather Jesse would’ve
been of immense help/stability to Inouye, who is today’s greatest Hawai`i historymaker [pork barrel
infusion/prosperity]. Jesse even presented Ike via press secretary bosom buddy Jim Hagerty w/silk
screen gift from Hirohito 1953. Hirohito relied heavily on “Japanese ambassador Jesse” [Jesse declined
Hirohito's Distinguished Cultural Service Medal created just for Jesse]. Jesse was feted many times over
as the most distinguished/outstanding Japanese in the U.S., much more than self-gloating “Moses” Mike
Masaoka. Yes, this is “Uncle Jesse,” of simple agrarian Hawai`i roots, the most underpublicized person
in Nikkei history in America. No, Hung Wai Ching 1905-2002 is our greatest Nikkei wayfinder, being of
Chinese ancestry, way more impact than Jesse [Hung Wai changed the face of America's relations w/
the East-Asia-China-Japan/domestic minority groups here (Truman's military race inclusion/Ike's nascent
civil rights act/Brown v. Bd. of Education/LBJ's Civil Rights Act 1964/etc.)]. I lived/went to school in D.C.
for 3 yrs. “Uncle Jesse” was more a beloved godfather to Kotonks [himself got interned 1941-1942 via
Jap hysteria, being "enemy alien"], whom he sponsored/benefacted, incl. Mike Masaoka, which is why
Dan Inouye’s gang marginalized unbeknownst Hilo Hawai`i boy/agrarian Jesse as Kotonk, not buddahead. Again,
Inouye’s bromide ignorance/short-sightedness. Which is why Jack Burns had no substantive interaction/
relationship w/Jesse. Nonetheless, despite Inouye’s militant hubris-conceit, Jesse eternally ascends to sainthood
among Nikkei. Love, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Veterans Day
The paradox of pacifism is that unless Americans are willing to die in battle to ensure our liberties,
a peacenik like Ron Fujiyoshi born 1940 won’t retain the right to be a pacifist, because the totalitarian
overlord won’t allow it. Which are why assimilation/Americanization as our Buffalo soldiers/442
demonstrate — respect one another/try to work with each other/appreciate our common themes/
comprehend our diverse upbringings — are necessary means to preserve our innate/unalienable freedoms.
Enjoy our Veterans Day every day we have freedoms. Love, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Ah Chew Goo the forerunner of today’s dribble drive motion offense 2009
Today’s DDM is a passing game, & no greater passer ever lived than Ah Chew Goo born 1918,
especially w/AC’s 90 degree cross leg dribble to feed the open man. Only Fernee Hardaway
came close [45 degree cut] to AC’s stop/cut on AC’s outside brake on the pivot [Jimmy Yagi
only can handle the cut on the heel brake, less effective than the outside, but reduces the risk
of ankle fracture -- Fran Villarmia tried the 90 degree cut, but was unable to employ the outside
brake because of the risk of ankle fracture]. Ah Chew muscled up his ankles by jumping up &
down on the outside of his feet. Yes, today’s game is what Ah Chew invented 75 yrs. ago. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Jimmy Yagi born 1935 —
What does Jimmy Yagi have over Bill O’Rear born 1955? Age — by 2 decades. Bill has self-actualized a la
Jesus. Jimmy told me so. Jimmy is prouder than any man walking the earth –
for Bill’s happiness, & because of Bill’s happiness. Don’t get me wrong — Jimmy
has self-pride — mountains of it — but Jimmy keeps it inside, not outside. Jimmy
tells me he’s closer to Bill than to Jimmy’s own sons. I tell Jimmy to cut [out]
that baloney — Jimmy should know better than to say that. But that’s Jimmy –
honest as the summer day is long. Which should tell you the kind of guy Bill O’Rear
is. To me, taken for granted, Jimmy’s appendage. But for me, the strength behind
the chosen leader Jimmy. I know who got the hidden strength — Bill. Don’t get me
wrong — Jimmy knows today’s hoops game like the back of his hand — Memphis U’s
DDM [dribble drive motion offense] — AASAA ad infinita. Bill carries on where Jimmy
leaves off. Mo`o`ali`i [blueblood succession]. Mahalos, baby, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Basketball wayfinder/guru Bill O’Rear born 1955
1. Bill O’Rear’s love for evaluating the game/techniques results in his superior mastery.
Of course, Bill always accedes to his Vulcan coach Jimmy Yagi born 1935. On top of Bill’s
team-first/not me-first attitude, Bill has oriental modesty in his heart. It’s no
surprise that his wife is sweetness personified, Filipina beauty Maureen [Orio] O’Rear.
Yes, Orio is the Eastern translation of O’Rear [wink of the eye]. As Warren “Speedy”
Chong says, Bill changed completely the level of play, infusing topshelf techniques
[catch ball & pivot to score in one fluid motion] & strategies [modified motion
offense/man-to-man defense]. Bill should know, inasmuch he was both a great
scorer/passer a la Rick Barry [sans Barry's arrogance]. Watch Bill without the ball
always flitting about to decoy/enable his team toward a high percentage shot a la
John Havlicek, including endurance. Bill is our Hubie Brown/Bobby Knight [sans
the rage-temper] floor leader/tempo genius/educator par excellence,
unquestionably. Not to mention just being a hands-on regular/nice joe.
No nobler praise can be bestowed than to say simply that Bill is grassroot all the way!
2. The better half — Ah Chew Goo’s gorgeous wife Clara Kim Goo [wondrous singer too!]
just turned 90. Gatz, Ah Chew had to copycat, so he turned a glorious 91 yrs. old
just as this lovely couple turned off the bedside light to make love [no!]! I told Ah
Chew to watch Bill O’Rear — Bill is an amazing educator in the art of basketball.
Ah Chew yielded to genius [Bill] & promised not even to sneeze [ahh...choo!]. Love, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:29 am
“Making up is hard to do” for some –
Earl Nakasato born 1942 was so poor amid Honomu labor villagers,
he/confederates would distract baker Ishigo & steal pastry from
Ishigo’s store. Earl confided in oldtime friend of 96 yr. old Hideo
Ishigo about this, & to Earl’s astonishment, Ishigo saw Earl’s gang
steal pastry, but Ishigo chaulked up the loss to impoverishment/desperation.
Earl finally worked up the guts to confess
directly to Ishigo/atone for Earl’s wayward behavior. Amazing true allegory –
forgiveness is courage immeasurably attained. Earl is lucky that Ishigo is still alive [for Earl to
confess/atone]. Love, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Charm/charisma —
Nel Doi was a fiery populist, but he was more demagogue than democrat. Nel’s
protege` Shun Kimura was all democrat no demagogue [but Helene Hale
disputes this, via Shun's proxies from DOE school principals/vice-principals].
Dom Yagong is today’s tengu Doi, borot in approach [expected for Machiavelli
Yagong]. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:35 am
No re-nationalization, per McNarie’s HIJ article 12/29/07 –
Please read, if you will, Al McNarie’s insightful article on reforms needed,
including curb on land trusts via many smaller private landowners,
not re-nationalization of land [ergo sovereignty]. Pi`ihonua’s lease-to-
fee conversion is an excellent example for egalitarians to follow. Yes,
government’s invisible hand of moderation ennobles the smalltime
tenant, but such trickle-down reality is validated by judicial fiat
[no taking via gov't occurs; economic regs subject to rational basis test,
not strict scrutiny applicable to suspect classifications/fundamental
rights such as race/suffrage/etc.; no impairment of contract]. The
en masse lease-to-fee conversions on O`ahu can be
realized via government subsidies to tenants/tax breaks to owners,
all w/the goal of breaking up land trusts/cabals — utilitarianism –
the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Of course,
land ownership down to the simplest joe/jane entails penalties on
land/bldg. speculation adverse to the public good/interest. W/such
widespread “semi-socialist” impact comes the urban village efficiency
of concentrating communities closer/accessing vital services via
short distances. Or would we rather force our progeny to live
elsewhere [ergo Vegas/etc.]? Hard choices, but deeper social
good/realization. Auld lang syne, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Reference points –
Yes, Nelson Doi idolized Jack Kennedy. Idealism/foresight were Doi’s themes, thanks
to Kennedy. Tom Gill was an FDR Dem who believed in strong centralized authority.
Jean King was an Adlai Stevenson dreamer, as were Patsy Mink/Helene Hale. Frank
Fasi was Machiavelli come alive, as was Vince Esposito. Burns was an LBJ clone,
as was Ariyoshi. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 10:44 am
From WWII Nisei soldiers’ perspectives —
So our boys came home from war. ILWU’s Jack Hall, who had banished rival Jack Kawano,
tried to take over Jack Burns’ new Democratic Party, to no avail. Hall was no more than
a one-issue guy, labor’s right to organize plantation workers, & non-ILWU sages recognized
Hall’s limitations. As it turned out, Hall’s tenure ended just short of Burns’, heavy drinker
Hall dying of a heart attack at age 55 in 1971. Papaikou’s Portuguese/Luso George Martin,
Big Isle ILWU head, was easier to deal w/than hothead dock clerk Eddie De Mello. Because
Frisco ILWU honchos came off the docks, plantation boy Martin never succeeded Harry
Bridges as titular head.
During WWII, footballer Shiro Kashino gets locked up in stockade
for onbase fight. Behind barbed wire enclosure, Shiro gets shown a Barreta handgun from
outside the barbed wire by Italian yankee, so Shiro yanks the unloaded Barreta from his
fellow yankee & tells him “Get the fuck outta here!” Now you see why Shiro always
was in a fight. Wataru Kohashi’s older brother Etsuo, 442 squad leader, was told by
new greenhorn capt. to “take the hill” up ahead, w/wide open green expanse before
it, topped by German machine gun nest on the hill. Etsuo chastens to the capt.,
“You take the hill — I not stupid like you!” Good field lesson for the capt. No one
took the hill. Akin to Gen. Dahlquist, who pushed too fast & left his Alamo boys
surrounded by Krauts, w/no backup/supply line/support. So our boys suffer
800 casualties to rescue 200 Texans [Rescue of the Lost Battalion]. Love, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Age chronology/respect for elders/pecking order —
Pre-WWII Navy at Pearl Harbor enabled contractor Walter Dillingham 1875-1963 to be
the most powerful link to the military, & thence Walter’s direct access to George
Marshall’s unity of command in the Pacific headed by Adm. Nimitz w/Gen. Delos Emmons
heading the Hawai`i region. FBI’s Bob Shivers 1894-1950 came to Hawai`i in August 1939
to determine what to do w/AJAs if Japan is at war w/the U.S. Shivers was given the cold
shoulder by Merchant St., which coattailed Naval power/presence. But UH godfather
Charley Hemenway 1875-1947 [same age as Walter Dillingham], albeit a Merchant St. icon,
became Shivers’ confidant & assured Shivers of AJA loyalty to the U.S., & Charles
eventually became the top local civilian link to the military/internal security. Hemenway
produced proteges Hung Wai Ching 1905-2002 & Shigeo Yoshida 1907-1986 [Hilo High's
greatest alumnus '26, though no one in Hilo today knows this], who averted mass
internment of buddaheads here. Compassionate Frank Atherton, missionary descendant,
a sickly child [always had empathy for society's have-nots] 1878-1945, Merchant St./
Big 5 godfather [Walter was not Merchant St., but harbor/rail line/transport boss-
overlord & thus the most powerful local civilian WWII-martial law], embraced Hemenway’s
racial diversity egalitarianism & became Hung Wai’s biggest financial backer, just as
Hemenway was Hung Wai’s combo spiritual/financial backer. Educator Yoshida became
Hemenway’s virtual father figure clone. But other than Dillingham’s Navy link, Hung
Wai became the most powerful teambuilder among the working class folks/grassroots,
even though Hung Wai thought himself a patrician/elitist, which is why ironically Hung
Wai couldn’t stand samurai talk/mentality, because aristocrat Hung Wai felt such
“low class” hegemonic topic beneath his dignity. Yet, Hung Wai was the greatest of
samurai, as it turned out! Yes, we’re all Jekyll/Hyde, & Hung Wai was no different.
What set him apart from everyone else was his irrevocable inner desire to see others
get a fair shake in life, albeit almost subconscious on his part. Like Hung Wai, Jack
Burns 1909-1975 wanted fair play, Burns emerging from tough Kalihi, Hung Wai from
shantytown Emmaville [where Dan Inouye born 1924 lived]. While Hung Wai advised
GOP kingpin Joe Farrington 1897-1954, Burns replaced the Old Order [after Joe's death
from a massive heart attack in 1954 while at the height of Joe's power] GOP oligarchs
w/non-haole new breed solons like kingmaker Dan Inouye, who himself is today’s crown
king. Burns resented Shivers’ oversight/authority WWII internal security [Burns was
police espionage head], because Shivers was an older mirror image of stoneface/stoic
Burns. Yes, Burns was defiant [Burns' dad deserted Burns/Mom/sibs when
Burns was 9 yrs. old]. Great friends of AJAs: Big Five/C&C Frank Midkiff born 1887
[son Bob born 1920]/protege sib John Midkiff born 1893 ]; indomitable educator Miles
Cary born 1895 [mentored McKinley High pupils such as Hung Wai's Class of 1924];
Ted Trent born 1905 [Haw'n Trust boss which was earlier directed by Hemenway]
[Ted's dad Dick Trent was the 1st elected finance head for O`ahu County/earliest
Dem Party leader]. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:16 am
442nd mentality/Mike Masaoka — yamato damashii/Bushido —
1. 442nd’s Mike Masaoka 1915-1991 wrote up many of the DSCs [of which several were upgraded to
. Jo’s dad Pastor Regal left the ministry [akin to politics] because he
. Yes, Yagong is little Caesar. A do-er, action
MoH]. Mike’s baby sister is Norman Mineta’s wife [Norman the only AJA cabinet chief
for both GOP/Dem U.S. Presidents]. What on earth has Frank [Francis] Sogi born 1923 done for
his people? BTW, Imperial Japan soldiers worshipped General Masaharu Homma, more
beloved than other top brass. Yes, ILWU’s Jack Hall’s wife is Kea`au native Yoshiko Ogawa
[detective Jerry's sis, of all people!]. Yes, the Pu`ainako Sack N Save site is where
Dr. Sam Haraguchi’s golf driving range used to be 50 yrs. ago [remember the high "fish
nets" strung atop poles?].
2. Moving/scintillating passage by former judge/ mob-busting DA Paul De Silva on the
Akaka Bill — “When the ali`i invited our non-Hawaiian ancestors to come and blend with
native Hawaiians to build together our Hawai`i, they didn’t tell our ancestors that such
promise [of a better life] would be refuted by the creation of a racially exclusive and
unequal status. Many non-Hawaiians were born in the Kingdom and were equal subjects.
Such were my grandparents.” Beautiful!!
3. Scrub Tanaka 1915-2006 got disgusted at great solons Najo Yoshinaga born 1919 & protege John
Ushijima 1924-2006 because both chums were real estate speculators, as was John’s associate
Richard Jitchaku [Bd. of Supervisors/HHA]. Yes, Najo born 1919 was John’s born 1924
sempai, both from 442nd Cannon Co. All “investors.” Exemplary thing about Scrub –
he never exploited his power [Land Bd.] or fame [Jack Burns' confidant] for self-gain.
He worried about paying his water/Helco bills till his dying day. In contrast, Jo Yadao
De Luz [Eppy's wife; Eppy died of cancer 43 yrs. ago; Eppy was Bd. of Supervisors;
aspired to be judge, not mayor; Eppy rival vs. Ben Menor, Ben eventual S.Ct. justice
(Ben couldn't collect on his lawyer retainer/bills; was broke; so Burns appointed him as
Cir. Ct. judge, then as S.Ct. justice)] says that if you want to get rich, stay away from
politics [life in fishbowl]. Jo left politics & married auto tycoon David De Luz. You get
the picture
couldn’t feed his family. Jo says to talk to Nel Doi about Jo’s maxim of politics/baronhood
don’t mix. Nel Doi?! Nel Doi is intoxicated w/power-influence-fame, not wealth-fortune.
Yes, Nel said don’t be a politician if you want to be rich. Scrub couldn’t stomach Richard
Jitchaku, developer/speculator/solon, who was John Ushijima’s Hilo right hand man.
4. Isamu Kanekuni respects Dan Inouye for the simple reason that when Dan invites Isamu
to ceremonies, Dan never fails to ask Isamu, “how’s your son?” [Isamu's hearing-impaired son lives near
D.C.]. No, Isamu is not Dan’s political fan. Isamu born 1921 & Dan born 1924 are 442nd
compadres. Dan is tenno heika/monoshiri [know-it-all roughie] to Isamu. But great
pork barrel dispenser. Isamu enlisted w/the 442nd at age 20 because his Waiakea mill
gang enlisted, not out of patriotic duty, but to see the world/excitement. Isamu’s mill
boilerman dad died when Isamu was 16 yrs. old. Isamu’s older brother supported mother/
family. Isamu’s baby brother was just finishing school. So Isamu took it upon himself
to be the one for the military, do or die — join the gang. No patriotism, but pragmatic
intent [sacrifice himself instead of his brothers]. Yes, this was rebel Isamu. Today
he is 442nd veteran & owner of Veterans Produce. Yes, Isamu was Mike
Masaoka’s compadre. Yet Isamu had no clue Mike was kotonk messiah/pariah, depending
on whether you had/had not chip on your shoulder. Mike grew up extroverted in
friendly Utah [minority Mormons accepted kotonks], like Isamu-intermediary Shigeo Yoshida
in AJA majority Hilo/Hawai`i. Yes, Isamu never heard of Frank Sogi until Sogi made trouble
about Mike Masaoka’s declaration on D.C. AJA monument. What has Sogi done to help
his people? Nothing. Self-dealing his anthem. Not many Rifle Co. veterans alive anymore
[such as my Dad]. Wataru Kohashi was a front line guy, should’ve gotten DSC but 1st Sgt.
Wakamatsu of LA asked Wataru if CO could award it to the 1st 442nd KIA 6/26/44 Cal. kotonk,
Wataru ever team-first said fine, give it to KIA. Wataru is a jolly stand-up guy, but steeled
to the bone in combat. No fool around w/him in combat. Why are Wataru’s gang/others
tight-lipped/stoic? Not because they hide something, but because what’s past is past –
why talk about the past?! It’s a long time ago, it’s done & over with. Who could’ve
imagined the peerless feats of their all-Nisei brothers-in-arms? Yes, Rusty Kamimura born 1923
refuses to give oral history to K. Co.’s Andy Ono because Rusty’s cousin & buddies KIA
in K Co. To Rusty, he’d rather die than degrade the memory of his fallen gang
by bragging about his K Co. feats. Talk to curmudgeons Rusty/Hiroo Endo [Satsuki
Muneno's older brother]/shovel samurai DSC Jesse Hirata [Holualoa native][killed Krauts
w/his shovel-bare hands after he ran out of ammo]/MoH Barney Hajiro. These gizzards/yogore
are rough, rough joes, but they speak Truth. And yes, if you be honest/sincere w/them,
they open up like spring petals. My Dad was their brethren, so they comfortable w/me,
as pidgin goes. The list goes on & on, about these larger than life yet simple heroes.
Endless fulfillment/love for these makule warriors. BTW, Rick Castberg’s wife’s dad is Eugene
Eguchi, humble all-Nisei warrior, born 1919. Oh, BTW, yes, Wataru’s proxy
was given to eventual MoH upgrade Kiyoshi Muranaga, the Stateside Kotonk. Yes, should’ve
been Wataru’s DSC-MoH, but no problem. Wataru is team-first to his death.
5. Yes, I know the Kamehameha Statue catalyzers here in Hilo. But what they don’t tell
you is that Scrub Tanaka got Pundy Yokouchi [Culture/Arts Council] to bankroll 50Gs$
toward its erection. Yes, buddaheads. Terry Plunkett knows this. I don’t see Scrub/
Pundy acknowledged/inscribed in the credits.
6. Yes, Yagong seeks wisdom from “Yoda” Kanekuni. Yagong’s Foodland-Malama Market/
former KTA employ got him squared up w/Veterans Produce’s Kanekuni [wholesale
veggies/etc.]. Isamu nudged Yagong toward Takamine’s vacated House seat. Yagong
has the temperament/audacity to bring back pork to Hamakua [Dwight lost power in
reorg under Cal Say]. Had acid-tongued Scrub gone easy/kid gloves on Yagong, Yagong
would’ve listened to Scrub. But no, Scrub had to be taisho/abusive. Scrub’s loss. Not
that Yagong deserved Scrub’s time
man. Scrub’s kind of guy. Isamu is mother lode of experience/depth for strident Yagong.
Yagong’s gain. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Vertical Integration —
Democratic Party pathfinder Richard Imai born 1910 worked for Hilo’s Fujimoto Trading Co. after
high school. Fujimoto Trading imported food products, not just dry goods. Fujimoto’s major
customers were Big 5 plantation stores, but the haole stores cooked the books via false
ledgers showing purchases of Nippon food products such as fish cake/kamaboko, when in
fact they were purchasing all-American staples such as canned goods. Richard was Fujimoto’s
bookkeeper & knew that Fujimoto’s staples were cheaper than Big 5 bloat/items [Nippon
competitive markdown vs. Big 5 largesse/monopoly]. Of course, the plantation stores
pocketed/skimmed the extra profits, unbeknownst to Big 5 executives. Thus, when Dem Tom
Okino asked Richard to run for Terr. House of Rep., Richard declined, knowing his boss’
cooked books, & knowing that Dem Richard would be biting the hands [plantation stores -- all
GOP cabal] that fed him/Fujimoto. Richard was Hilo High Class prexy/honor student but was
unable to afford college [wanted to be an engineer via Stateside U. like Minnesota where his
teacher went]. Richard’s boss Isaki Fujimoto was Yamaguchi ken/district & thus was tanomoshi/
colleague of Waiakea gang’s Matsuno/Kitagawa/etc. Isaki’s nephew Akira became Bd. of
Water Supply chief [succeeded Bill Thompson, nephew of Tom Okino, husband of Tasaku
Oka's daughter Margie], but Akira is monoshiri/conceited; Akira’s wife Hazel is loving/gracious –
Hazel was Kiyo Okubo’s docent, inasmuch her hubby Akira’s uncle Isaki was pals w/Okubo.
After Isaki moved back to Japan WWII, Akira’s dad Eiji took over the business. Hazel’s father
Furutani from Papa`ikou also was friend of Okubo. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:20 am
Yuraku Kwan ["For your sheer pleasure"] Theater 1921
Japan has tourist spots called Yuraku ["to please you"], Kwan being an adjective ["heavenly"],
not just Chinese character/inscription. Okamoto [sumo wrestler via pseudonym of Koizumi]
had his old theater [converted to Mamo Theater w/balcony seats 1937]. He also had his
rooming house/okazuya, but died in 1936. Thus, he is not known among current Mamo St.
enthusiasts. But in his era, he was a great bootlegger, the grassroot counterpart to
patrician Sanji Abe [1st buddahead Terr. senator/Yamatoza(defined as Japanese theater)
stagehall owner/WWI doughboy/interned WWII for being point man who greeted Japan
dignitaries & who took them to Kilauea Volcano], Issei Okamoto being Nisei Abe’s sempai/
senior colleague. Of course, Sanji worked the other side of the fence, being a police officer.
–Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Hawai`i Japanese (Immigrant) Center’s Kiyo Okubo 1905-2001 —
1. Website http://www.hawaiijapanesecenter.com, leader Professor Masafumi Honda
masafumi@hawaii.edu, born 1958, drop-dead handsome Hollywood looks, could be
top billing movie star.
2. Kiyoshi Okubo came to Hawai`i in 1924 at age 19 & studied 2 yrs. at `Iolani [English],
Kiyo born in Niigata Japan. Kiyo taught Japanese school in Kona & was intrepid scribe
for esteemed Dr. Saburo Hayashi [Kona Hankyo/Echo published 1893-1941], among other
jobs. Kiyo was our island scribe for Hi Hochi 1936-1951 & Kiyo had his own newspaper
Hilo Times 1955-1991. Kiyo’s collection of newsprint/etc. starts from 1929, contemporary
AJA history. Kiyo had his own radio broadcast until his death KIPA [Lillian O'Conner].
Kiyo’s son died in 1964 car accident, wife died in 1998, daughter died recently. Kiyo’s collection/archive’s strength are the blow-by-blow minutae/ministerial goings-on in
the particular period/era/genre.
4. For me, Kiyo’s strength is what is not published!! Every day early lunch Kiyo would slurp
his ubiquitous saimin at Kay’s Lunch Ctr. [formerly Roy's Gourmet, now Michelle's]. And
every day [over his saimin bowl] he would extol/recall for me the Issei pathfinders &
their progeny. Indefatigable Sanji Abe [Nisei WWI doughboy/solon]/playboy Tom Okino
[destined to be AJA scholar --1st Hilo AJA Harvard Law grad] — Tom is uncle of auspicious 442 war hero Bill Thompson [half-Scot/half-AJA]/steeped philosophical Futoshi Frank Arakawa,
engineer who designed the Kalakaua St. Hilo police station/Suisan shogun Kamezo
Matsuno [Rex' dad]/KTA founder Koichi Taniguchi [Barry's ojisan]/HPM genesis Kametaro
Fujimoto [Bobby's ojisan]/etc. Ahhhh… lore & longing … for the past!!
5. Kiyo always proselytized publicly about Kiyo’s categorization of Japanese: Nippon/
island buddaheads/Kotonks/half-breeds-han. No big thing. Kiyo’s treasure consists
of Kiyo’s unpublished anecdotes about our residents. And yes, I don’t buy Kiyo’s
[or Professor Honda's] precept about absolving Hirohito, or downplaying Imperial Japan’s
brutal colonialism. That Japan was simply copying the West does not cut it. Which
is why I always kidded Kiyo about Kiyo raising the wrong flag [Stars/Stripes] instead of
his red hamburger [Nippon flag].
6. I interviewed Professor Honda for 3 hrs. recently — he is an utterly brilliant man, veritable
walking library/encyclopedia. He does Kiyo proud!! To get a global upshot of AJA
issues/Immigrant Ctr., I gotta praise everyone’s unsung hero, quiet/stoic/indulgent
Rick Castberg, political scientist. Man, Rick is super knowledgeable/sensei/guru, AJA
altar of tremendous wisdom.
Kansha, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Dwayne Mukai yamato damashii/immense love for Dad George Mukai 442nd WIA –
1. Investment advisor Dwayne Mukai born 1956 got his Dad George born 1923 [Mom Janet
Matsubara Mukai (great pitcher Brute Matsubara's niece) born 1931] enshrined in this yr.’s
sports hall of fame [jr. golf genesis][Tai On Chock also selected via USGA youth program].
Dwayne is the head of the 442nd Sons/Daughters & also got his Dad George on the
Trib’s front page as a Harley-Davidson worshipper [George lost leg/suffered internal
injuries WWII][George rode sidecar in Trib pic]. George worked 34 yrs. as HPM Bldg.
Supply office supervisor [Fred Fujimoto also 442nd veteran].
2. Dwayne is prototype Yonsei/4th generation AJA — vocal/Americanized/6′0″ Adonis body.
Dwayne doesn’t know about 442nd background/history, but he truly loves his Dad George,
not self-sin glorification, but genuine respect/appreciation chugi/meiyo/orei/oyakoko.
I am very touched by Dwayne’s unmatched love for his Dad George.
3. George/Janet kindly shared 4 hrs. of their time recalling their life/past events. Militant
George repudiated his Dad’s plea not to enlist w/442nd [George the only son; sibs
are girls] but instead to do sentry duty at Dad’s John M. Ross Hakalau Sugar Mill. George
got his Mom/sister to see him off at Hilo Armory formation. After George returned in
1945, his Dad refused to greet hm — Dad felt betrayed that George defied Dad/
Otosan. As George recounted Dad’s refusal to greet him, George cried inconsolably.
Now, gang, if you know George Mukai, this block/granite is disciplinarian like his otosan — a
Mt. Rushmore [stoic/stone-faced]. I was so affected by George’s honesty/truth
64 yrs. after the fact [1945], I told George kodomo no tame ni/everything parents
did was for the love/sake of their children, & Otosan felt worthless from George’s
disobedience. I told George that George is like otosan/ganko/stubborn w/son Dwayne.
George realized how so lucky/fortunate George is to have a son like Dwayne who
regards Dad George as Dwayne’s big hero — just like how George always saw George’s
stern Otosan as George’s big hero. Good end result here — George/otosan
made up/reconciled via vicarious synergy. Shows you noble/utterly deep George –
Otosan loves fishing, so George [one-leg less] hops-scotches over hither/yon to take
the ole’ man fishing — man, oh man, beautiful togetherness/soulmates, via fishing!!
Not a word spoken about Otosan’s absence when George came home from war, WIA/
war hero. Gang, George wanted his Otosan to be so proud of son George — thence
George’s immense emotions over Otosan’s absence. Amazing events. Life is Wow!
4. Now again stoicism — negative silence, not golden silence — fast forward to the
new millennium — 442nd convention at Kona. Presentation/protocol pau/done –
up creeps ubiquitous Kuwaye [Kuwaye Trucking], works/lives a stone’s throw from
George/Janet for 60+ yrs. Kuwaye floors his contemporaries by confessing/exacting
George drove our CO up the pass — I was playing cards & my CO couldn’t find me –
I was the driver — you know what happened next — all hell break loose, George came
down in a stretcher, as good as dead, & transported to the field hospital — I was the
driver who wasn’t there when George was called. I am so sorry …. Kuwaye died
shortly thereafter. Sekinen/haji [confessional].
And then John Ushijima, after 60 yrs., tells George, Ay, I saw you in the stretcher, you
know. I neva’ think you gonna make it. What is this, gang? Stone-deaf
silence — suppressed yet indescribable events — choked up for eons! Here yakamashii/
ibaru solon Ushijima don’t even have the mouth to tell bruddah George, “Ay, I saw
you, bruddah.” Yes, characterize this as silent discretion shikata ga nai/gaman — I see
it as letting out/releasing being the crucible — bottled up so/too long!! Well, these guys
are heroes to us all — who am I to say let it out?! Amazing — George never asked
[about WIA lead-up/circumstances], no one told until 60 yrs. later. And George never
ever felt sorry for himself. George feels good that buddy Kuwaye let it out, for
Kuwaye’s sake. Yes, George is at peace w/Kuwaye. No need to forgive Kuwaye,
because George never felt sorry/wronged in the first place. Ganbari/gisei/otagai
are all that matter — love one love all, no strings attached, no conditions precedent.
I ask you rhetorically, how does life get deeper/steeper in mana/faith/spirit/kokoro
than this, huh? Amazing events. Love always, –Curtis
P.S. George still has not told son Dwayne about Kuwaye enryo/nintai — sealed lips
don’t sink ships — yikes! BTW, you know Dan Inouye always asks George when
Dan comes to Hilo — George, you still feel the pain? [phantom pain in extremities --
fingers/toes][George/Dan no can sleep at nite from unlivable pain] Hats off to our
heroes on this Memorial Day! BTW, all credit/glory to George’s soulmate wife/
inspiration Janet — w/out her [Florence Nightingale] would he still be alive today?
George suffered a stroke 3 yrs. ago & son Dwayne is in hyperspeed to effuse love
for his Dad –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:29 am
WWII internee Oshima [Kona's Oshima Store] killed by sentry –
1. Kainaliu Kona Issei Oshima went crazy after receiving a letter
from home about his store’s low cash flow. He scaled the Ft. Sill Oklahoma
fence to get out & was shot/killed by sentry/guard. Irrefutably, not the sentry’s fault.
2. Son Walter Oshima, alert/sharp as a razor, has no gripe vs. internment [Otosan/Dad was
a major link b/n Japan/Kona]. But Walter exhorts that the sentry didn’t have to shoot to
kill. Thus, Walter is still incensed even now about his father’s death. Thence, this
story/event has been repressed because of ill feelings toward our U.S. Gov’t by the
Oshimas.
3. Yes, today’s JACL makes a big deal about haole cruelty/abuse toward us Nikkei/AJAs. But
look at Issei Oshima’s case. He went crazy & his attempted escape ended in his death.
How is the sentry at fault? Have you ever discharged a firearm before? A rifle? Do you
know how almost impossible it is to hit your guy where you want — when he is on the
run like Oshima [insane state of mind]? I had a marksman rating, & it’s a miracle to hit
the guy where you want. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Merle K. Lai, preserver of history & heritage —
Kamehameha School alumnus Merle K. Lai, born 1944, is among our longest-serving County
solons [before term limits]. Nurtured by Shun Kimura & Ikuo Hisaoka, Merle always brokered
compromises as the Hawai`i County Council’s leading consensus-builder thruout the 1970s &
1980s. Merle actually was urged to run vs. good friend Mayor Dante Carpenter in 1988, by
supporters including Bernard Akana. When Merle declined [Merle is not avaricious/opportunist],
Akana stepped in [Merle's Mom is an Akana], & the rest is history [upset of the century]!
I spoke w/Dante 2 decades after his mayoralship [one term mayor 1984-1988]. Dante has
several misgivings/regrets, among them the taint of self-dealing via lovely wife Olan’s consultant
fees, & of course Dante’s run-in vs. Nakasone [Jippy Mattos cronyism]. Dante has
no regrets about siding w/militant solons Wong/Cayetano/etc. in ousting Senate Prexy John
Ushijima in 1978, Dante’s maiden year as a state senator. Grumpy Ushijima never forgave Dante
for Dante’s betrayal of the neighbor island bloc. Do you know that Dickie Wong asked
humble apostle Stanley Hara to chair the most powerful Ways/Means Committee in the
reorganization? And that Stanley declined, being team-first to the neighbor island bloc?
Ask anyone, Stanley Hara is a friend to everyone!! Even the Dickie Wongs utterly respected
equanimous/even-keeled Stanley Hara. No kidding.
Merle Lai is our gal who inspired everlasting remembrances of past heroes, her shining credit
being Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium’s namesake. So too is Merle’s touch evident on every
major facility — Kawamoto Olympic Pool/Wong & Victor Stadiums/Afook-Chinen. Merle’s deepest
moment is enabling the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial/eternal flame next to the Wailoa
Visitor Center. Aptly, the eternal flame is protected by none other than the great King
Kamehameha I, whose statue stands proudly makai of it. Beautiful historymakers!! I take my
hat off to preserver of history & heritage, our own Merle K. Lai. Whenever you see her, the
eternal optimist, please cheerfully greet her w/”Merle Lai, consecrated hero!” Love, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Mamalahoa Highway [Belt Road around Hawai`i Island] –
1. Named after Kamehameha the Great’s Law of the Splintered Paddle, which guaranteed
safety to all [especially infants/infirm/aged], you can see amazingly preserved horse & buggy
beautiful lava rock roadbeds along the mauka Belt Rd. between Waimea & Kona. The King’s
Trail is the coastline’s narrow walkway which predates the 1905 Belt Rd. The 1860s mauka
Trail ran beneath the 1905 Belt Rd. As you know, original ahupua`a [land divisions cut like
pie pieces from sea to mountain, with the coastline being the widest/outer pie pieces] were
traversed makai to mauka, not parallel to the coastline. Thus, the Monarchy era mauka Trail
was a phenomenal engineering feat because it had to cross gulches, especially along the
Windward/East side of Hawai`i Island. Makai to mauka traditional ahupua`a footpaths were
a piece of cake [no gulches to cross], as was the overhyped Leeward/Westside ancient
King’s Trail.
2. The 1905 Belt Rd. meanders south into Honoka`a along today’s 1927 “Ahualoa” Rd.,
which is the same zigzag/hairpin turn road below Tex’s Drive In which winds toward
today’s Honoka`a Health Center & Mamane [Main] St. The 1927 Rd. heads south past
today’s Mamane St. & alongside Johnny Waimea Souza’s 54 acre ranch [homes like pearls on a
string north to south along the 1927 Rd. being Uncle Fred's, Johnny Waimea's (today's
Rose Souza Hamora's), Grand-Aunt Clara's, Grand-Aunt Rose Gomes Silva's, & Grand-Uncle
Joshua's (later Grand-Uncle Manuel's)]. The 1927 Rd. courses along the same 1905 Rd.
& original Hawaiian Monarchy era mauka Trail.
3. The post-1946 Tsunami/current Belt Rd. bypasses Honoka`a town. After our privately-
owned Railroad Co. went bankrupt as a result of the extensive damage from the 1946
Tsunami [high trestle bridges were undermined at ground level], our Territorial Roads
Division bought the RR rights of way & built today’s Belt Rd. over the original railways,
except that earthen banks were cut anew adjacent/mauka of the RR narrow cuts thru
the same earthen banks. Obrigado, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Neal Rusty Blaisdell 1902-1975 & Bishop Estate —
Popular O`ahu mayor Neal Rusty Blaisdell actually resigned as mayor to make himself available
to be Bishop Estate trustee in 1968. No, Rusty had enough of City Hall [among longest
serving mayors 1954-1968]. He was burnt out from campaigning again vs. winless but brutal Fasi born 1920.
No, Gov. Burns did not promise him the Bishop Estate post as Rusty’s reward to stay out
of the 1966 Gov. race [Rusty chose not to run vs. Burns because incumbent Burns probably
would win], this coming before the Burns Lt. Gov. debacle vs. Tom Gill [Burns picked
apolitical Kenny Brown as Burns' last choice Lt. Gov. mate -- Gill crushed Brown in the later
Dem primary -- stone-cold combo Burns/Gill barely squeaked by GOP Crossley/Mills in the
general election].
Bishop Estate trustee Ed Murray died at age 80 on June 30, 1968. A few weeks later, Rusty
said he would not run again for mayor [followed LBJ's lead 3 months earlier via not seeking
re-election for U.S. President]. Rusty stated that he was a healthy 65 yr. old who could
serve as an honorable/privileged Bishop Estate trustee. A month later, Hung Wo Ching’s
former bldg. tenant Bill Richardson, now Supreme Court chief justice, appointed Hung Wo
[not older brother Hung Wai] as BE trustee, to Rusty’s disappointment. No, the BE post
was not promised to Rusty. Rusty simply [incorrectly] had hoped that Burns would get
protege Richardson to pick Rusty. But Burns always said that Richardson stays on the makai
side of S. King St. [courthouse], & Burns does not cross over from the mauka side [Gov.
office]. Everything went downhill from there for Rusty. Stung by over-estimating his influence,
reeling Rusty foolishly announced his campaign to run vs. U.S. House Rep. Spark Matsunaga,
within 5 days of failing to be BE trustee. As expected, Spark trounced Rusty by over a 2 to
1 margin, 125K to 61K votes. Rusty died of a massive stroke just 7 yrs. later, just months
after Jack Burns died of cancer. In retrospect, Burns’ henchman Dan Aoki said that Rusty
would’ve made an ideal Dem, it’s just that Rusty was part of the old order, the benevolent
GOP mold of Hung Wai Ching/Kats Kometani/Angel Maehara. Do you know that when baseball
Asahi team owner Kats Kometani went off to war w/the 100th Batt., he had Burns manage
the team & Rusty coach it? Amazing confluence!! BTW, Blaisdell closest confidante Angel
Maehara is the younger brother of Maui baseball legend Iron Maehara. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Respect often is gained via defeat, not victory [Charles Goodyear 1800-1860] –
1. Intrepid rubber guru Charles Goodyear accidentally dropped rubber mixed
w/nitric acid on a hot stove & discovered vulcanization. Despite his renown, Goodyear lived
& died in serious debt, & spent much time in debtors’ prisons in pursuit of his “impossible
dream” of marketing a rubber commodity. Ironically, Goodyear Tire is not connected w/him
at all but was named in honor of him in 1898, nearly 40 yrs. after his death. Sorry, no
royalties ensued. Goodyear sadly was relegated to deadbeat status thruout the 1800s.
Hell-torn years for him & his ever-suffering family. Yet today Goodyear is our larger than life
mythic hero. We would be in the “Stone Age” w/out rubber products.
2. Alexander Pope [1688-1744] is among the greatest of English poets ["to err is human,
to forgive is divine"], but his life was gravely affected by Pott’s disease [spinal TB], which
stunted his growth [4'6"], and by the anti-Catholic vitriole vs. his family. Yet, out of these
terrible adversities came the most beautiful verses. To this day, Pope’s couplets [verses]
are standard references — metaphysical/beyond compare.
3. Do you know that WWII 442nd’s Shiro Kashino earned a record 6 purple hearts, yet was
court-martialed/framed up for an onbase fistfight involving other ethnics? It wasn’t until
his buddies Bill Thompson & Sada Kubota led the battle to reverse his CM that Shiro was
vindicated. Sadly, Shiro died just before the reversal. Shikata ga nai/cannot be helped,
he always intoned. Quiet resignation. A real hero. Thank you, Bill/Sada, for recognizing
a great & patriotic American.
4. The 100th/442nd were deliberate race-segregated units. Yet, they became the
most decorated units in U.S. military history for their size/length of service. Military analysts
& historians chasten that the 442nd’s rescue of the Alamo Lost Battalion ranks among the
10 best fought land battles in the history of the U.S. Army. In the first week of April
1945, the 442nd’s 3rd Batt. broke the Gothic Line, forcing Germany’s retreat toward
the Po Valley & eventual total surrender in the first week of May 1945. In the
Pacific, Gen. Willoughby, the top intelligence officer under Gen. Douglas MacArthur,
said that the work of the all-AJA Military Intelligence Service [MIS] is credited for
shortening the Pacific War by 2 yrs. & saving a million lives. Ironically, all these
acts of patriotism from a segregated unit of silent but oh-so-strong soldiers. Fact is
stranger than fiction. The all-Nisei boys made up 60% of our Hawai`i soldiers in WWII
& suffered 80% of the casualties. Aloha, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:50 am
WWII Japan imperialism like an adolescent teen —
Oswald Spengler 1880-1936, though much criticized for his
fallacies on comparative history, offers at least a symbolic
description of culture, as an organism from birth to death.
Though he preceded Hirohito’s Japan imperialism, one can
postulate that industrial Japan was born out of
Commodore Perry’s black ships opening up Japan to the
world 1854, triggering Mutsuhito’s/Meiji’s rise to power
1868, resulting in modernization on an unprecedented
scale [thanks to industrial capitalist/internationalist Eiichi
Shibusawa, who at age 14 swam out to Perry's ships with
knife clenched in mouth ready to do battle vs. Perry].
Japan got swell-headed after its victories over Russia
1895 & China 1905, feeling itself invincible via militarism.
By the time whipper snapper Hirohito 1901-1989 ascended
to the throne upon his father’s death 1926, Hirohito was
ready to take on the world via imperialism/militarism,
with warlock Hideki Tojo his foil. Not thinking thru the
consequences of war vs. the Occident/U.S., Hirohito’s
colonialism [Manchuria iron-steel][China ancient turf
rights][Indochina rubber][Indonesia oil] was designed to
supply itself w/adequate resources to stand up to the
West/U.S. The U.S. embargo stiffened Hirohito’s resolve
to conquer Indonesia for its oil. Hirohito figured that by
“neutalizing” U.S. naval forces via the attack on Pearl
Harbor, this would give Japan about 6 months to capture
Indonesian oil resources to carry out a war of attrition vs.
the U.S. Admiral Yamamoto promoted this attack on Pearl
Harbor as a last ditch attempt for Japan to replenish its
materials/war supplies. Admiral Nagano was opposed to
this, knowing that no way could Japan defeat, much less
fight to a standoff, its daunting isolationist foe U.S.
Nagano promoted peaceful co-existence w/the U.S.
Nagano was a deep admirer of U.S. democracy/steeled
resolve [Revolutionary War/Civil War/WWI], & knew Japan
was no match for the U.S. Essentially, Hirohito’s
impudence/ingrate attitude did in Japan, just as an
impulsive adolescent figures he/she can conquer the
world. So what you have here is an older/wiser sage
U.S. teaching its younger subordinate a painful lesson
that eventually ended with Japan being but an appendage
of the U.S. politically/militarily. Japan’s only strength
is its industrialism [thanks to the Korean War where Japan
supplied its colonialist U.S. with munitions]. Oswald
Spengler would be proud to see Japan characterized as
an organism from birth to deserved death. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Sanitary water systems via wells in Hilo –
Because surface/spring water are subject to contamination, our Bd. of
Water Supply constructed deep wells in the 1950s to ensure sanitary
drinking water. But the biggest reason for well water was that our
demand for water could not rely on meager surface/spring water during severe
droughts. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:54 am
“Kalakaua Square” musing from sage planner Susan Gagorik –
Today’s Kalakaua Park was our genesis aupuni [seat of government]
for newfound Republic/Territory, w/surrounding area [today's old
police station site] housing newfound County offices 1905. Why
Kalakaua site? Because our island governor John T. Baker was
housed at today’s Hilo Hotel site [where swimming pool used to be,
not the YWCA swimming pool] in the Monarchy era. Logical that
contiguous plain/plateau old Congregational Church site 1825 w/
expansive land area be our aupuni. You can thank the Monarchy
for selection by post-Monarch Hawai`i of Susan Gagorik’s beautiful
moniker “Kalakaua Square.” Of course, when Haw’n Tel [Mutual
Tel. Co.] & old police station were built where old County bldg.
was, the Peacock Block/bldg. became our County’s next office
site, NE corner Waianuenue/Keawe Sts. I absolutely revere
Susan Gagorik’s musing of “Gathering Place” ['akoakoa kahi] to
denote Kalakaua Square. Beautiful!! Patience Namaka Bacon
[Mary Kawena Pukui's daughter] needs to upwell a more
precise Haw’n name for “Gathering Place.” –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Gov. Lingle & Turtle Bay site –
Gov. Ariyoshi was great on project studies that resulted in gov’t acquisition
to protect natural resources, such Waiahole-WaiKane Valley [State gov’t
bought 600 acres for $6 million so that the lands could remain in ag use for
the farmers. Gov. Ariyoshi’s combination of sustainable gov’t & environment
policies is the template for leaders. Sadly, Gov. Lingle has not followed her
astute policy pro Linda Smith in convening thru Gov. Ariyoshi’s lead. Gov.
Lingle’s Turtle Bay acquisition plan was hastily assembled w/no dialogue w/
business leaders/solons. Coincidentally, her imbroglio/difficulty occurred
when her Rasputin, Bob Awana, had to resign. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Apprenticeship –
Jack Burns’ 1909-1975 trusted confidant Godfrey Ferreira Affonso apprenticed
well under our Luso/Portuguese heroic role model papa Godofredo Ferreira
Affonso, born of humble means in Funchal Madeira [related to our Ferreira
familia from Funchal?] 1875, died 1950 after having ascended to be our
greatest Luso scribe/cultural preserver. KL Ching born 1936 notes Obama’s
2 current picks Chris Lu [Chinese statesider] as transition team boss/Pete Rouse
[hapa like Bobby Command] as senior advisor . Quality staff the key, but
it’s good to see all colors of the rainbow involved, to use the cliche. Amazing
that Obama not from slave past, but from Kenya pride via dad’s bloodline, though
Dad just a mirage, as Hugh Clark eloquently intoned. Obama’s apprenceticeship
honed via his struggling mom Ann ["Sidney Poitier the world's handsomest man!"]
[color pride]/taskmaster Toot/jolly joker Gramp Stan. Enormous life influences
that bode well for Obama. Obama’s apprenticeship very positive via racist
Wright, because Obama never experienced racist backslide [blowback] via
African-Americans stateside. Janet Langhart Cohen Ms. Black America lived
w/Mahalia Jackson Chicago [Janet from Indianapolis projects], got to know
MLK, is conservative Dem broadcaster Boston [Today show], truly an
assimilated African American who does not play the race card. Like Obama,
she has trusted perspective [no chip on shoulder vs. Whites]. Cse la vie. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 11:59 am
“A man after God’s own heart” 1 Samuel 13:13-14
Okie [Oklahoma] native Dean Edmoundson [owns Honomu's former Ishigo Bakery/
food/sundry store w/Honomu native-wife June Hanashiro; both born 1946] wants his
epitaph, if at all, to quote Scripture, “A man after God’s own heart,” w/God describing
David’s mission [that pleases God thru God's Word]. Dean rooted in migratory farm
workers, w/Scot Dad who didn’t read/write, but Mom Bertha Bryan Edmoundson [Irish]
touchstoned Scripture as the family’s solid rock of survival. Both Dean/wife June met
in college, & June converted from Buddhist to Pentecostal Christian 40 yrs. ago.
Oral Roberts once told Dean the story of prayer/faith — Oral told a seminary student
“Pray for me.” Student didn’t have confidence & prayed for himself, not Oral. Oral
told student that Jesus picks anyone, high/low, rich/poor, as vehicles for salvation.
Oral told student it’s not about the student, but about Jesus. To which the student
prayed for Oral. It’s not about Oral, it’s about faith in Jesus, not faith in oneself
or others. As applied [Dean bosom buddy of my hero Roy Kim born 1946], parishioner
asked Dean to pray for her. Dean was so tired he half-heartedly did so. She suddenly
livened up like a fresh daisy. Which taught Dean that it’s not about Dean, it’s about
Jesus. That no matter Dean’s mental/emotional condition, the parishioner was freshened
by Jesus, not half-hearted Dean. So Dean took the lesson then on to feel “I’m always
ready for prayer!” Dean’s strength of faith in Jesus, no matter Dean’s condition/state
of mind. See, gang, it’s about eternal optimism/positive attitude. Guys like Dean are
strengthened by faith, not in themselves, but in a higher embodiment, in Dean’s case,
in Jesus. And thereby Dean is enriched w/fervor/energy of selfless giving/service to
others. Love, –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Why does the Big Island have the largest proportion of Japanese residents?? Because the sugar plantations were located on our huge island, and the workers were Japanese. Just in 1898, Hilo had nearly 20 Issei/immigrant merchant stores. While many of the earliest Japanese immigrants were able to return to Japan, those later arrivals eventually resigned themselves to settle permanently in Hawai’i. Hole-hole pathos tunes [Haw'n term for dried cane leaves] decried the horrid working/living conditions of our earliest immigrants. Franklin Odo born 1939 is an expert on hole-hole bushi songs, which originated in southern Japan. –Curt
November 10th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Twist of fate
My cousin Masato Hasegawa 1913-1991 was hanai’d by Carl Smith, lawyer scion,
who lived a quarter mile away from our Wainaku home, growing up w/Carl’s
sons Wendell/Merrill “Budgie” Carlsmith. Masato went on to be M.D./Queen’s
Hospital Medical Director. Enablement/Social Gospel. T.R. Saiki was
hanai’d by CC Kennedy & went on to become our 1st Japanese banker here.
Peter Fukunaga was houseboy for auto magnate Von Hamm & went on to
Servco dealership/conglomerate. Masa Tokioka grads late from McKinley High
& by stroke of luck enters newly formed UH School of Business, then becomes
Harvard’s 1st Japanese MBA. Mas Marumoto by stroke of luck gets passage
to California in spite of new 1924 Jap Exclusion Act — thanks to judge Homer
Ross’ wife, who sees Mas crying on doorstep of C & C near the anti-Jap law
pier/gets him waiver. Mas goes on to Chicago because his otosan says for Mas
to live w/family friend [save money], goes to U Chicago, doesn’t realize such school
is the nerve center of intellectual scholarship in the U.S., then goes on to accomplish
every AJA “first” in all books of “Lists” [S. Ct. justice/major corp bd. director/etc.]. -Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 11:35 am
The Organic Act/Territory of Hawai’i ended the nefarious contract labor system [violation of U.S. 13th Amdt. against slavery], at which point freed Japanese Issei/immigrant laborers engaged in a mass exodus to California, which then entailed recruiting Filipino laborers 1906. Of course, the increased kotonk/Stateside Japanese population resulted in the 1908 Root-Takahira edict barring further immigration of Japanese. The permanent resident mentality of the post-1900 Issei immigrants resulted in Japan itself taking a hands-off approach to U.S. domestic issues vs. Issei, especially amid the 1909 & 1920 sugar strikes, and amid the language school controversy. Nonetheless, our transformation from migratory sojourners to permanent residents resulted in picture brides to start families, which brought immense stability to the early Issei community. Slip-shod living as single men no longer was the norm. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Of course, Englishman Henry Greenwell first cultivated coffee in Kona 1850, but the Japanese immigrant/Issei sugar plantation escapees took cultivation to unheard of heights starting just after 1890. These individualists had children who became our greatest leaders, unlike our communal-mentality plantation laborers. Of course, our Hilo Sa-ke Co. in 1913 resulted from our staunch East Hawai’i individualists who were shin issei/newly arrived immigrants, not tethered to master-servant labor contracts pre-1900, such as our Kona escapees who created our burgeoning Kona coffee [best in the world for Kona's elevation-climate] industry pre-1900. Prohibition 1919-1933 stopped Sa-ke production, which then resumed in 1937 in Hilo with the same principals, albeit aged Issei. Of course, Sa-ke is from rice, but rice farming in Hawai’i was outdone by cheaper California rice production, though Hanalei Issei continued to grow rice on a limited scale. Soy results in shoyu/miso/tofu, but soy bean production here always was outdone by Stateside Midwest mega-farms, in tandem w/maize-wheat. Do you know that Japan’s ancient staples rice/soy are imported via U.S. agri-cabals? Hilo’s own Grif Frost is our Sa-ke/rice expert. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Life’s journey includes pain and suffering
By Steve Kalas
Suffering is a profound mystery. If you ever meet anyone who can explain it to you, all neat and tidy, run away. Especially if they are trying to sell you CDs and a workbook in an infomercial.
Authentic spirituality doesn’t explain suffering. It courageously acknowledges it. “Life is suffering,” said the Buddha (The Four Noble Truths). “Pick up your cross and follow me,” said Jesus. “If I make my bed in hell, thou art there,” said the Hebrew psalmist. And once acknowledged, serious religious practice proceeds to encounter suffering in a way that leads to hope and meaning.
The Romans gave us two words for suffering: patior, which means “to endure, to allow,” and suffero, or “to bear up.” The Greeks gave us pascho, or “to experience.” It intrigues me that none of these three words bespeak of pain, per se. All three words have in common an intention and willingness to be radically open and present to life as life is — joyous or sorrowful, delightful or painful.
Yet, most of us commonly associate the word “suffering” with something unpleasant, painful or even agonizing.
The central thing we suffer is not physical or emotional pain, but loss. In the midst of illness, tragedy, death — in the midst of life! — meaning is threatened, along with our sense of hope, safety and security. Our belief in a well-ordered and benevolent universe is challenged by deadly weather, accidents, evil and DNA molecules run amok. Saints and scoundrels alike experience absurd, chaotic, inexplicable suffering.
We don’t get to choose whether we suffer, or always what we must suffer. But, thankfully, we do have some freedom to choose how we suffer, and to what end.
Ego suffering refers to the pain and problems resulting from the ego’s refusal to acknowledge pain and problems. We cannot encounter suffering creatively, precisely because the ego will not encounter suffering at all. Oh, the ego will bemoan it. Wail and dramatize. But not encounter.
Indeed, most of what we call suffering comes into our lives as a consequence of our refusal to suffer. We suffer estrangement and isolation because we refuse to suffer the joys and the pains of intimacy. We suffer addictions to avoid suffering the pain within our souls. We suffer depression because we cannot suffer our anger or grief. We suffer guilt because we will not suffer the humility of asking for and accepting forgiveness.
We suffer because we refuse to suffer.
Transformative suffering refers to a conscious encounter with pain powered by the hope of emerging meaning and human transformation. It must be emphasized that the difference between ego suffering and transformative suffering is not found in the suffering itself, but in our relationship to the suffering. In how we suffer. In and of itself, pain is neither a moral good nor moral evil. That we are in pain does not necessarily indicate anything about us. At all.
What we do with and in our pain: This may point to character.
Do you have some suffering to do? Here are a few things to remember:
Let the mystery of suffering be the mystery.
Our temptation is to reduce the suffering to something less chaotic and more intellectually manageable. “There must be a reason,” we protest. And so we construct reasons. Often the reasons make us even more miserable.
Share the suffering.
The opportunity to tell the story of our suffering to a compassionate and skillful listener is helpful beyond measure. Simply in the telling and retelling, we begin to shift perspective, to put a healing distance between us and the pain.
Turn to the wisdom of symbol and ritual.
Medals of honor, funerals, statues and monuments, ritual mourning, legacy, keepsakes — we are symbolic creatures, and our symbols help us to embrace and transcend our suffering.
Discover redemptive mission.
Many people discover meaning in suffering as they work to redeem their suffering in service to the world. And so the alcoholic becomes an AA sponsor. The mother whose child is killed by a drunken driver becomes an activist with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The mercenary becomes a naturalist. The victim of child abuse becomes a marriage and family counselor. And so it goes.
Turn suffering to witness.
Sometimes we suffer as a testimony against injustice. We decide to suffer as a way of absorbing the cost of hatred and bearing witness against the insanity of revenge. Or sometimes we willingly suffer for the sake of endurance alone. That is, as a witness to the goodness of life.
Steven Kalas is a behavioral health consultant and counselor at Clear View Counseling Wellness Center in Las Vegas. His columns appear on Sundays. Contact him at skalas@review-journal.com.
November 11th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Japan is resistant to GMO products because of Japan’s homogenous culture that expects everything to be pure, as in master race pure blood hegemony long extant in Japan culture. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Today is the tomorrow you worried about
yesterday. Was it worth it?- Ghandi
November 11th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Jeremiah Wright’s “prophetic black church sermon” –
KL Ching says that Obama should stick to his guns & support
Obama’s pastor, in spite of Pastor Wright’s racist comments.
Obama won’t win White America’s
silent majority based on KL Ching’s analysis. Wright is
no Martin Luther King. Wright is wala`au/loudmouth
Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton — full of sound/fury
[McBeth]. –Curt [written before the Nov. 2008 election]
November 11th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Oops, MacBeth, not McBeth.
Lingle’s egocentrism —
Awana is Lingle’s John Garfield, image/projection
are everything — Awana bullies via his Nanakuli
backdrop [though St. Louis High '64, no college degree]
a la earlier Roland Higashi [who has since matured into
a consensus-builder], which titillates Lingle [bad boy
persona], which is what turns off real deal GOPs
like Shin [who got her USDA job via Marumoto, despite
jealous Lingle's opposition] & Lam [who didn't make a land
sale for a whole yr. because she gave her life to Lingle '98
campaign --Lingle lost only by 5,000 votes Statewide
to Cayetano but won the Big Island, unprecedented].
No, gang, it’s the other way around. Lingle is not the
real deal GOP, Lam is! Ted Hong
wonders where is Lam today? When Lingle/Awana were asked
this, neither commented. Who is real?? Lingle fractured her
GOP. Statehood Joe Farrington 1897-1954 revitalized his GOP
w/immigrants’ children of voting age. Night/day b/n Joe/Lingle.
Bill Quinn 1919-2006 was boneheaded like Lingle, which
resulted in GOP’s demise. Quinn was Awana/Lingle combined —
total monoshiri/conceited. Twiddle dum, twiddle dee. Dems
Gerald De Mello/Larry Balberde love
themselves too much, just like Lingle/Awana/Quinn.
Statehood Joe Farrington, you smile w/good pride over Shin/Lam.
Lovely, baby. I told Lam that her ass’n w/her uncle Square
Nishimura hurt her badly, because to Dems she is a turncoat.
Reality is that Square was but a Tom Cunningham Dem
[Tom was noisebox turn-off for AJAs, who saw Tom as
turncoat -- switcheroo]. Square, like his son
Al 1928-2007, was not a true Dem. Al was an Ariyoshi Dem,
nothing more. Nothing deep/noble about Square/Al.
Nor about George’s liaison Howard Mimaki, another
Bill Kikuchi ad-man/noisebox. But Lam, now here’s my
real deal GOP! We’re Sansei children of Nisei GOP.
Where’s Merle? Living real life, not concocting false imagery
a la purported GOP Lingle/DEM De Mello. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
And the pharisees told Pilate to write, “I, Jesus, am King of the Jews”
Roman Pontius Pilate said to the pharisees, “I find no fault in Jesus.”
The pharisees said, “Jesus ought to die, because he made himself the
son of God. It is said that Jesus is king of the Jews. We have no king
but Caesar. Crucify Jesus now!” Pilate wrote a title and put it on the
cross. It said, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The pharisees
protested, exhorting Pilate to write, “I, Jesus, am king of the Jews.”
Pilate refused to change the title. And the pharisees said, “Jesus died
by our law, because he made himself the Son of God. Whosoever maketh
himself king, son of God, speaketh against Caesar!” Jesus was betrayed
by his own people, the learned erudite pharisees. John 18 & 19 –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Hung Wai Ching’s bipartisan springwell 1905-2002
GOP Sen. Hiram Fong appoints Hung Wai to prestigious U.S. Postal Bd. of Govs, seconded
by Dems Inouye/Matsunaga [Hiram also appointed law p/n Choy to U.S. 9th Cir. Ct. App.].
Sec. Defense/VP vetted Mel Laird sucks up to Hung Wai [Mel on Readers
Digest payroll -- cheaper bulk rates]. Hung Wai laughingly asks Laird, “Yeah, what’s in it
for me?!” Laird goes into shock. No deal is struck. Hung Wai a good man. How good?
Hung Wai laughingly asks Chicago’s chief postmaster, “Do you employ any chinamen?”
Postmaster apoplectic, gives Hung Wai a blank look [shock]. Hung Wai laughs. Yes,
Hung Wai got approached by Laird at D.C.’s Burning Tree Country Club [Hung Wai went
to D.C. monthly]. Hung Wai is Dan Inouye’s alter ego, but Hung Wai goes to Ben
Dillingham’s cocktail parties [when Ben ran for U.S. Senate vs. Inouye '62] because
Hung Wai pals w/oligarchs, but more crucially, Hung Wai loved Ben’s wife’s ono martinis!. Love, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Korose-nasai [rest/moderation] vs. yamakawasan [fight]
Takie Okumura/Yasutaro Soga personified incremental/measured social change.
KingLit Ching personifies laureate Langston Hughes: “I tire of hearing people say
‘let things take their course, tomorrow is another day.’ I do not need my freedom
when I’m dead, I cannot live on tomorrow’s bread.” — “Democracy.” Or, as Sir
Albert Burton said, “I’m hurt, but not slain, I’ll lay me down & bleed awhile, & then
I’ll fight again.” Yes, korose-nasai [moderate] or yamakawasan [fight]?
Assimilationists Okumura/Soga advocated baby steps. Erroll Flynn look-alike KingLit
exhorts carpe diem for the have-nots of society. Actually, our pidgin Nippon of
yamakawasan signifies a grumbler/negative person/domineering jerk. Not used here
in these ways, but to elucidate rightness of spirit/heart. Love, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Year of Jubilee [self-determination/destiny] —
Yes, Papal bulls/edicts colonized indigenous peoples, just as Imperial Japan’s State Shinto
lorded over UCC, who reel back to this day over Christian complicity w/Hito’s regime [only
courageous nonconformists Holiness evangelists/Marxists defied Hito]. Church hegemony
over State [Papal authority]/State hegemony over church [Imperial Japan] deny equal footing
to either governance, & extraterritoriality/imperialism are the results. Which is why Leviticus
25 is so essential to level such autocracies. Old Testament’s Year of Jubilee summons us to prepare
land for nourishment/forgive debts/release peonage/return-reclaim land to native peoples.
“Mada mada na” — Nippon for colonizers just “don’t get it” — that rebellion shall ensue
w/out Jubilee [Muslim extremists, you're not gonna colonize democratic peoples]. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Irrepressible John Young 1902-1990
Ted Tsukiyama did the interview of a lifetime, & then forgot about it!! Aging?
John Young credits Frank Atherton/Bill Westervelt for being the haole good guys
who did tons for our down-&-out. Young says that Young’s ole’ country Scot
dad disowned Young after Young came to Hawai`i to be among the Chinks/
teeming masses! In 1945 Young got invited to the Kaua`i Rotary Club as its
newest member & former Japan resident Young promptly questioned the
bombing of Hiroshima/Nagasaki, upon which the Rotary Club dumped him. Dan Inouye
wrote Young 4 times a year, because Inouye considered Young to be Inouye’s 2nd father.
Young credited prior YMCA head Lloyd R. Killam w/inspiring Young to uplift the teeming
masses, Killam arriving here in 1912. Killam told Young to stay away from the hardcore
haoles who despised the downtrodden, & to work w/good guys Atherton/Westervelt.
Yes, “Tsook” did the interview for all eternity, only promptly to forget about it!! Yikes!!
Again, Union Theological Seminary -Young got his M.A. from later alumnus HW’s school.
Young died w/n 3 yrs. of this extraordinary interview. To “Tsook,” thank you everlasting!
Love, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Suffering is romantic, just look at the paintings of Christ crucified. Chiseled good looks, muscular physique, looking up at heaven asking,” Why me? “
November 11th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Dem Party fence-sitters 2008 a la Ariyoshi 1963 —
George “okage sama de” ["indebted to Issei immigrant parents"] loves
buzzwords like his moniker sama [kindness], but is a wordsmith on
artifice. When George sat the fence on Dem Maryland Land Bill [lease-
to-fee conversion to bust land-rich chokehold cabals], George’s
sorry-ass excuse was that the Bill created 2 unfair classes of
lessees — short-term & long-term. George should’ve just said that
George is afraid of Bishop Estate, the hand which feeds him, just
as George’s later boss Jack Burns wimped out vs. Bishop Estate.
Thankfully, fighting Catholic John Hulten crusaded to beat Bishop
Estate. Kaz Abe really socked it to George when Abe told George
to sit down after George double-talked over nothing on the
Senate floor.
Dem fence-sitters over Obama/Clinton today do the Party no
good. Party Chair Dean should tell the undecideds to make up
their minds/declare their choice for the sake of the Party,
instead of prolonging the Obama/Clinton race for the sake of
their own ambition/opportunism. Hillary’s knock vs. Obama’s
lack of patriotism plays right into McCain’s hands, just as
Obama’s knock vs. Hillary’s lie over the Bosnia airport issue
plays right into McCain’s hands. Mutual destruction which
benefits McCain. Isamu Kanekuni feels that Obama has
more integrity than Hillary, & supports Obama. –Curt [written before Nov. 2008 election]
November 11th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Our Democratic Party does not have the political will to accomodate
freshlets like Ted Hong. Sparky Matsunaga personified inclusion/welcome wagon.
Strident/asshole Dan Inouye, no matter how much he postures otherwise, is no
peacemaker. Let’s remember that age chronology also reveals our destiny.
Sparky was born in 1916 [my Dad's "accomodationist" generation pre-1920
born buddaheads]. Militant Dan was born in 1924 [post-1920 boneheads
like Ted Tsukiyama/Isamu Kanekuni][Scrub Tanaka born 1915 never lived down
his pro-mgmt. muscle job & forever atoned via support of young punk Nisei].
But even Scrub respected GOP/haole overlords, despite Scrub’s repentance over
Scrub’s brother’s shooting of a Honoka`a Sugar Mill laborer. Drawstring of
1920? Schooling — post-1920 born Nisei were able to finish high school,
inasmuch unaffordable public high school tuition fees were dropped by
Oligarch Dept. of Public Instruction after 1933 via growing pressure from
voting-age citizens-native-born children of immigrants. Thence “fearless
flagrants” like Inouye/Tsukiyama/Kanekuni. DPI’s new boss Oren Long
1934-1946 [outcast Kansas Granger boy, later U.S. Sen.] catalyzed inclusion.
Essentially, Inouye’s ganko/stubborn coterie are Clement Atlee 1883-1967 socialists
who nationalize major industries/public utilities, whereas my Dad’s generation is
like Margaret Thatcher who deregulates where business/commerce intercede.
Yes, we’re closer today to Atlee’s mentality . Paradox is that communists edge
closer to Thatcher/capitalism-free enterprise. And you know what happened to
Atlee’s program. It self-destructed because individual incentive disappeared. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Rise of the middle class in Red China?
Tai On Chock’s 1927-2001 wife Laura born 1927 [Punti merchant class] just returned from Red China, where
she saw no middle class, just rich capitalists & hard-life agrarian farmers. Will Deng Xiaoping’s progeny herald a
peaceful rise of the middle class/urbanization? Urbanization/upward mobility are inevitable where capitalism
takes
hold. In Hawai`i, 2-tiered class system of rich/poor would have resulted in revolt of the masses had our Big 5
not enabled our American Dream via education & benevolent paternalism [housing/health care/recreation].
Paradoxically,, Hawaiians under Lili`u were repressed vs. under U.S. governance, where Hawaiian middle class
flourished [Heen/Trask], our immigrant progeny’s marginalizers being Heen/Trask, who thwarted our upward
mobility. As you saw w/Disraeli/England a century before, our Big 5 actuated our rise into prosperity via
sponsorship/schooling/beneficence [enablers Castle/Cooke/Atherton/Baldwin]. In fact, magnificent altruist
Frank Atherton recruited Springfield Mass. haole educators John Young/Leigh Hooley to level the playing field
for our immigrants/progeny [Nu`uanu Y/Nu`uanu Church]. Just as Hilo’s Lymans got Springfield’s John
Beukema
to uplift struggling ethnics along Hilo Bay [Shinmachi/Piopio/Kimiville/Butcher Lane]. Our women wayfinders
were extraordinary [Ragna Rath/Mabel Smyth/Jean Hartley]. Today’s Denise Takashima carries on such selfless
endeavors. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Gov. Jack Burns 1962-1974 the fullness of time –
True, the boom years 1959-1973 post-Statehood catapulted Burns into super-
stardom. But Burns’ spiritual hold on locals extended way beyond the fortuitous
economic spike of his tenure. Had the all-Japanese Gov./Lt. Gov. ticket
fiasco [Hirono/Matsunaga] 2002 not resulted, Burns’ spell would’ve stretched
well into the 21st century. The fullness of time, the crossroad of destiny.
Burns the source of a new social order — cultural pluralism. Deeply religious
Burns’ fullness of time is Biblical. Ephesians 1:9-10. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Eric Shinseki’s creed — Team first, not me first
Eric’s inspirations: “Poor is the nation that has no heroes, but beggared is
the nation that does have heroes but yet forgets about them.” “I know that
when I die, I will die a free man, not on my knees, and with my head up, not
down.”
Eric reminds me of Buddhist rimban/minister Shin Akita, w/steeped inner strength
& ascetic/oroku qualities — Eric has a great sense of history, & always has a
442 memento/keepsake in the backdrop of his photo ops. Love, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
So Curt, why should we honor our vets ???
Or even more, why should we respect the past?
November 11th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
WWI-era Hilo Issei/immigrant outlets —
Matano Hotel was on Furneaux Lane/Punahoa St., Koizumi Hotel [Okamoto's sumo name]
was on Mamo St., Okino Hotel was on Kam Ave. opposite the Cow Palace
[Hackfeld/AmFac warehouse]. Newspapers included the Mainichi [Daily],
Asahi [Rising Sun], Shinpo [News], Kazan [Volcano]. The best-known
Mainichi originally was on the 2nd floor of the bldg. at SE corner of
Punahoa/Mamo Sts., then moved to newly paved Ponahawai St.
next to jujitsu devotee Seishiro Okazaki [from Japan][later Jack Burns'
wife Bea's rehab-polio]. The Asahi Shinbun was on NW corner Mamo/
Keawe Sts., the Shinpo was on Haili St. opposite Kilauea St., & the
Kazan was on Keawe St. adjacent to the Asahi. Schoolteacher/
Chinese John Lee had his print shop next to the Shinyu Kai [Okazaki's dojo, actually his master Kichimatsu Tanaka's 1875-1954 dojo] on
Ponahawai St., & he published his genre [1937] bios of then-current
Big Isle leaders. Kazan’s Kohachi Yamamura lost his leg in a
California industrial accident, but was an outspoken 1920 anti-strike
leader & buddy of Juzaburo Sakamaki [whose home was bombed].
Mainichi’s Genichi Okubo [no relation to Kiyo Okubo] was less
incendiary [more like affable Yasutaro Soga]. Although Fred Makino
& Soga were cohorts in the 1909 sugar strike, they were poles
apart in personality, Makino being the A-hole/Type A scourge.
And although Makino’s Hochi & Soga’s Nippu Jiji were just a
block apart, neither acknowledged each other when they passed on
the street. Like how Hung Wai Ching, vanity & all, was jealous
of Pablo Chinen’s/442nd’s bosom buddy Earl Finch [ostracized
in his native Miss. for befriending 442nd Camp Shelby Japs],
especially after Finch moved to O`ahu after WWII [to rejoin
his hanai brothers-in-arms]. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Is “insanealien” Keoki Kai?
We should honor our Veterans because our Veterans died to give us freedom of speech, of the press, of the right to assemble, of the right to air our grievances, of redress, etc. The very reason we blog is because of our Veterans [who died for this opportunity]. We should respect the past because it shows us who we are and where we might be headed. Keoki Kai?? Aloha, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Vietnam War era draft/1969 conscript lottery –
W/college kids Bush/etc. exempt from Vietnam War era draft, inner city non-Whites
& rural poor served up in the battlegrounds. All that changed
when the lottery picked names out of a hat, kids of high social standing included. Yes,
our war involvement got closer to home/suburbs. What if Congress institutes the lottery
again? Surely, we’ll make quick exit out from Iraq/Afghanistan. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Emily Dickinson “The Incidents of Love” –
The incidents of love
Are more than its Events —
Investment’s best Expositor
Is the minute Per Cents —
To “insanealien,” you wanna take a swab to this & break it down for us/readers?
November 11th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Neuroanatomist, Paul MacLean, says, ” The ancient area
of the brain is driven by a prehistoric segment, which is called the R-complex.” It is responsible for,
” Aggressive behaviour, territoriality, ritualism, and
establishment of social hierarchies.”
Hence, cold- blooded killer.
But, are we truly free? Or just slaves to our debts/
wants/ needs?
November 11th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Baptist pastor James Sanbei born 1923 —
College-bound students follow their teachers’ alma mater, if affordable. Wahiawa’s James
Sanbei went to college/seminary in Texas, where his mentors were from. In 1947 he
came back to pastor, first on Moloka`i, then Maui, then to Hawai`i Island in 1963, where he
lives today. James pastored at Kino`ole Baptist Church from 1963 to 1984, starting up
programs similar to Pastor Richard Uejo’s. From 1984 to 1990 James became outreach/mission
starter for local Baptists, at which time he retired to enjoy his twilite years. In 2000 he suffered
a massive stroke & is partially paralyzed today, able to mutter few words which his devoted/
Christian wife Kathy understands. In personality/projection, James is the polar opposite of
Pastor Richard Uejo. Richard is daimyo/heavy-handed in bearing/stature, a Jimmy Cagney
character type. James Sanbei is sweet/fluid/homey/comfy, our Norman Vincent Peale
prototype/power of positive thinking. A more composed/heartfelt peaceable man you will
not find — James is our exemplar of rarest equanimity.
Pastor Thurston Higa, deceased, was a devotee of James Sanbei. Though drone in delivery/
projection, Thurston was downright loving/nurturant. Honest/sincere/thick skin to a fault,
Thurston’s strength was his ability to withstand mistreatment/scorn/humiliation/abuse/
persecution, especially from within his own congregation. His faith in Jesus ennobled him
thru interpersonal chagrin. Thurston was one of a kind, truly a special soul. Beyond compare.
My brother Lloyd, pastor, has tremendous respect for James & Thurston. Their mild-mannered
& gentle ways are good reference points for do-er/man of action Lloyd, good counterweights
to Lloyd’s assertive character. Lloyd’s strength is his innate talent in uplifting others/infusing
sense of self-worth, one on one being his greatest forte. Metaphorically, Lloyd is a Paul,
James/Thurston are John. As sage pastor Roy Kim says, God’s lessons are all the same –
just expressed in different/diverse ways. The point is to receive/listen to the maxim/precept.
–Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
“Insanealien,” you swabbed at the eternal point of Free Will, for which there is no suitable answer for you
Of course, in Scripture, we’re all Sinners, so the Christian theme is to believe in Jesus. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
“War stories” — 442nd WWII
DSC Tsune Takemoto–Silver Star Kazuma Hisanaga’s 1st cousin–whose fathers were WWI era
baseballers, always lamented about not getting the MoHonor. As you know, Purple Heart
Tsune was supplanted by eventual MoH Dan Inouye. K Co. rplcmt. Rusty Kamimura
[born 1923, Shinmachi native; nicknamed Rusty for his "ehu" bleached hair by Beans Afook]
is classmate of Tsune’s & always scoffed at Tsune for Tsune’s glory-seeking recognition. Rusty
also chuckles at yakamashii peer Stan Akita’s tenno heika conceit, Stan a former POW. Stan takes after Stan’s dad Alex Akita, Honomu daimyo/overlord/tengu/
educator/WWI doughboy/baseball star & peer of Tsune’s/Kazuma’s dads. Rusty chortles at
peer Nel Doi’s repulsion of Nel’s youth while growing up/selling fish as a Shinmachi resident.
Nel couldn’t stand peddling fish from Nel’s parent’s site via Wailoa sand beach [now regatta
hdqtrs]. Rusty, whose carpenter dad died from a heart attack when sole son [w/sisters]
Rusty was a kid, says that Nel shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth — Nel should be
utterly grateful that Nel’s parents sacrificed enormously to provide shelter/material comforts/
education for their kids. But Rusty says– that’s Nel, a minus guy. BTW, Riichi Lee Hatada’s
Shinmachi photo albums actually are those of the Shinmachi kumiai/org, whose members
marshalled their individual family pix & put them into a photo collection. Riichi’s son Oren now has
his deceased parents’ photo collection but is not aware that these are the kumiai’s pix. BTW,
more than a few of the 442nd veterans enlisted for combat duty simply to “have fun” & escape
their “dull” plantation lives/internment camps. Riichi was ineligible for enlistment via minor physical
disability, & Rusty always wondered how Riichi came to be the most positively publicized
Shinmachi native son via Riichi’s photo collection. Rusty is not jealous of Riichi. Rusty cannot
figure out how Riichi took credit for the kumiai’s pix. BTW, Shinmachi had a disproportionately
large contingent of WWII combat veterans, but Riichi was not among them. Nor was Nel Doi.
Give praise to patriot Tom Okino 1906-1979, Willy Thompson’s uncle, for Shinmachi enlistees. –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Nature vs. nurture a recurring question, per “insanealien,” who I take it might be Keoki Kai, a most learned/astute man, a visionary, really. But if it’s not Keoki Kai, then kudos to this total stranger. Aloha, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
AHHH! Eloquently written, Curt. You truly are a
pugilistic gentleman!
incident- spontaneous occurrence
event- specific set of circumstances
November 11th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Mike Tongg [Ruddy Sr.'s son] — everyone’s messiah R.I.P.
Mike Tongg stewarded love like no other. His roots run deeply in rural repose, having emerged
from Kukuihaele/Waipi`o. Mike embraced everyone high & low, saint & sinner. You didn’t have
to vow poverty to gain his wisdom, you didn’t have to wear a fancy suit to get his attention/
respect. Jesus died for everyone. So did Mike. He is our untold patron saint. Love, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
No, “insanealien,” in the area of brooches & delights, not pugilism!!
Man, you are one creative outer space chap/lass [whoever you are!!] Dickinson is Emily, not Eric Dickerson the jock. Aloha, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
explanation of shinmatchi, please also history of the
Hilo celebration
November 11th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Haole means foreigner/ alien.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
“Insanealien,” do you see how editor Tiffany Edwards Hunt looks like her Dad?? And how Tiff’s loving baby Coco looks like Tiff?? I keep telling folks we got Hollywood looks right in Pahoa, namely the Edwards look!! Last week I spotted Tiff & Coco walking along Pahoa Main St., from their back ends!! I could tell these were Tiff & Coco!! And yet, for the first time ever, Tiff was wearing a dress!! Unbelievable!! My eyes fell out of my face!! Nonetheless, Tiff’s Dad is handsomer [sic] than Cary Grant!! Doth not agree??
Aloha, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Curt your perrying skills are remarkable.
The history of shinmatchi, I beg of you!
November 11th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Oh boy, I gonna’ be checkin’ out in a jiff, lest I join “insanealien” in outer space [I'm okay being with haoles, though
] Shinmachi means new town in Japanese, and our bayfront Shinmachi district [from today's Kamehameha Statue down to Hilo Iron Works bldg.] is the only Japanese-named urban site in our State. Shinmachi was built on reclamed land [former swamp] after the 1914 inferno which scorched old Nippon alley/block where today’s downtown KTA & parking lot are. The other inferno of such magnitude was the 1960 Flintkote/Canec conflagration which happened just a month before the 1960 tsunami [today's Waiakea Villa complex site]. Yes, the macabre thought is why couldn’t the inferno have occurred just in time to be extinguished by the tsunami?? The so-called celebration in kimono garb was to pay homage to the church [Taishoji] via gala/colorful parade thru the streets — of course, a century ago it would’ve amounted to a strange foreign hare krishna type curiosity for localites. Aloha, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Okay, “insanealien,” I’m checking out for today. Be safe!! Aloha, –Curt
November 11th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Thanxs, Curt you are truly remarkable in your vast
knowledge, of what so much people put on the back-burner, of their thoughts. THE passion that fuels you,
should, in my humble opinion be taught in all aspects of life. i.e. sports, business, pursuit of happiness.-
Aloha, the insanealien.
November 11th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
As far as a quick exit out of Iraq/ afghanistan.
Not as fast as coward Watada. He wasn’t drafted,
he chose to join the military. True, he had balls to stand up to big, bad Uncle Sam. The reason they let him off the hook, was so he wouldn”t become a martyr. Like
dare I say, Saul.
November 12th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Kiyo Okubo 1905-2001 traitor/uragiri? No. Self-centered? Yes.
1. Pre-WWII radio deejays included Kiyo Okubo & Lillian Araki O’Conner [from Amau`ulu].
Baseballer Koichi Segawa’s daughter Fumiko [houselots area] answered Kiyo’s pre-WWII ad for
female radio announcers [to get female listeners]. Thruout WWII, Lillian was not
stigmatized as a turncoat vs. her own buddaheads, mainly because she was not linked
closely w/Kiyo, who was regarded as an FBI sympathizer because his Hochi was nothing
more than a propaganda arm of the FBI. But Fumiko Segawa suffered fools gladly,
getting her feet wet as Kiyo’s handpicked colleague, & also being subject to WWII hushed
derision/scorn by her AJA peers. Lillian also was older/wiser/more mature than nubile
Fumiko, Lillian born 1914 [died 2004]. Ironically, I gave Lillian a whole collection of
vintage old Japan vinyl records [Maeda relics from Kaiwiki] thru her KIPA just weeks
before she died. KIPA still has them. BTW, Fumiko joined the WAC as interpreter.
No, she was not another Tokyo Rose. Fumiko was Hisato Isemoto’s neighbor. None
of the Isemotos [Hisato/Arthur/Larry] suspect her of being an FBI informant/traitor to
her buddaheads. BTW, Kiyo gave generous airtime to Uchinanchu,
& respected Drs. Akira Yamanoha/Zenko Matayoshi.
2. Ubiquitous Shinobu Sakai Sato [from Kea`au], 1910-2008
is Dem Party legend Rich Imai’s classmate from Kea`au. Shinobu joined the radio
industry after WWII, & was not scorned like Fumiko Segawa [pre-WWII deejay]. Tomoe
Nagahisa [Waiakea Nagahisa Store] was recruited by Kiyo a la Fumiko but post-WWII, &
also was not villified like Fumiko.
3. Irrefutably, Kiyo had nothing to do w/FBI’s hit list of suspects detained immediately after
the morning bombing of Pearl Harbor. Dr. Ernie Mitsuo Kuwahara/Rich Imai’s consulate
honorary agent dad/etc. all imprisoned by 9 pm on 12/7/41, as was Kiyo. But Kiyo was
released when Hochi boss Fred Makino consented to be the FBI’s propaganda organ, &
Fred needed Kiyo to handle Hochi’s Hilo branch. Tomoe rhetorically asks, Kiyo couldn’t
say no, now could he? Translated: To say no is to pledge loyalty to Japan, not the U.S.
I say that Kiyo was trying to avert internment, loyalty or no loyalty. Of course, Kiyo’s
worshippers/devotees [print/radio media] declare otherwise! They say that Kiyo was
shellshocked by Japan’s attack vs. Pearl Harbor, that Kiyo was inconsolably ashamed to
have trumped up anti-Americanism pre-WWII/Imperial Japan superiority, & that Kiyo chose
to be an American patriot by helping our war effort via Kiyo’s Hochi as the propaganda arm
of the FBI. But Kiyo told me many times that it was America’s fault for provoking Japan’s
attack at Pearl Harbor, backdropped by our embargo/choke-hold of vital necessities from
being imported by Imperial Japan.
4. Did Kiyo have anything to do w/sordid follow-up interrogations of families of those interned?
No. The knock against Kiyo [or Fred Makino, for that matter] is that Kiyo didn’t protest
internment/lockups because Kiyo himself was trying to save his okole, this submission/
blind obedience coming from a fervent haole-hater/J_p lover Kiyo. Thence our overall
buddahead disregard of Kiyo. Do you wanna know a good joe/good sport? Larry Isemoto,
whose dad Hisato [like Rex Matsuno's dad Kamezo] was locked up w/n hrs. of Pearl Harbor.
After Prof. Honda took over Kiyo’s operation/outfit, Larry gave Prof. H $5G to perpetuate
our immigration history, even though Larry opined that Kiyo was self-protective/self-
centered WWII, not team-first/patriot. To me, patronizing/condescending Kiyo
[Kiyo always felt that Kiyo's pure race Mikado/Nippon roots were superior to us creoles/
rural bumpkins here -- Kiyo was from rice farmer Niigata like Rich Imai's dad but Kiyo
graduated from Tokyo High, a lofty perch back then] was his own worst enemy, not the
haoles, not the FBI. Kiyo self-imploded from inflated ego/class-caste attitude [Kiyo
was an educator-esteemed professional].
5. Light note: Isojiro Kitagawa’s squeeze was nicknamed Obasan, who went back to Japan
after he died in 1956 at age 79. His right-hand man Masa Nakamura [baseball coach
Rich's dad] was the real brain/nerve center after Iso passed his torch to “adopted” yoshii
son Tsutae [who married Iso's daughter & took her name of Kitagawa]. Of course,
Tsutae’s son Iwao took over the dealership no sooner than Tsutae was given the car
keys, but no harm, no foul [all in the family/bloodline/kazoku]. Iwao’s son Brian [hapa/han]
is the current boss. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Thank you, “insanealien,” for your insight & wisdom. I wonder if you are visionary Keoki Kai? Aloha, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Congregational social altruism –
Shantytowns Waiakea/Shinmachi/Pi`o p`io/Wai`olama/Christina Lane/Kimiville/Butcher Lane
strung like pearls along Hilo Bay were uplifted via Congregational missions [YMCA Settlement
House/Hilo (Youth) Center at today's Kam/Pau`ahi St. corner site/etc.]. These hardship enclaves
were populated by immigrant Nippon/Puerto Rican/Filipino/Korean residents. Out of these
urban “ghettos” came our greatest positive historymakers/trailblazers [Nel Doi/Jimmy Kealoha/
John Ushijima/etc.]. Because Buddhist/Shinto missions were repressed via language school
laws/etc., Buddhist enablement of the common lot did not flourish like the Congregational
outreaches. Of course, customary Catholicism did not resonate among Asian immigrants until
the CYO/YMI movement of the New Deal era 1930s. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Benevolent paternalism? No! –
1. Why is not Castle & Cooke/Big Five godfather Frank Atherton
a patronizing haole supremacist? Because Frank never forgot Biblical Samaritans which
espoused ethnic tolerance. Frank’s Castle & Cooke forebearers/ancestors were the
Congregational missionaries. Although militant buddaheads [boboras born after 1920]
like Ted Tsukiyama/Dan Inouye deplore Big Five haoles, point is that upward mobility is
not all our own doing. Why is ubiquitous Rev. Frank Chong named in
honor of Frank Atherton? Because dad Rev. Kim On Chong [hakka/rural bumpkin
from North Kohala's mountains], peer of McKinley High legends Gladys Brandt/Hung Wai
Ching/Hiram Fong/Chinn Ho/Mas Marumoto/etc., was mentored/nurtured/hanai’d by
Frank Atherton himself! Yes, back to Nu`uanu’s Community Church/Congregationalist
Chinese! Both Chongs studied under omniscience of NY Union Theological Seminary’s
scholars/educators. Remember that the Hakka were mistreated by the urban Punti, just
like how Atherton’s dark Samaritans were ostracized by their pure blood brothers. You
won’t get a confession/atonement out of Honolulu Punti, but these urbanites frown upon
the unclean Hakka like the Chongs. This is why the Chongs and other Hakka
overachieved to escape their repressed intra-Chinese caste society!!
2. Believe it or not, the Punti customarily were called the real/pure Chinese, the Hakka being
stigmatized as the nefarious ones! Compassionate/nurturant Frank Atherton was no fool.
He saw these all! Remember that his family facilitated Sun Yat Sen’s overthrow of China’s
Old Order/caste system, of Syngman Rhee’s adoption of Jefferson’s life/liberty/pursuit of
happiness trinity, of the great renaissance nerve center, Japan’s Doshisha University/etc.
Remember that Asian arc/region mythic mentor Jose Mercado Rizal, PI godfather/reformist
who became a martyr to freedom/democracy, was heavily influenced by Samaritans &
the Congregational creed of everybody’s equal! Rizal’s proteges included Sun Yat Sen/
Syngman Rhee/Mahatma Gandhi/etc. Do you know that the written word/literacy rates
enabled by Congregationalists exceeded all other regions, even much of our own U.S.?
3. Yes, it is w/this backdrop that haoles go home! is but a misnomer. Haoles stay is apt!
Look at Frank Chong’s 1944-2008 cousin Anson Chong 1938-2008, whose dad Lt. Col.
Kim Nan Chong is Rev. Kim On Chong’s brother. Auspicious foreign services economist
Anson was sponsored by Kohala Bond Plantation boss Atherton Richards [Bond/Atherton
all family] for Anson’s Punahou/etc. education. Anson is spiritually indebted to Richards &
regards anti-haole prejudice as incendiary fear. For every example of haole repression vs.
common folk, there is a counterweight of haole liberation. Like how you weigh risk vs.
reward. Weigh risk, also weigh reward. Not former w/out latter. As an aside, Anson was
the people’s champ solon 1972-1980, & it took only 5 senators to question majority rule
[Anson/TC Yim/Dickie Wong/Joe Kuroda/Dante Carpenter], ergo, to stop the Old Guard
[Senate prexy John Ushijima] from controlling all the power/money appropriations/CIP/etc.
Anson has no regrets/grief over the young turks upending/unseating the Old Guard.
But Anson’s bloc repudiation caused his re-election losses in his conservative district.
Ironically, had Uwaine/Ross Segawa/Brian Minaai/etc. stayed away from the residency
requirement issue, it’s likely that Anson would’ve been elected senator again. Cse la vie.
Shikata ga nai. Do you know that Anson & our beloved deacon Earl Nakasato look like
twins? Hollywood-handsome till this day! And that both hombres have virtually mirror-
image backdrops [MS in economics/etc.]? Of course, the only digression is that Anson
ended up w/the Foreign Service & Earl ended up a laborer advocate/lawyer [labor law].
No, not the money train big union official payroll guys you see in the media all the time.
Earl is grassroots all the way — like Anson. Love, –Curt
PS: Fear begets fear globally. Old Testament Moses led his people, God’s chosen ones.
So-called other Arabs/unwashed-unclean ones, were God-forsaken. Jesus later came
around, preaching ethnic tolerance, but it was too late. After that, so-called Arabs
would not buy Catholicism’s so-called false idolatry of Jesus on the cross. By the time
Islam came around, the youngest kid on the block [600 yrs. after Jesus], fear was cemented
to date. When the State of Israel was carved out of Muslim territory, Muslim extremists
grew exponentially. Yes, fear begets more fear. State of our society today. Calamitous. -Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Kansha/gratitude by Ted Tsukiyama to Sen. Dan Akaka –
All the wrangling about Hawaiian sovereignty got MIS guru Ted Tsukiyama worked up to support
Sen. Akaka, Veterans’ Affairs Chairman, best friend of the all-Nisei soldiers [Dan Inouye conflicted
out because Inouye was up for a Medal of Honor, rightly deserved, though gruff Inouye was
always less amiable than Sparky Matsunaga/Dan Akaka]. Army’s John C. McNaughton’s Akaka-
ordered bk. Nisei Linguists extols Ted’s MIS boys. Yes, Ted undeniably has a vested interest
in blindly backing up Akaka on sovereignty, but as Ted told me recently, “Curt, I don’t know
beans about this Hawaiian sovereignty thing, but if you ask me about Akaka, I’ll back him up
no matter what! Kansha, Curt, I’ll always be faithful to Akaka, no matter what the cause or
issue. My depth of appreciation and gratitude to him is immeasurable!” I told Ted that his
sentiment is On, irrevocable indebtedness (of gratitude), beyond plain kansha. Ted said no,
Ted is not locked down/betrothed to Akaka, Ted chooses to express/pledge allegiance-support
to Akaka. Free country, free will. Not tyranny. Nonetheless, I told Ted that everything
his boys fought & died for — everybody’s equal — comes crashing down via racial hegemony/
Hawaiian autocrat superiority. That the sovereignty issue is about class, not race. The
maka`ainana/commoners were fleeced by their own chiefs/konohiki. The commoners
never had a fair hand regarding kuleana lots/fee simple owned lands. Need-
based values, not race-based bigotry, restore balance/equilibrium to the matter.
Class, not race. Ted bellowed, “Too bad, Curt, I’m with Akaka all the way. You’re not
gonna convince me otherwise!” You know, there’s something utterly noble about Ted’s
bonehead fidelity to Akaka. Ted bears fully the heavy cross of Akaka — duresse oblige.
Sorta’ the same yamato damashii/fighting spirit which careened Ted & his MIS boys into the
glorious pages of military/social/political history. Chugi/loyalty personified [sigh...], Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Ethnic blend/diversity in Hawai`i County —
1. It’s no surprise that Hawai`i County, with population growth at under 2%, & w/60%
of native-born residents, has the greatest ethnic blend/diversity in the U.S. A third
of our residents are ethnic blends, mostly local. Portuguese make up 8% of our
population, Japanese make up 13%. Our male/female ratio is even. Baby boomers
ages 45-54 make up 16% of our population, followed by those 35-44 yrs. old at 15%.
2. There is very little homogeneity [pure race]. Such notion is antiquated. But there surely
are a bunch of social climbers. Look at shallow Jean Ariyoshi [George's wife] & bling-bling
adorned Kazuhisa Abe. But as Kazu’s protege Stanley Hara [truly humble man] tells me,
“Curt, Kazu came from the Pepe`ekeo canefields with nothing — which is why he loved
to show off his fancy jewelry & cars. I understand why he was like that — it’s okay if you
know why.” Man, Stanley Hara, our angel/patron saint!!
3. Which brings home that our current society is about class/stature, not race/ethnicity.
The race card no longer is useful [thank goodness]!! Yes, Jesus
died for everyone.
4. BTW, famous Hilo entrepreneur Luso Spinola a century ago is not descended from philosopher/
mathematician/Luso Bento Spinoza over 300 yrs. ago. Different spellings. Spinola’s
mansion is the same bldg. now occupied by Reed & Jay photography across St. Joseph
Church on Haili/Kapi`olani St. corner. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Jimmy Kealoha 1908-1983 [GOP Lt. Gov. 1959-1962]
1. GOP Bill Quinn’s biggest asset in Quinn’s Statehood Gov. win was Quinn’s popular Lt. Gov.
Jimmy Kealoha, who left as Big Isle Chairman/mayor to join Quinn. Kealoha intimated/
confided to businessman friend/Kam Ave. neighbor Norman Tsuji that Kealoha was
ignored by Quinn thruout Kealoha’s Lt. Gov. tenure 1959-1962. No, Quinn did not
promise Kealoha that Quinn would step aside in 1962 to allow Kealoha to run for Gov.
Quinn left the door open for political events to unfold/unveil come 1962, 3 yrs.
hence from Kealoha’s boost to Quinn’s 1959 Gov. campaign. Quinn had
the option to run for U.S. Senate in 1962, not to mention the U.S. House. Nonetheless,
the incessant internal bickering between Kealoha/Quinn had purged Kealoha of positive
top billing/needed press-media publicity to wage a powerful campaign in 1962. Still,
Kealoha’s remnant charisma forced a close loss to Quinn in the 1962 GOP Gov. primary,
losing only by less than 11,000 votes. Quinn’s Big Isle dynamite duo precocious campaigners
Bobby Fujimoto/Glenn Oda know nothing of a purported promise made by Quinn to step
aside come 1962. Kealoha’s only patronage concession by Gov. Quinn was relocating Judge Al Felix to Hilo from O’ahu, where Felix was persona non grata by our Bar Ass’n [cronyism in appointing officials].
2. As Ed Case should’ve done more of by quoting reputable sourceTime Magazine
on Sen. Akaka’s dismal Senate record, Bob Oshiro’s brainchild–the bad press on Gov.
Quinn’s failed Second Mahele pie-in-the-sky fairy tale–resulted in Jack Burns’ landslide win
over Quinn in 1962. In retrospect, Bill Quinn’s strength was his great Irish earthiness — he
had a wonderful tenor/vocal which amplified his popularity. Quinn’s
undoing is his failure of leadership — dense-as-plaster Quinn, despite his Harvard credential,
picked a whole new slate of administration employees upon Statehood, yet sunk abysmally
in 1962. Point being Where on earth
were Quinn’s 550 “numbskulls” come election campaign time 1962??? Worse than
naive — plain folly –this is Quinn. Contrary to press cliche, Quinn flubbed in the apolitical
boardrooms/peer relations — Quinn never once asked for sage Sen. Hiram Fong’s
advice/wisdom. Bonehead like Ed Case. Nonetheless, Quinn’s aloha spirit/moderate
GOP stance presaged GOP Linda Lingle’s win in 2002, a 40 year break between Statehood’s
2 GOP Govs, Quinn/Lingle. Neither Bobby nor Glenn [Quinn's Big Isle reps] marks Quinn’s
dual downsides [strategy/patronage failures from dense thinking]. As America’s greatest
folklore writer Mark Twain said, “I never let schooling get in the way of my education.”
This from an otherwise “degenerate” [Twain] who suffered thru repeated business/
personal failures. We’re all Jekyl/Hyde, all sinners. Quinn was a lovable/loving sinner.
Look at what was supposed to be a Quinn slam dunk win, the 1962 Gov. Quinn/Dem foe
Jack Burns TV debate — wily/cagey Burns, bestowed w/steeped ILWU labor strike life
experiences, won the debate before it even started — the format required the 2 debaters
to query each other — Jack KO’d Quinn w/Jack’s 1st question to Quinn — “What will you do
in the event of a major labor strike [which will cripple our infrastructure/economy/people]?”
Quinn babbled indecisively. “Unschooled/non-college” candidate Burns neutralized Quinn
by sheer force of latent leadership, Burns’ pseudonym for “thinking on your feet–executing
masterfully!” Press cliches “just don’t cut the cake to appreciate the richness inside [of
politics/social history]!!” Quinn was simply too full of himself/conceited.
3. Do what Bob Oshiro does to get the inside scoop/dope — ask intelligent questions to no
end — you’ll be amazed at revelatory answers. In this sense, I gotta pay homage to
understated long-forgotten political guru Dan Tuttle. Dan the interviewer often knew
more than the person being interviewed. But the point is that the news source/answerer
may be more revelatory if Dan is more akamai/one step ahead in Dan’s interrogatory.
Just like the Burns/Quinn debate in 1962! Yes, Dan Tuttle is just the news gatherer, not
the news source. And he’s not even a scribe! A student of politics, erstwhile/ever-in-awe
of historymakers. Tuttle/Oshiro — numbers/stats guys who see the global picture, not a
Quinn. Yikes! — why Dan Tuttle enamors of Nelson Doi is beyond me — Dan always urged
to know what Nelson is up to these days [nothing]. Nel– all armor, no tact. Actual answer
to Dan’s titillation re: Nel — Nel is good copy/ink no matter what Nel talks about — ergo,
Dan loves Quixote/windmills.
4. And in highest praise of the saloon industry [Johnny Waimea Dias Souza had his great saloon
tavern on Mamane St. in the heart of Honoka`a village], w/tongue-in-cheek– I bow mightily
to Bob Oshiro’s unspoken guru, sleepy Wahiawa village saloon keeper/haole Earl Sturdyvin,
who taught obscure/incognito Oshiro the tricks of the political trade. Amazing grassroots
education. Ph.D. not required. Closer — just bought booklet for $1.00 called “Straight-up
from Jimmy the Bartender — he may be just a bartender, but Jimmy has more horse sense
than any psychologist or therapist will ever have!” Oh boy!! Happy trails to you, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Homestead laws directly benefitted Luso families —
1. The Kingdom of Hawai`i allowed aliens to acquire ag lands per equitable distribution of
land ownership, among the rarest codes globally. As reference, the 1884 Homestead
Act provided 20 newly arrived Luso w/fee simple ownership. The liberal Kingdom code
was similar to the U.S. 1862 Homestead Act which opened up vast tracts of fallow
land for cultivation, although the first Kingdom law allowing alien land ownership was
enacted in 1850.
2. The 1900 Organic Act which established the U.S. Territory of Hawai`i provided a formula
for residents to petition for homesteads, and
the land commissioner was instructed to “expeditiously survey and open for settlement”
such lands. Substantial tracts of government land under lease to the sugar industry
came up for renewal after WWI, which resulted in resident petitions for ownership, which
then resulted in lands available for ownership by the little guy/gal as required by the
Homestead Act. And these are how our Souzas acquired their vast acreages.
3. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s Interior Secretary Franklin Lane even visited Hawai`i
in 1918 and, after meeting w/homesteaders from Honoka`a to Hilo, pronounced in
classic homespun Jacksonian Democrat fashion, “This part of our common country should
give an opportunity to the man of capacity and energy to secure a home for himself, a
home off which he can earn his own living, a home in which self-respect will be developed
out of which can come sound judgments as to the welfare of this Nation.” Heady
stuff for small village folks from Honoka`a. But the purest template of grassroot
representation/participatory democracy. Out of this primal cauldron emerged
our Souza gentry estates.
4. As history apostles Lorna Pacheco/David Figueira well know, our Girardo Ferreira catalyzed
our homestead homily in Ahualoa before our Souza acquisitions, & willed/devised via
probate his homesteads to his daughters & son Vasco. Inasmuch his daughters’ husbands
were well-heeled w/their own vocations [educator/foreman/blacksmith/meat cutter],
& Vasco was a field supervisor, Girardo’s filhas/filho [kids] liquidated their holdings.
5. I dedicate/bear testimony of my research/investigation in memory of
George Dias Souza [1913-1989], and Dorothy Vasconcellos Souza [1920-1997],
the greatest inspirers of Luso history in my opinion. I also thank Lorna Pacheco for her
irrevocable/intrepid resolve to search deep/afar for the answers to our ancestry/past.
Passo a passo [step by step] we climb to touch divinity… Amor, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 11:58 am
Luso enablers of upward mobility –
Joe Pao/Jim Ferry/J.B. Fernandes were passionate supporters of buddaheads/AJAs. G.F. Affonso
is the longtime Advertiser scribe & best-known Luso literata. He hails from Honoka`a. G.F.’s son
Godfrey was an early thinktank w/Kailua O`ahu liquor store owner Jack Burns [later Dem
Gov.]. O`ahu’s 1st mayor Joe Fern Dem 1909-1920 was racial pluralist-diversity. Native
sons all, grassroots to a fault. Amazing men. P.S. Could G.F. Affonso be our kin? He is Ferreira
from Funchal like our Girardo Ferreira. BTW, the world’s best-ever basketball player Ah Chew
Goo’s father is from Honoka`a. As you know, all-world Luso hoopster Red Rocha [longtime NBA
all-star player/coach] calls Ah Chew the greatest-ever passing guard. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Steadfast/ever-faithful GOP loyalist Elroy Osorio 85 yrs. old; looks 60 yrs. young
1. Emil Osorio born 1898, arrived here 1910, nephew of J.A.M. Osorio. Emil is Elroy’s father.
2. Emil got Bd. of Water Supply job under GOP County Chairman Sam Mahuka Spencer.
3. Elroy Osorio born 1924, was inspired by GOP County Chairman Jimmy Kealoha to run for
political office.
4. Next to GOP Bernard Akana/Wendell Kaehuaea, GOP Elroy is a perennial candidate/loser,
but ever-faithful GOP loyalist. Yet, Elroy won 90% of Keaukaha [DHHL] votes vs. Dem Shun
Kimura for mayor 1964. Elroy asked dying GOP Sen. Doc Hill to succeed Hill in 1970, but Hill
picked Hill’s inhouse business “hanai” son Scotch Henderson. Elroy’s biggest shock was
when Dem Aaron Chung beat Elroy for Elroy’s incumbent County Council seat. Like Barack
Obama, Aaron crested on youth & verve. Elroy’s other shock was when his sole identity
group, his one-only GOP, picked Dem turncoat Harvey Tajiri over Elroy to tiff vs. Dems for
mayor in 2000. GOP’s Kona haole faction dismissed Elroy as an old fart has-been. Opportunist
Harry Kim then entered the fray & wiped out Tajiri in the GOP primary. Elroy was told by
Kim in 1990 that Kim would endorse Elroy vs. Lorraine Rodero Inouye for mayor, but Kim
did not come through. Yet, Elroy endorsed Kim in 2000 after the GOP bypassed Elroy for
mayor. Dem turncoat Harvey Tajiri said that Dem oyabun/godfather
Scrub Tanaka told Tajiri a buddahead won’t win the mayor’s race in 2000, & for Tajiri to
stay out of the Dem primary for mayor. Which is why Tajiri changed to GOP. Yet, Tajiri
told GOP members that Lingle endorsed Tajiri for GOP mayor. Elroy says that Elroy’s
endorsement of opportunist Kim was Elroy’s counter to being ignored by Elroy’s GOP. Elroy
went all out to support Lingle vs. Cayetano in 1998, but was not asked by GOP head Lingle
to run for mayor in 2000. Elroy supported peer Andy Anderson [GOP turncoat] for Gov. in 2002,
which switched off/faux pas vs. Lingle ever again [vs. GOP Lingle for Gov.], ergo,
haoles split the vote for Case/Anderson, enabling Hirono to face off vs. Lingle in the general
election, Hirono being the most formidable Dem according to Lingle [but Matt Matsunaga's Lt.
Gov. primary win doomed the all-J_p Dem ticket]. Yes, Elroy’s support of Anderson actually
helped Lingle win, but Lingle purged Elroy permanently thereafter. Not that Elroy’s presence
ever concerned/worried Lingle, but clearly, he was eviscerated to zero thereafter. If GOP
loser Lofty Cook had endorsed GOP winner Elroy for mayor vs. Shun Kimura in 1964, Elroy
would’ve beaten Kimura. Aaron Chung says that Elroy never congratulated Aaron for beating
incumbent councilman Elroy. That Aaron is not surprised that Ted Hong turncoated to
GOP, being that Machiavellian Ted played both sides of the partisan fence. Yet Ted has no
judgeship reward to show for it. Elroy says that Jimmy Kealoha was consumed w/Jimmy’s
race for Lt. Gov. 1959 & dealing w/malihini Quinn thereafter, & thus unable to help Elroy
in Elroy’s 2 wins for bd. of supervisors/council 1960 & 1962. Elroy’s only other Dem endorse-
ment beside endorsing Andy Anderson was when Elroy endorsed Dante Carpenter for
mayor. Dante/wife Olan went all out for Elroy vs. Shun Kimura in ‘66. Elroy was asked
by Dems to turn Dem to run vs. County clerk Margaret Kaaua. This was heresy to Elroy
because Margaret was like Elroy’s hanai mother & Elroy never would turn Dem. Elroy was
saddened by this request. Scrub always respected Elroy & never asked Elroy to turn Dem.
5. Elroy’s legacy is that Elroy is the quintessential GOP party loyalist. He is a Jimmy Kealoha
populist a la Dan Akaka’s aloha spirit. Unlike GOP Doc Hill/Scotch Henderson, who were
non-party solons, Elroy is a party man all the way. Elroy’s volleyball fame is as the PR guy
for the Haili tourney. Tommy Lindsey is the Haili tourney genesis, not Elroy. Elroy is among
our greatest softball pitchers.
6. When Elroy’s dad Emil married full-blooded Hawaiian Eliza Kamakawiwo`ole [Elroy's mom],
J.A.M. Osorio banished Emil from family gatherings. Even then, Emil was bosom buddy w/
JAM’s youngest son Sonny [Excelsior Dairy/Blaisdell Hotel]. As you know, JAM’s 2 other sons
were Judge Tristan M. Osorio & M.D. Vasco Osorio.
7. Still, Elroy forgives JAM Osorio for JAM’s out of race bigotry. Elroy certainly does not attribute
separatist son Jon’s extremism to JAM’s bigotry. Jon simply felt excluded from mainstream
popularity via Elroy’s election losses. Jon found his calling w/society’s underclass/outcast
Hawaiians. Destiny. bansa dirj, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Hilo’s J.A.M. Osorio, charitable entrepreneur listed in 1940 Pan-Pacific Who’s Who –
These noble frontiersmen below blazed amazing trails of high ideals & community-building.
Hilo’s J.A.M. Osorio was a charitable businessman who enabled assimilation/Americanization.
His helm at O Luso Hawaiiano 1889-1891 saw news pertinent to our immigrants and, thanks
to prior editor Pedro Augusto Dias 1888-1889, provided news items in the English language,
a wholly new departure from Stateside print. Hilo contempo Elroy Osorio is not a direct descendant
of J.A.M. Osorio, but a cousin kin whose roots planted much later. Elroy’s son is Jon Osorio,
the breakaway separatist [Elroy's mom is Eliza Kamakawiwo`ole of Pa'ahau]. Muito obrigad, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Pastor Ernest Gomes De Silva a positive historymaker 1873-1955 [A Setta editor]
Rev. De Silva follows steeped journalistic icons Affonso/Santos/Costa/Silva, & contributed to
opening up of public lands for homesteading. Homesteading is our Luso claim to fame.
Hilo-based literati/men of letters –
1. Godofredo Ferreira Affonso born 1875 in Funchal, died 1950; came here in 1878; solon who
got us Lincoln Park 1909 [Lincoln's centennial birthday]; 2nd editor Hilo’s A Setta [the
Watch] 1904-1911; sole editor Hilo’s A Voz Publica [the People's Voice] 1899-1904
2. Manuel G. Santos born 1871 in British Guiana, died 1932; came here 1900; ordained minister
1906; 1st editor of A Setta 1903-1904
3. Augusto Souza Costa born 1887 Terceira Azores; came here 1898;
prexy/mgr. Wailea [Hakalau] Milling Co.; 3rd editor A Setta 1911-1914
4. Manuel A. Silva born 1868 Madeira, died 1940; came here 1879; HSPA agent; 4th editor
A Setta 1915-1918
5. Ernest Gomes de Silva came here 1888; ordained minister 1899; longest-serving pastor
Portuguese Christian Church 1899-1939; 5th & final editor A Setta 1919-1921
6. Antonio Carvalho Oak born 1856 & died 1936 Hilo; sole editor Hilo’s O Facho [Our Feature]
1906-1927
O`ahu-based scribes:
1. Auguste Baptiste Marques born 1841 Toulon France, died 1929; came here 1878; bored
1st artesian well O`ahu 1880; Kingdom solon 1890-1891; French Consul 1912-1929; 1st
editor O Luso Hawaiiano 1885-1888
2. Jose Augusto Monteiro Osorio [Elroy's kin] born 1858 Celorico da Beira Portugal, died 1947;
came here 1888; 3rd editor O Luso Hawaiiano 1889-1891; Hilo icon
3. Pedro Augusto Dias born 1855 Funchal, died 1908; came here 1878; 2nd editor O Luso
Hawaiiano 1888-1889; mgr. Waipahu mill store
4. Manoel Jose de Freitas came here 1886; Bd. of Election member 1887; left for SFrisco Ca.
1891; sole editor Aurora Hawaiiana [Breaking News Hawai`i] 1889-1891
5. Camillo Pereira born 1858 Ponta Delgada Sao Miguel Azores, died 1911; came here 1882;
sole editor A Uniao Lusitana-Hawaiiana [Luso-Hawaiian union] 1892-1896
6. Joao M. Vivas born 1863 Madeira, died 1912; came here 1879; sole editor A Sentinella [the
Sentinal] 1892-1896
7. Joao de Sousa Ramos born 1857 Sao Miguel Azores, died 1918; came here 1888; 1st
editor O Luso 1896-1911 [regarded as the most important/influential Portuguese newspaper
in the Hawaiian Islands]; Hilo’s Godofredo Affonso is its 2nd editor 1911-1912; Manuel A.
Silva is its 3rd editor 1912-1913; Manuel G. Santos is its 4th editor 1913-1918; Mr. Affonso
is its 6th editor 1923-1924; Augusto Onorio Vieira is its 5th editor 1918-1923 [born 1874
Funchal Madeira, died 1934; came here 1883; educator/jeweler]
8. Antonio Jose Rego born 1851 Sao Miguel Azores, died 1929; came here 1881; sole editor
O Directo [our Direction] 1896-1898
9. Jose Ferrreira Durao born 1869 Lisbon Portugal, died 1942; came here 1900; editor A
Liberdade [Of Liberty] 1906-1907
Viver bem [live well], –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
WWII Japan’s Tiger of Malaya, Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita 1885-1946 –
Ironic that Tojo’s pacifist nemesis Yamashita is the first
to die under command responsibility [vs. largest # of
British combined POWs captured, 130,000] for war crimes
vs. British combined POWs. Yamashita encouraged end
to 2nd Sino-Japan War 1937, encouraged peaceful
co-existence w/U.S., which fell him out of favor w/
warlock Tojo, & yet he takes the first hit under MacArthur
for war crimes. Command responsibility, a slippery slope
– clearly, Yamashita/Homma culpable for POW atrocities,
obeying orders [from Tojo] not excusable, though
mitigatible, & the most culpable perpetrator Hirohito
is spared by MacArthur [again to lead Japan, albeit
as puppet of U.S.] to restore stability to Japan. Brilliant
move by MacArthur, but in cost/benefit analysis, stinks
in that the principal perpetrator is let off the hook, kind
of like a top mob figure turning government witness. -
Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
In memorium, Shorty Kazumura R.I.P. –
Shorty Kazumura is in the Nisei.Hawaii.Edu home page photo on the 100th Batt.
Yes, Shorty is the squirt in the front of the formation w/the greatest salute
in the world!! This is the same photo that was spread across the front pages
of the dailies WWII!! Willy Thompson is quoted in the Trib’s tremendous tribute to
the 442/Shorty. My dad was only 5′1half” 115 lbs. — this is why I laugh about
Shorty!! It’s the size of the heart, not the size of the shoe!! Gang, it’s TIME to
acknowledge the REAL leaders behind the glitz/glitter of today’s hyped 442 — a
youngster who carries us into the deep well of this youthful 21st century —
Kapi’olani CC cybrarian Shari Tamashiro. To me,
Shari is both Biblical Stephen/Andrew, our dearest untold heroes!! Love always,
–Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
My alltime hero Evyn Adams born 1920 UH religion professor 1970 –
Dr. Evyn Adams, my unbelievably
inspiring religion prof, not worse for wear at age 89, and mind still sharp
as tack, just moved back to Hilo. I immediately ask him, “Evyn,
how do Christians deal w/their own anti-semitism?” Evyn chortles,
“Son, after 40 yrs., you still got questions for me? You make up
for the past 40 yrs. that nobody asked me about anything!! Look,
Agape love means to love everyone, including Jews, including the
pharisees/sanhedrin. Curt, I just came back from Nanawale Church
where I sermoned about forgiveness. Jesus forgives everyone, including
Jesus’ own persecutors. And lest you ask, I drove myself back and
forth to Nanawale. I’m still able-bodied, you know!
Eight of my students became ministers, now that’s something I’m real
proud of. You’re not one of them, but still, you ask the most important
questions, and that’s all that really matters!” End of quote. Wow!!
Evyn took lotta’ heat from UH philosophy deans Don Wells [former Methodist
pastor like Evyn but Don turned agnostic/pacifist because Don got
sick of trying to rationalize the Bible] & Barry Curtis because they
accused Evyn of proselytizing/brainwashing students to become
Christians. I took every course imaginable from Evyn & not once
did Evyn tell me to give up my professed Taishoji Buddhist faith
in favor of Christianity. Not once!! Evyn always will be my
biggest hero!! Back in 1971 when my Dad’s 442nd/100th boys wanted
to kill me because I advocated amnesty for VNW draft resisters [they
scowled/sneered inasmuch these were draft dodgers], I got interviewed
by the Trib. When asked how did I react to my own 442nd/100th
buddahead 2nd generation WWII combat veterans, I said that
Christians profess Just War, not solely “thou shall not kill,” so that
repelling Gestapo Nazi tyranny & Japan military imperialism WWII was
Just War, but our own paranoia about communism/Red Scare got us
into Vietnam, & I didn’t see this as a Just War, more like a civil war.
Boy, I remember a 100th Batt. postal clerk [appointed by GOP Joe Farrington, buddahead messiah], putting the “closed”
placard at his window when I came by. Yikes! Nonetheless, being in
Evyn’s religion/philosophy classes steeled me vs. my own buddahead
forebearers. Of course, my Dad being the unconditionally loving Dad
that he was, was so proud of me because I was in college learning
the deepest wisdom of the ages [Dad only completed the 8th grade
out of Wainaku plantation village], & Dad would always laugh off his
442 boys getting hairs up their asses. Dad knew I was a patriot at heart,
but his boys [Dad was big bruddah to his younger asshole samurai
warriors] were clueless because they got so pissed off. When my Mom’s co-workers told her
that I made the Dean’s List [published high grades], she thought that
I was on Watergate figure John Dean’s enemies list. The point is that Evyn
Adams was my untold/silent disciple that I worshipped all thruout these halcyon
days!! No, not rabble-rousers Jim Albertini/John Witeck, but middle-aged Yoda
Evyn Adams!! Evyn, always the die-hard conservative patriot, told me that
if I truly felt that America needed an alternative voice, not pacifism, but
resistance to what I felt was an Unjust War, then go for it, & be
proud that America allows the free exchange of ideas, & the freedom
to express oneself!! Thanks, Evyn, you’re my greatest hero!! By the way,
today was my chance of a lifetime to ask Evyn for Evyn’s opinion on my
disclosure of Wataru Kohashi as the strength behind the purported leader
Kiyo Muranaga, MoHonor recipient, & truth be told, Wataru was the actual
MoH figure, not first KIA/symbolic fallen hero Kiyo Muranaga. All Evyn asked
in typical Yoda-like clipped fashion, “Is your Dad still alive?” No, Dad died
11 yrs. ago at the ripe age of 85. Evyn’s response, “Go for it, because I
know you, son. You’re not trying to revoke the Medal of Honor for the
guy who didn’t deserve it. You’re just trying to let the world know that here’s
this guy no one ever heard of who’s the real hero. Your Dad would be proud
of you. It’s too bad your Dad is not around to see it. Son, whoever this guy
is that’s the real hero, he’s probably on his last legs. The way I look at it is,
hey, this silent disciple’s family deserves to know that he’s a real hero!! That’s
how I look at it. You know, it’s all about timing. What, this happened almost
70 years ago?! Do you know how many people have lived & died in the past
70 years? A whole generation!! Why not tell the Truth after such a long
time! It’s about timing, son, it’s all about timing!!” End of quote. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
“The Rock” on Saturday Night Live telecast –
Satire that points out hypocrisy/folly is an art all its own. Of
course, irony is the greater art, that points out our sentient
solution. And comedy/humor are the greatest art, that raise
us from our condition, whatever it may be. Mystery & inner
resolve are 2 replete items thruout these gradations. In Samoan/
Black Dwayne Johnson’s/The Rock’s skit, everything pathetic
about our menial tourist service jobs/industry is brought to
bear — we are highlighting class hegemony — just that in
today’s marked-down charter group market, those we service
are a step away from our social class/condition, who displace
their anxiety on us & who project their own sense of
uncertainty over their social/economic condition on us.
Totem pole oppression, or as boxer Mike Tyson would say,
getting atop the food chain. SNL’s skit is pure satire. Irony
would be closure/completion where the busboy’s son or daughter excels
in sports & goes on to a college athletic scholarship, & then
becomes the media/public relations director/liaison for dad’s/mom’s
employer hotel. Meaning that for all the humiliation/subjugated
status that dad/mom endure, sometimes hope springs eternal
& brings us a better reason to be alive/here. Comedy would be where
The Rock quits his disgraceful [in his opinion]/shameful job as
a hula boy hunk, then goes to work at Big 5’s A & B sugar mill,
but gets asked by the japanee hirer, “Hey, you part-japanee?”
when he applies for the lowest-level “sabedong” backbreaker work
that no one wants, such as sweeping the bagasse off the floor of
the wide belt that transports the bagasse to the the storage silo.
The Rock says “Of course I’m part japanee!” The japanee foreman
hires him on the spot & puts The Rock to work immediately at the
moving belt in the huge corrugated iron roof warehouse. The Rock
is paired with a tiny skinny Filipino immigrant who also got his job by telling
the japanee foreman that this Filipino is part japanee [a lie]. Anyway,
as The Rock & Filipino sweep away with great effort the bagasse as
it spills onto the concrete floor, into the bldg. comes another load on
this everlasting moving belt. So they sweep away again, only to find
yet another load come off the belt. Finally, in exasperation, both
sabedongs/slaves resound simultaneously, “Da hell with this shit!! Da hell
with japanee!! We ain’t japs!! We our own people, man!!”
[The Rock Samoan/Black--the other sabedong is Filipino/Pinoy] And
both hombres slam down their pitchforks & floor sweepers & storm
out into daylight past the moving belt. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Tennis’ Michael Chang symbolic of Chinese individualist –
Had Michael Chang come from Hawai`i, he’d be our best-ever male tennis pro. Chinese here
excel in individual accomplishments [professions like medicine/business/engineering][sports
like tennis/golf/figure skating]. Chinese came as individualists even as immigrant cane
workers starting in 1850, whereas other Asian immigrants came as intact groups [from
geographical districts] starting w/Japanese in 1885. Being individualists/squeaky-tight
austerity-thriftiness, Chinese followed the money & were adept at business
entrepreneurship.
Japanese were more groupies & embarked on wayfinds collectively [tanomoshi-collective
capitalization]. More from outside repression than cultural inheritance, our Uchinanchu/
Okinawans were treated harshest by their own Naichi/Mainland Japan emigrants, who
considered these southern duskies as subhuman. Adversity/garrison mentality resulted
in Uchinanchu cohesion/tight bonds [analogously, geopolitical Oroku passed on frugality
to ensure survival of its members]. Puerto Ricans/Koreans/Pinoys also had team-first
beginnings, but especially swarthy Puerto Ricans/Pinoys had harshest treatment from overall
class hegemony here, being the latest dusky newcomers a century ago. I cannot say
race hegemony, because our snow-white Luso/Portuguese were haole in complexion but
still relegated to menial labor by their fellow Caucasian/WASPs. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
A prophet is forgotten in his own hometown Luke 4:24
I spoke w/judo pundits recently, who say that Japan’s Jigoro Kano 1860-1938
is the father of judo, & that it came from jujitsu [killing methods]. Actually,
ancient judo was part of the samurai tradition back in the Middle Ages, from which
emerged jujitsu as we know it. Judo is the so-called swordless “gentle way,” to use your
foe’s energy to defeat him, like today’s aikido. I guess when enclaves like judoka
reinforce their own sense of “Founder” a la their worship of Kano, Kano becomes
the buddha of their faith, so to speak. Unquestionably, Kano’s yoshin-ryu jujitsu
passed down to our forgotten hero, Kichimatsu Tanaka 1875-1954, who then passed
it down to Tanaka’s most famous pupil, Seiichiro [Seishiro to Westerners] “Henry”
Okazaki 1890-1951, right here at Tanaka’s Shinyu Kai dojo on Ponahawai St. in Hilo.
Okazaki is the so-called founder of modern jujitsu [danzan ryu -- in honor of Hawai'i]
in the U.S. Of course, Tanaka died in utter obscurity. Tanaka emigated to Hawai`i
from Osaka region Japan [itinerant educator Kano even was head principal at Kumamoto
U. in Kyushu, Japan] after being ennobled by Kano’s yoshin-ryu instruction, in 1897.
Tanaka’s legacy of yoshin-ryu lives on today w/the most devoted of “old art” schools
of instruction. Of course, flamboyant Okazaki’s danzan ryu is all you read about online.
Tanaka is our forgotten prophet who died w/not even a raised eyebrow in his/our own
land of Hawai`i. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Alex Hume Ford 1868-1945 “Hands Across the Pacific” 1st internationalist/
surfing revivalist —
Alex Hume Ford started Hands Across the Pacific in 1911, later picked up
by internationalists Frank Atherton-Bill Westervelt-Charles Hemenway.
Coincidentally, Ford started our Outrigger Canoe Club 1908 to “make
Waikiki always the Home of the Surfer.” Duke Kahanamoku was not the
1st ambassador of surfing here. It was Ford’s buddy George Freeth 1884-
1919 [died of flu epidemic after winter rescue effort], half-Hawaiian/Irish
dad, famous for surfing on his head, & for teaching Jack London to surf
[along w/pal Ford]. London said of Freeth, “He is a Mercury, a brown
Mercury! His heels are winged, & in them is the swiftness of the sea.”
Freeth became California industrialist Henry Huntington’s literal golden
boy 1907, popularizing namesake Huntington Beach [Freeth known as the
"man who walks on water"] & opening Huntington’s Redondo-LA Railway. -Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Self-applause –
Uncle Willy Thompson’s invocation as 442 State Prexy in his most recent
message to members expresses that “our keynote speaker was retired
Major Gen. Antonio Taguba — we were humbled to hear him describe
Tom Brokaw’s definition of the Greatest Generation as epitomized by
the Nisei warriors of WWII.” Sheez…. Did anyone else besides Uncle
Willy applaud forgotten prophets Earl Finch or John Tsukano long after
the war was over?? –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
KingLit Ching born 1936 on Barack Obama –
KingLit Ching says that Obama experienced
racial prejudice in Hawai`i just as African-Americans did so Stateside. That our
illusory Asian aloha spirit covers-up our blatant racism. That Obama self-actualized
into pure sainthood [metaphorically] via Chicago [Rev. Wright's church sermons
on African-American Old Testament resilience], not via Hawai`i [just racist, not
prophetic a la Old Testament]. I disagree that island bigotry is the same as
Stateside bigotry, just different players, per KingLit. Our slurs ensconced
in racism, but more “home rule” [geographical] than race-ruled, I say. Obama
reaches out across races because of Obama’s inclusionary nature. Hands in hands
across America because of Obama’s bi-racial DNA, nurtured in eclectic Hawai`i
[unlike black/white polarized Stateside a la Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton]. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Pearl Harbor bombing — Japan consulate list —
Army G-2 [Intelligence section]/FBI rolled out Japan consulate jokun/awardees
& contacts/honorary-symbolic liaisons list [readily available via Japan Consulate] & interned un-american listees on 12/7/41,
incl. American citizens/Nisei Dr. Ernest Mitsuo Kuwahara/Frank Futoshi Arakawa,
along w/O`ahu JCC Issei — only officer left was Nisei Masaji Marumoto 1906-1995,
who didn’t even have enough heads for a mtg., much less a quorum — only one
person left — Masaji among officers. Sanji Abe/Frank Ishii also locked up. Party
line not factor [GOP locked up like Dem], though thoroughly haolified buddaheads
like Takie Okumura, & those who weren’t into Nippon reverie like Nisei Taro
Nakamoto [atty Roy's/Gladys Sonomura's dad], weren’t locked up. It’s unlikely
that Willy Thompson’s father-in-law Tasaku Oka/GOP, would’ve been interned
had Tasaku lived to see 12/7/41 [1st AJA solon Terr. Legislature along w/Andy
Yamashiro 1930], Oka dying young not long after he was elected to Terr. House
of Rep. Yamashiro died before Pearl Harbor attack. Oka true-to-core
assimilationist like Takie Okumura. Oka tried to recruit
youth leader Rich Imai born 1910 to join GOP, but Rich was committed Dem
under Kanaka Johnny Wilson/Del Metzger. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Leadership —
McCain knows military strategy, his greatest strength.
Obama is a quick study, but needs to be more thoughtful
in his expressions [gaffes on lipstick/internet-McCain/
Afghanistan]. Nixon was our recent peacemaker [Red
China]. Reagan was our stout-hearted patriot [fall
of USSR]. Let’s hope Obama/McCain rise to the
occasion/level of Nixon/Reagan. –Curt [written before Nov. 2008 election]
November 12th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Luso/Portuguese again prevail over J_p Master Race notion –
Our Nippon proudest implement of antiquity? Our katana/samurai
long sword, most treasured relic. Where does etymology/origin of
word katana come from? None other than our intrepid Luso/Portuguese
explorers/adventurers. Luso catana/machete. How about Nippon pan/
bread– pandoro/brown-grain bread? Luso genesis — pandoro/bread, as in Pandoro
$4 billion shipping subsidiary of Dubai World conglomerate. So who said
Luso are dim-witted ogres? Yikes! Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Katta gumi ["the winning side"][Hirohito loyalists in Hawai'i WWII] –
Before we get to the right-wing fanatics, later Israel giant leader
Mickey Marcus, WWII provost marshal, dismissed the charge of
carrying an enemy flag against Mamo St.’s Sanji Abe, & ordered
“immediate destruction of that symbol of treachery.” Abe did not
know that the red hamburger flag was in his Yamatoza theater
dressers, & felt that a miscreant planted it there to indict him.
The other well-known enemy flag possession case was when Honomu baker
alien Inokichi Ishigo of Honomu, age 55, was sentenced by marshal
King to a year at hard labor & a $1,000 fine. Unlike Abe’s case, where
the martial law governor failed to issue rules governing possession of an
enemy flag, Ishigo’s case was rock solid for the prosecution. Ironically/sadly,
the Ishigo kazoku/family were utterly loyal Americans. Now to Katta gumi, or
Hisho Kai [absolute victory club]. On Sept. 1, 1945, V-J Day, a bunch of old
Issei/Nippon immigrants looked out over Hilo bay from Wainaku palisades
for what they thought was the victorious Imperial Japan fleet shipping in
to re-fuel, all fomented by ill-intentioned rumors of Japan’s victory over
the U.S. Hilo Hisho Kai was led by Seiichi Masuda, who was charged for
possessing an enemy flag at his Hilo home & at the Daijingu temple on Manono/
Kuawa Sts. in Waiakea. He & Sumi Tokunaga/Rev. Chonosuke Kanno later were
convicted of Daijingu illegal enemy flag possession. Ninole cane cutters Sueda
& Yamamoto also were convicted in separate incidents for Ninole flag-raising.
Masuda got the harshest sentence of 6 months in jail & combined
$800 fine [for Hilo home/Daijingu cases]. On December 31, 1950, the U.S. Gov’t
announced that display of the Japan red hamburger flag was no longer illegal.
In 1953 Dem Gov. Oren E. Long pardoned Masuda/Sueda/Yamamoto. Hirohito
edicted State Shinto [to Buddhist consternation in Hawai'i], which is why our
Daijingu temple [nature worship, not worship of individual Buddha] was suspected
of inclining toward pro-Japan vs. other Nippon sects. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Gunji Kono of Hilo Transporation as Shinmachi enabler
Na’alehu former native Gunji Kono had his huge Hilo Transportation Bldg.
right where Emma St. led back to Wailoa river [today's pebble road to
DLNR Matson containers next to Hilo Iron Works]. Gunji was Shinmachi’s
greatest enabler, hiring exclusively Shinmachi residents at his trucking
firm. Of course, Gunji was the 1st major entrepreneur in Shinmachi [means
"New Town" in Japanese], built on reclamed land [former swampland], after
the Little Tokyo fire of January 20, 1914 destroyed the heartland of Issei/
immigrant culture [today's downtown KTA parking lot]. Do you know that
Holualoa icon Kumakichi Higashihara worked for Gunji, & lived in the back of
Gunji’s bldg.? Yes, Kuma’s daughters died in the April 1, 1946 tsunami, as
did Gunji. Kuma was in Hilo Hospital for ailment when the tsunami hit at 7:00 a.m.
The highest concentration of deaths occurred in Shinmachi, which was
sandwiched between the seashore & Wailoa pond — no chance. Kuma was
so overcome by tragedy that he changed his name to Harold Higashihara,
feeling that his Japanese name was bachi/bad omen. After all, first Little
Tokyo burned to the ground, then Shinmachi got gouged out of the ground
by the April 1 tsunami, so what else lay in store for buddaheads? Lo/behold,
Kuma went on to be a beloved Kona solon, & has Honalo park named after
him. Kuma’s wife Kiyomi Shimizu Higashihara [formerly of Mt. View] poignantly
bespeaks of their infant daughter still clutching her doll as if she were soundly
asleep. Shinmachi resident Shigeko Matsumoto Takahashi’s brother married
Kuma’s sister & settled in Holualoa, Kona. Shigeko was Kalopa icon Bill Nobriga’s
clerk [Bill's dad JJ Nobriga raised Bill w/silver spoon in mouth]. Do you know
that Shinmachi toddler 1946 Al Inoue is first cousin to former solon Pat Fukuda
Saiki? [Al's dad is brother of Pat Saiki's mom] And that Shinmachi taxi driver
Narikawa was interned [took Nippon visitors to Volcano], whose wife was
Pat Saiki’s mom’s sister? To Shinmachi folks,
Kango Kawasaki’s daughter Sumie was hotoke sama [virtual goddess for her
loving nature/physical beauty]. She still is majestic at age 87 [looks 60 yrs.
young]. Shinmachi folks had unreal nicknames: Nigga Horse Masaki [Black Beauty].
Soup Matsuno [loved shiru/soupy dishes] was a Barenaba/Derby Lane Jinbo. Beans
Iwaoka did not live by Mameya [beans/pussy] lane but on Kam Ave. With all the
newspaper publicity about revisiting the May 23, 1960 tsunami, here we are on
the 63rd anniversary of the even more deadly [no alarms/sirens] April 1, 1946
tsunami. Thankfully, I was able to fulfill Shinmachi leader Riichi “Lee” Hatada’s
dying wish to have a Shinmachi sign erected fronting Kam Ave. to honor the
lost city of Atlantis/Shinmachi, arigato to DLNR chief Ralston Nagata [former
neighboring Pi'opi'o native] of Honolulu. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Elroy Osorio: Caught between the devil & the deep blue sea —
Ironically, the pure Portuguese Osorios J.A.M. & progeny [Judge Tristan/dentist Vasco/etc.]
rejected/excluded the Haw’n/Portuguese Osorios [later immigrant Emil,
nephew of immigrant dad J.A.M. of elitist progeny Tristan/Vasco/Sonny].
Emil married Eliza Kamakawiwo’ole, whose kids include politician Elroy born
1924. Emil worked Bd. of Water Supply under Jimmy Kealoha. Although Emil
was shunned/ignored by mainline pure Luso Osorios, Emil got stuck w/label
of being elite Haw’n, not regular joe Keaukaha Haw’n. Which is why when
Elroy was recruited by Jimmy Kealoha 1908-1983 to run as GOP in 1958,
this was Elroy’s death knell politically, inasmuch the Democrats seized
power in 1954 & Elroy was made obsolete by this fact. Thence, Elroy
got stuck b/n the devil & the deep blue sea — in no man’s land, really.
Rejected by mainline elitist Osorios [slurred as an imposter Osorio], &
yet rejected by teeming masses esp. Haw’ns as being out of touch
w/teeming masses. Elroy’s self-centered nature [what politician isn't
self-centered except for Scrub Tanaka?] hastened Elroy’s demise, &
like Wendell Kaehuaea & Bernard Akana, got degraded as a has-been
or never-was/wanna-be politician/perennial loser/professional politician.
Because of Elroy’s humiliating/shunned failed political career, son Jon
the sovereignty separatist has huge chip on Jon’s shoulder vs. non-
Haw’n Luso/Japs/haoles/nazi master races, so to speak. A most angry
man, compared to easygoing baby brother/V-Ball Ecko Osorio. -Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Luso/Portuguese Wayne Subica on Portuguese/Japanese Joey Estrella –
Wayne born 1944 says that UH Vulcan baseball coach Joey Estrella
all for Joey, never reciprocated Wayne’s beneficence to Vulcan baseball program.
Ironically, Waiakea Pirate godfather Rich Nakamura born 1921 echoes Wayne’s grief, though
neither Rich/Wayne knows how the other guy feels vs. Joey. In a sense, as
Rich/Wayne describe Joey, it sounds like they’re talking about UH liaison
Gerald De Mello born 1943, who’ll make you feel like a king but leave you in tatters
after all is said & done. Gerald all for Gerald, King Gerald the self-glorifier. Double dips
as we speak, retired but back on the job as temp hire. Yikes!! –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Yoshito Takamine born June 1926 –
Yoshito Uchinanchu/Okinawan born/raised at Chin Chuck Rd. Hakalau
[above the Hakalau pedestrian overpass today], relocated to Kukuihaele
1932 after his parents lost their cane land amid Great Depression,
later settling in Honoka`a, eventually becoming Hamakua Coast’s greatest
lawmaker [never lost an election] who changed the social order among
plantation villagers [parity in schooling/health care/housing/taxes]. As
Yoshito describes his foray into politics, he was “drafted” at the 11th hr.
before filing deadline by George Martin/Eddie De Mello to run for Terr.
House seat 1958. Yoshito describes himself as working man/woman’s
advocate, including his ILWU [leave of absence when legislature in
session]. Yoshito has no closeness to Scrub Tanaka 1915-2006 because
Scrub was a businessman, not a laborer, & Yoshito’s ILWU endorsed
whoever would benefit most the ILWU, incl. GOP Hiram Fong [whose
Finance Factors bailed out many an ILWU member, even placing
moratorium on principal payments for 1 yr. w/interest only payments
during strikes]. ILWU boss Jack Hall hated union-buster/Commie redbaiter
Dem Frank Fasi, vs. ILWU’s clear choice Hiram Fong 1959. Scrub never forgave
the ILWU for endorsing GOP Lofty Cook over Scrub for County Chairman/mayor
1960. Yes, Yoshito has no loyalty/affinity w/taisho-autocratic Scrub.
After George Martin 1924-2009 “retired” as Int. VP ILWU out of Frisco
[Aussie emigrate/"alien" Harry Bridges wanted only a fellow longshoreman
to succeed Bridges], George returned to his infancy roots Waipunalei/
O`okala, where he mulled whether to run vs. Malama Solomon for State
Senate seat [Malama clear ILWU endorsement 1982-1994/ILWU got disgusted
w/her dissident behavior vs. ILWU strategy & ILWU endorsed winner Lorraine
Rodero Inouye 1998] or vs. Taka Domingo for County Council seat. Yoshito
defers to ILWU PAC that if/had George run vs. Malama, ILWU would not
endorse George. Yoshito says Yoshito had no authority to discourage or
encourage George to run vs. Malama. Yoshito was neutral, not partisan
for George [who gave Yoshito start in politics]. You gotta’ ask, where’s the filial piety of the ILWU
for its godfather George Martin? On the other hand, Yoshito rhetorically
asks, free country, so if George runs for office, why should the ILWU be
locked down to support George? Yoshito turns George’s mantra inside out,
it’s not about the candidate/person, it’s about the Union/ILWU. If George
doesn’t serve the best interests of the ILWU, George is expendable.
Yoshito has no qualms about George vs. Taka Domingo. To Yoshito,
Yoshito’s job as ILWU agent is to promote ILWU, not either candidate.
As solon, Yoshito stays neutral. To George, this is heresy, because it’s
like not voting in George Washington for President after Washington wins
the Revolutionary War. Which is the mistake Jack Burns made in 1959
when Burns felt that the Governorship was owed to Burns, in that Burns
won Statehood for Hawai`i. What Burns didn’t fathom was that Ike’s GOP
gave all credit to naive/clueless appointed Gov. Bill Quinn for winning
Statehood for Hawai`i. The real truth about Burns as THE REASON we
won Statehood did not trickle down to the teeming masses. In politics
as in life, nothing is OWED/TAKEN FOR GRANTED/AN AUTOMATIC WIN.
George’s/Jack Burns’ mistakes. Ask Yoshito Takamine. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Bank of England –
Claus Spreckels 1828-1908 virtually owned Kalakaua because of Kalakaua’s
gambling/other debts owed to Claus. Claus opposed annexation of Hawai`i
to the U.S. which would erase his monopoly over Hawai`i sugar. Our local
Big 5 eventually started our own C&H refinery in Frisco to counter Claus’
stranglehold over sugar. Our Monarchy was in such debt that it looked
to England to bail out itself vs. Claus/etc. Eventually, Bank of England
bailed out Hawai`i by encumbering our ceded lands, & Bank of England’s
note was retired/paid off by our U.S. gov’t via annexation, $4 million
dollars which today compute to $110 million dollars. If Trask/Blaisdell/
Osorio claim ownership dibs on ceded lands, all they have to do is reimburse
U.S. taxpayers $110 million dollars w/interest at 10% p/annum for total of
$231 million dollars, & then they can squabble about fee simple. Simple
simon says. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
John Yuen [pronounced Yen] born 1923 great sportsman
John is Tai On Chock’s wife Laura’s only brother/oldest sibling. John grew
up on Mamo/Punahoa Sts. [Yuen chicken store], & was the original member
of the Wanderers Athletic Club founded in 1933 by 14 yr. old Francis Wong,
of later renown [Wong Stadium]. From its outset, Francis’ boys won 5 team
championships in various sports in the first 2 years alone. Francis first put
the Wanderers together to play basketball in the P & R summer fun league.
The Wanderers original nucleus grew into a member of our holy trinity of
sports orgs incl. Waiakea Pirates/Lincoln Wreckers, that kept kids busy/
productive. The Wanderers Golf Club led by John Yuen implemented
tremendous positive changes to our Hilo Muni Golf Course to make it
user-friendly. P & R boss Bob Fukuda extolled/praised John’s wayfinding
in 1972. John was a late blooming athlete, having grown from just over
5 feet starting in high school to 5′9″ after high school. John is a WWII
infantry veteran with several distinctions/Bronze Star. John
was an outstanding athlete and made several military all-star teams
in softball. John actually started work at Bank of Hawaii right out of
high school, interrupted by his valorous WWII military duty. Rudy
Peterson is Hawaii’s greatest banker & led Bank of Hawaii 1955-1961.
Bank of Hawaii overtook today’s First Haw’n Bank in overall assets/
bank branches, an amazing feat considering that First Haw’n Bank was
territorial banking’s mantra before Rudy led Bank of Hawaii. Blessedly,
John was not injured from WWII, & became Rudy Peterson’s & Peterson
right hand man Jim Evans’ golden boy, eventually becoming our main branch
head for Bank of Hawaii. John retired in 1988 amid tremendous fanfare/
customer-staff appreciation. Till this day, John’s enormous good heart/
equanimity sees him still being honored by his former employer/staffers.
It’s been 20 years since John’s retirement, but you’d never know it, from
the way his former staffers still lavish him with praise/affection. John
was groomed at the right time, cusp of Statehood/boom years. Perfect
timing for John and for us all — Hawaii is better for John’s unselfish
years of service as our neighborhood banker. John’s leadership of the
Wanderers, 76 yrs. old this year, was especially crucial after Francis
Wong’s tragic death at a relatively young age. John’s banking skills
naturally allowed the Wanderers to flourish under John’s leadership.
Francis Wong handpicked John to lead the Wanderers — yes, Francis
was John’s mentor/alter ego/guru. And Francis saw in John what
the whole world sees in John — John gives so much of himself to
make our community/society a better place to live in. John ranks
among our greatest athletes & sports benefactors — John’s long
& tremendous leadership of the Wanderers has been exceptional/
extraordinary. Name any person/facet of our community — in some
direct or indirect/vicarious way, John has been a plus/positive part
of such phenomenon. Name any sport, name any community
activity, somehow, someway, John had contributed in altruistic/
quietly focused fashion. John is our superhuman sports & community
icon. John deserves ensrhinement in out Hawai`i Island Sports Hall
of Fame. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Pi`opi`o area “after-words” [by today's Wailoa Visitor Ctr. area] –
Ivy Nakamura Kusunoki [Waiakea Pirate icon CT's daughter/baseballer
Paul's sister--Paul married Kiyosaki of Kiyosaki Store, not self-promoter Robert Hilo
High '65] had our only proprietorship preschool child care facility across
Meishoin Church. My baby brother Lloyd went there 1959. Such facility
showed the rising 2 wage earner [both spouses] household post-WWII
[wahine role change borne by necessity/schooling opportunity]. Ivy
herself led the way via her proprietorship, just as Chiyoko Nancy Takayesu
broke new ground in the Luso male-entrenched bar industry via her Bar Havana
corner Kilauea/Ponahawai Sts.
Shindo’s Shinmachi soda works facility was destroyed by the ‘46 tsunami
[huge warehouse on Keaukaha side of today's Kam Statue]. Its soda
works then centered where today’s Home St. Bank is, as former Pi`opi`o
resident Jerry Hirata born 1944 says [Jerry got slight scar to show how
bottle blew up in his face when he worked there], off Orange Lane back
of Dr. Kasamoto’s office [retired probation officer Sidney's dad]. Sugiyama
was w/Coca Cola [Doc Hill's outfit]. 442 hero Hoxie Nagami’s kazoku/family
owned Excelsior Soda Works on Kilauea Ave. [Derby Lane rear had warehouse
of stored bottles]. Dairymens became Meadow Gold, & moved from Pi`opi`o/
Punahoa Sts. to where the Kam Statue sits today, & Excelsior Dairy later
was built right there too. My Uncle Charley/cousin Suemitsu delivered for
Dairymens. Pi`opi`o means royal arch, aptly denoting the ‘ili occupied by
royalty [incl. royal fishponds -- Wailoa/etc.], going back to Kam I’s assemblage
of his naval armada right there in former Shinmachi/Pi`opi`o. Thence the Kam
Statue there today, looking out toward the sea. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Sugar industry leader Robert Hughes 1917-2008
Maui-born Bob Hughes was HSPA Prexy/Sugar Industry History award
top recipient/Kau Sugar mgr./UH Bd. Regents head, but he was as earthy/
helpful as the summer day is long. Bob dove into the most forgotten
tidbits of sugar industry lore, such as Overend’s mill re Goto murder 1889/
Aina’s Pi`ihonua mill in 1843/Lanai`i Chinese mill 1802/Goodrich’s Hilo mill
1829/etc. Bob Hughes/Bob Midkiff born 1920 [Frank's son] stroll back from
the plantation era [haole upper class/Midkiff a Cooke], but they are the most
engaging/loving/compassionate persons you’ll ever find. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Humble modesty — Franklin Odo born 1939 — older 3rd generation AJA –
Franklin Odo doesn’t get carried away by his Ph.D. nor by his stature
among AJAs [Smithsonian expert][our greatest AJA historian], nor by his
genro/elder statesman thronebearer. Franklin’s earthy attitude
keeps him grounded/”of the flesh.” Franklin’s bridge b/n ganko-
stubborn post-1920 born buddaheads [wielded 1st-ever high school
diplomas] & us younger sansei/3rd generation [who repudiate the
inflated pride of our post-1920 born antecedents] is both necessary
[Franklin goes easier on the asshole Isamu Kanekuni of hubris-land] &
welcome [peacemaking mentorship to us punks]. My heart rests
w/the pre-1920-born buddaheads, who were steeled-tough vs.
repressive Big 5/DPI, yet accomodationists [adapt/adapt/survive]. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Balance — Ty Cobb 1886-1961/Charlie Chaplin 1889-1977
Baseballer Ty “Rex as in monster” Cobb vowed never to live down Ty’s
father’s death at the hands of Ty’s mother [father suspected mother of
adultery; secretly spied on her; she thought he was a burgler-shot him
dead; she was acquitted of murder] when Ty was 19 yrs. old, which is
why Ty was regarded as demented in Ty’s do-or-die baseball attitude
[Ty considered the greatest player of all time]. Whatever Ty
accomplished, he did it in memory of his dad. When Ted Williams hinted
to Ty that Rogers Hornsby was a greater hitter than Ty [Ty's .367 career
batting average is the best-ever], Ty never again spoke to Williams.
Williams’ egomania exceeded Ty’s — Williams refused to be honored in the
same ballpark w/Joe DiMaggio [unimaginable competitive fire]. My cousin
played in the Little League World Series when Cobb died. All I recall of
old old Cobb are photos of a wrinkled/shriveled-up man wrapped in
a blanket ready to die in a wheelchair. “Generational” differences –
paradox is that such recurring images are immortalized — as we all
make the transit from youth to the Reaper. I debarked from the
running track & will embark to stairways ["to heaven?"] w/handrails!!
Charlie Chaplin was our superhuman/greatest comedian/showman. When
his daughter’s boyfriend suggested that Buster Keaton was right up there
w/Chaplin, Chaplin looked down to the floor & slowly gristled, “I was an
artist, and I gave Keaton work!” Driven to the bone. Japanese proverb
–hotoru kasu [let it go]; do ka naru [don't dwell on it]; e guai ni ita ra a
go nei [everything's gonna be all right]. Balance, baby, balance. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Preordained/predestined life of Jesse Shima [everybody's equal] –
When Jesse Shima was dropped off in shorts on a chilly October morning in D.C. 1923,
he tasted bigotry 1st-hand — when a white landlady told him “I don’t rent to Chinese,”
he told her, “but I’m Japanese!” She fumed, “that’s even worse!” So he ended up a
street urchin living on park benches. This crucible of racial mistreatment forever riveted
him to the support of Blacks thereafter. When Mary Foote Henderson & her son John Jr.
later told Jesse “You are our family now,” Jesse wrote back to his kazoku/family here
& in Okinawa, giddily saying how Jesse was gonna study at Dr. Kellogg’s sanitarium [corn
flake mogul], to which Jesse’s kazoku told him to come back to Hawai`i immediately,
because they thought he had gone nuts & was in a mental ward, w/delusions of
opulent/idyllic grandeur. When the U.S. Navy tried to coax Jesse into accompanying
the U.S. Navy to flush out Okinawan holdouts at end of WWII [holdouts were fed
Tojo propaganda that U.S. was the Evil Empire that raped women/ate children/
tortured all for sadistic titillation], Jesse chafed to Pentagon associates, “I’m
not going to watch you shoot my own family!” Not unpatriotic, just realistic about
Jesse’s Uchinanchu “kuni no tame” [die instead of shame one's divine emperor
Hirohito]. Jesse’s life was filled w/matchless surprises, incredible, almost
preordained, really [everybody's equal before God -- Ecclesiastes 9:2]!! Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
D.C. wayfinder Jesse Shima 1901-2002 [reincarnation of alter ego John Henderson] –
I spoke w/Jesse Shima’s only child, Lurie Shima Emmons, who rejected the idea of
a Jesse Shima tribute (exhibit) at the Smithsonian, on grounds that her father 1)
has had sufficient recognition via media/orgs 2) Jesse’s Issei era has passed & there
is no compelling reason to redux it 3) Jesse’s wife Miyoko is 94 yrs. old & should enjoy her
solitude/serenity. Nonetheless, Lurie respectfully said that whatever I do to
recognize Jesse is my prerogative/right, so good luck! Let the world know the
legacy of Jesse Shima [everybody's equal]. Unlike earlier sojourner Issei, Jesse
immigrated to settle down for good in America. But in discarding okage sama de/
sonkei mukashi no [Jesse's parents to fend for themselves][Jesse adopted Mary
Henderson as his spiritual mother], Jesse learned American feudal piety [social
graces] via Mary Henderson. Which is why Jesse ascended into high society
as easily as a duck takes to water. Mary’s late husband John was an early
abolitionist & genesis of the 13th Amdt. which outlawed slavery, John having
been orphaned early on & siphoned into indentured servitude, which gave John
a rude awakening on the mistreatment of slaves. Jesse learned service to
others [less fortunate] under Mary & Mary’s only child John Jr. Which is why
Jesse befriended the substrata of society [ethnic minorities/tenement folk].
Very atypical of an upwardly mobile/status-tripper “social climber,” which
most Nikkei coveted/were [acceptance by White society]. Thanks to the divine
guidance of Mary Henderson, Jesse was not a male chauvinist, as you clearly see
via strong/confident wife Miyoko/daughter Lurie. And unlike kotonk individualism
[every man for himself], Jesse was imbued with the aloha spirit [selfless generosity/
compassion], especially via necessities [food/shelter/health care], yet not excluding
incidentals [leisure indulgences]. And unlike fellow Nikkei, Jesse welcomed shin
Issei as allies, & treated them w/great respect, come hell or high water. And unlike
fellow kotonks, Jesse was as fearless as Leonidas [nephew Henry, retired Air Force
colonel, was much more cautious/arduously measured than daring Jesse]. Jesse
had a superior eyeball evaluation of life — he fashioned conveyor food display/
he predicted the eventual irrelevance of racial differences [Heinz 57 euphemism]/
his flying & driving skills were nonpareil/matchless/etc. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Pi`ihonua Henry Shimabukuro’s [Henry born 1931] dad’s brother Jesse Shima[bukuro]
is our untold hero, way more impact than Mike “Moses” Masaoka 1915-1991, who only
facilitated our Issei naturalization 1952. Jesse was our Nikkei enabler to upward mobility
via the inspiration of his Henderson family in D.C. Sen. Henderson 1826-1913 was
the son of white sharecroppers from the South, & when his parents died in 1836,
he was made an indentured servant of a White master. He escaped such bondage &
went out on his own, making big money off land speculation. He served in the Civil War
& became a U.S. Senator, where he picked up where President Lincoln left off, by passing
the 13th Amdt. which outlawed slavery [President Lincoln allowed border slavery to win
re-election 1864]. Having been a slave himself, John Henderson knew what human cargo
was all about. A firm abolitionist, he became known as among our greatest statesmen/
humanitarians. He also prevented the politically-motivated impeachment of President
Andrew Johnson. JFK invoked his memory a century later in extolling him as among the
great men of history. Jesse was adopted into his family a decade after John’s death,
being that Jesse/John virtually were clones of each other in their orphan status. Which is
why John’s wife/son left Jesse their estate. Henderson Castle was a landmark in the heart
of D.C. [today's Meridian Park]. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Our legislature’s grandstanding –
Gov. Lingle submits her budget in January 2009. Our legislature ignores
her & submits its own budget, then says to its betrothed
gov’t unions [HGEA/HSTA/UPW] that Gov. Lingle is the bad gal
who’s ruining the union members since the legislature alloted monies
sufficient to counter Gov. Lingle’s cuts in payroll/services. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Mo’o ali’i [perpetuation of greatness down thru the generations]
Helen Desha Beamer was taught hula by her mother Isabella Kahili Desha.
Helen enlisted Waiakea Homesteads resident George Luahiwa, Monarchy
chanter/dancer, to aid history’s repertoire. Akoni Mika, Keaukaha kumu
hula, was instrumental in Kekuewa perpetuation of kahiko [Edith K.'s mother
is Mary Kekuewa]. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Punahoa St. named after spring water/ahupua’a Punahoa I/II
Punahoa St. where Laura Yuen Chock born 1927 grew up is b/n Mamo/Ponahawai
Sts. Punahoa starts on the north end from Furneaux Lane & runs south to
Ponahawai St., which is where the Waiolama swamps were before land
reclamation 1917-1923. Punahoa from Furneaux Lane to Ponahawai St.
had stream water w/goldfish, fed by springs. Punahoa then continues
from Kumu St. all the way to Emma St. by Hilo Iron Works. Where today’s
Kamehameha Statue is was the Punahoa brothel district pre-1946 tsunami,
w/White Picket Fence at the southeast end of today’s wide lane Punahoa
St. in front of the Kam Statue, & Green Roof adjacent to White Picket
Fence. Mango Tree brothel was on the same side of Punahoa St. as
today’s Kam Statue, but was situated further south toward the DLNR
Matson containers by Hilo Iron Works. Of course, Laura Chock’s Punahoa St. block also was brothel lane. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Stroll down memory lane –
Visitor industry’s Slim Holt popularized Kapoho’s Green Lake. Hilo Luso Henry
Gouveia [not Kona educator] tour guide who got Dairy Queen franchise from
visitor tip & became our pioneer franchise owner of drive in eatery. Who said
Portuguese are dummies??!! Practical wisdom, common sense, Gouveia self-
made man. Belle’s fountain moved up from Shinmachi area after tsunamis
& opened at corner Hualalai/Kino’ole Sts. [former Ming's store site]. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Social class difference –
Bobby Fujimoto born 1927 HPM Bldg. Supply/Glenn Oda SK Oda contractor/
Iwao Kitagawa of Kitagawa Motors/Rich Nakamura [whose dad Masa was
genesis Isojiro Kitagawa's right hand man at Kitagawa Motors] were our
buddahead elite who acted the part [better than teeming masses], whereas
Hiroaki Kono/Susumu Hata [Y.Hata wholesaler] were earthier, in Hiroaki’s
case because Hiroaki’s dad Gunji & Gunji’s Hilo Transportation freight service
were wiped off the face of Shinmachi by the 4/1/46 tsunami [Gunji died],
in Susumu’s case because Susumu wholesaled Primo beer, meaning that
Susumu interacted w/the working class folks all the time. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Back to Larry Mehau born 1929 –
Earl Nakasato born 1942 asks what about Larry Mehau & Yoshito Takamine’s
so-called friendship? Nothing more than political expediency. Yoshito a bull
like Mehau, different spheres [Yoshito unionism-politics/Mehau security guard
services-alleged underworld contacts]. Marriage of convenience, smelting of
mountainous egos. Actually a passable fit/match, so to speak. Look at Ariyoshi’s
foes, none fit the bill for the ravenous [for retention of powers] ILWU. Naturally,
Mehau’s support of Ariyoshi merged w/ILWU’s endorsement of Ariyoshi. Remember
that Ariyoshi’s utter insecurity [inferiority complex -- a J_p is a J_p, no matter
how you cut it] resulted in Ariyoshi waiting interminably for Mehau to show up
at Hilo Airport lounge for strategy go [incl. Haw'n protestors at airport], &
Ariyoshi actually carried Mehau’s bags on the golf course. Yikes!! Chief
executive behavior?! No, only Ariyoshi’s behavior. Yoshito Takamine did
world of good/wonders for Yoshito’s voters. Larry did world of good for Larry
& whatever folks could benefit Larry. Night/day in impact/legacies. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Profiteers –
Today’s “money is god” profiteers [subprime mortgages] are reminiscent
of older generation pillagers like T. Boone Pickens/Harry Weinberg [corporate
raiders] & frumpy John D. MacArthur [Florida real estate speculator/Chicago
insurance mogul], all of whom didn’t want IRS raiding their fortunes, so they
posthumously endowed foundations [that immortalized their names]. Even at
KTA, Mountain Apple brand is but another name for spiked fist, where imaginative
individual makers of food products are not identified except under the KTA Mountain
Apple brand. For absolutely delicious products by entrepreneurs like Mr. Ed’s
Bakery of Honomu [Dean Edmoundson], subsuming invisibly under KTA’s Mountain
Apple brand do nothing but promote KTA. Such superior products like Mr. Ed’s
cookies/pastries/fruit preserves are better off being sold by Dean Edmoundson
himself. Impelled by the spiked fist of capitalism. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Timeline –
Waiakea Pirates started in 1923 w/Nobu Maruyama. Lincoln Wreckers
started in 1925 w/Ernie B. De Silva [followed by Froggie Yoneda].
Lincoln Park in central Hilo town is the Wrecker site. Wanderers
started in 1933 w/14 yr. old Francis Wong, its site being the triangle
bound by Keawe/Kilauea/Mamo Sts. [by today's New Star Restaurant].
Piopio Bears started in 1942 w/Nobu Yamauchi [followed by Tai On
Chock]. Thence, Hilo’s holy trinity of sports orgs excludes the latest
one, Piopio St.’s Bears. Thru it all, credit Doc Francis “Fonkey” Wong
1919-1971 for not stealing great leaders Tai On Chock [who wanted
to join fellow Chinese Fonkey's club]/Bert Nakaji of Wreckers [who also
wanted to join Fonkey's club], Doc knowing that each locality needed
its site leaders. Amazingly, Doc Wong & Wreckers icon Dr. Richard
Yamanoha worked out of the same office bldg. on Hualalai St. [mauka
of today's Burger King]. Doc was happy that native Wrecker Yamanoha
took care of the Lincoln Park/central Hilo kids, while Doc took care of
the Mamo St. kids. Mamo St. was called the “Street of Life” by a visiting
Stateside artist — tremendous diversity of ethnic groups of all ages & from
many walks of life, along w/the bustle of diverse activities carried on at
all hours, as described to great scribe Maxine Hughes. Jim Evans was
brought to Hilo’s Bank of Hawaii by Oahu’s Bob Sasaki, but Jim wasn’t able
to upend First Haw’n Bank’s Al Nishimura in drawing buddahead customers.
Al was a down-home guy who had charm to keep his buddahead brethren.
Today’s Art Taniguchi would’ve been ideal to draw buddaheads away from
Nishimura had Art been around 40 yrs. ago. Art is KTA Store family but
chose to stay w/Bank of Hawaii, Art born 1951 [today's Big Island boss].
Rick West was BoHawaii Big Isle boss 25 yrs. ago but had little charm/smile,
which was to Nishimura’s charming advantage. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
John McCain postscript [true story for us all] –
At the Naval Academy, a student was browbeating a Pinoy worker in the
cafeteria. Irascible John McCain, heedless of rank/order, went nose to
nose vs. the white cadet & told him “If you ever do that again, you’ll have
to do it to me first!” McCain, such temper/conflagration — a true warrior.
Yes, ambivalence stokes heroic role models. McCain, for no sane reason,
w/nothing to gain-self advancement, always backed up losers/helpless/
powerless. His words on another occasion–his cadet buddy, the 1st Mex-Am
there, “You know, I just kid you[racism] ’cause I know what you gonna be subjected
to out there [in the real world].” Reaction — Mex-Am cried [the tenderest
heart of McCain the impaler]. Strangely enough, McCain’s age peer Stan
Roehrig exactly like McCain in temperament/volatility. Yet, Stan has a soft
side that nobody ever sees. Problem is that Stan leaves no legacy ’cause
all we ever see is this loud-mouth haole rubbernecking to be in the spotlight.
Let me tell you what happened in ‘74 State Dem convene at Ilikai convention
hall — I push for amnesty for VNW draft dodgers. The place erupts in rage/
apoplexy. While I get pelted by core Dems/442 boys, Stan Roehrig quietly
walks up to me & says, “Son, change the wording — reconciliation, not
amnesty. Compromise. The best thing to do.” Words of wisdom out of a
seeming politician seeking votes. Stan had everything to lose & nothing to
gain by walking up to me. But he did. And I thank him to this day. Well,
the amended mollifier didn’t work, but Stan’s wisdom carries us all — Stan,
a noisebox/talking head haole, in his quiet/salutary moment in ‘74, such
a peacemaker/forward-thinking guru. I’ll never forget Stan’s magical example.
Thence, can never judge a bk. by its cover. We’re all Jekyll/Hyde. Yes, Stan
leaves no legacy for society, but he certainly left a personal legacy for me.
He is Jesus’ silent disciple. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Upending the status quo replete in Scripture –
Mordecai’s Esther stands up for who she is & is willing to die so that others may
live. She chastens, “If I perish, so be it!” Haman throws a banquet to celebrate
himself but ends up in self-destruction via his egomania. Haman invokes getting
rid of the Jews but finds himself being rid of. Foolish pride. Esther upends the
status quo. Peter’s fear of the status quo wrung his denial of Jesus, only to
be overcome by Peter’s conversion/make-up call to be martyred for Peter’s
devotion to Jesus. Paul’s Type A personality fit God’s master plan of “everybody’s
different.” So Paul converted from Christian-persecutor status quo to savior, Type
A unchanged. Paul was who he was to serve a greater good, not to serve himself
a la Haman. John’s Bk. of Revelation showed John’s conversion from son of thunder-
master of rage status quo to apostle of love. Obama cleverly says “above my pay
grade” to avert question of when life begins, but for a man who aspires to the highest
secular office/respect, Obama lets down Christians who defy status quo/culture of
mediocrity. Obama can say “at conception,” but still defer to secular authority [the
people rule, not the churches]. State his principle/defy status quo, but defer to
law of the land, not church. “The people have spoken” via their organs [courts/etc.]
absolves Obama of autocracy/personal agenda over the polity/diverse constituents.
In Obama’s sacred/profane sanctuary, the only powers are good/evil [God/devil].
This duality works thru humanity/flawed beings. We frail sentients fight not flesh/
blood, but vs. principal power in highest place, namely vs. Satan. As Daniel says,
the real battle is in the heavens. Satan’s desire is to be like God, so why make it
easier for Satan by denying your Faith? Obama defers to diverse polity/secular
authority, not status quo. Status quo is to deny one’s Faith, if one has Faith.
Satan is not the secular body. Satan fights on the highest plane, vs. God. Jesus
upended the status quo as reformer by responding to Pontius Pilate, “it’s not for
you to set me free, but for those who judge me wrongly. Ultimately, the Truth
shall set me free, just as it shall set free those who judge me wrongly today.”
No need for Obama to recant. Obama spoke his heart, though timidly like Peter.
Repentance is a wondrous thing. It only comes when you don’t think about it.
Much surprise awaits Obama. Growth. O`ahu’s Mits Aoki born 1915 is great
advocate on growth/repentance. Mits not Hilo’s Hideo Aoki 1920-1977. “Stand
in the Truth,” whether one lives or dies. It’s the only thing that matters. When
my uncle Yukio was courting wife Masae/Nancy, inebriated Yoshimura [He-Man
6 footer hulk] pushed away Yukio to dance w/Masae. Yukio, only 5′3″, told
Yoshimura, “Az no way to treat a lady.” Yoshimura told Yukio to step outside.
Outside the dance hall, Yoshimura swung “for the fences” & missed Yukio by
a mile. Yukio threw “shoe-shine” [sharp rapid blows] at Yoshimura’s mid-section,
that dropped Yoshimura like a rock. Upending the status quo [rebuke bully
He-Man Yoshimura]. Richard Uejo born 1925 started today’s HIAC [elderly day
care center]. Richard started the Japanese language program among Baptists.
Richard started child care pre-school, & the forerunner of today’s A Plus program.
Richard upended the status quo. But inner beauty comes in strange packaging.
As w/leaders like Rich Uejo/Steamy Chow, you gotta’ cut thru the self-glorification/
selfish pride that constitute 99% of the verbal drivel, to get to the treasured
1% mother lode [of wisdom]. Richard is the negative exemplar of having to
cut thru the crap to get to Richard’s 1% holy grail. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Global financial crisis –
Subprime [bad loan] mortgage failure/CDS [credit default swaps---so-called derivatives/
hedge funds concocted 15 yrs. ago at J.P. Morgan to prop up worthless paper-scams]
felled Wall St. Morgan Stanley/Goldman Sachs converted to regulated holding bank status
to free up access to capital under such regulatory scheme. Free-market model as we know
it that fueled so-called derivatives “casino gambling” now will be tightly regulated, just as
our loose regulatory oversight still was a huge leap forward vs. the unregulated stock market
that crashed 80 years ago in 1929. Especially back then, there was no FDIC/FCUIC that
guaranteed grassroot savings deposits. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
The other shoe –
Allegedly, a fanatic defames Heftel for homo/adultery perversion. Later, our
Uchinanchu community wanted to skewer Waihee for alleged unfaithfulness vs.
Waihee’s wife [Uchinanchu heritage]. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Taiwan coveted Hung Wai Ching 1905-2002
Because Camp Smith [Pac Command] was synonymous w/Hung Wai Ching,
Taiwan coveted Hung Wai. When Hung Wai went to Taipei, he was a virtual
god there. Taiwanese as well as Chou En Lai knew of Hung Wai’s contacts
w/U.S. military-industrial complex [Northrop/etc.]. Not hubris, just fact.
Yet Hung Wai always was for the little guy in society, which is why Hung Wai
enabled oddball Koji Ariyoshi to rebuke Koji’s UH elitists & transfer to U Georgia
[little guy's Tobacco Rd. notoriety]. Of course, in 1937 Hung Wai knew nothing
about Stalin’s colossal genocide/purges. By the time Mao stoked Mao’s
genocide/Cultural Revolution, Hung Wai was up to speed on so-called Commie
bullshit. Which is why Koji Ariyoshi was too brainwashed to wake up like Hung Wai
did 3 decades earlier. Koji’s loss. Hung Wai transformed Chou En Lai into an
Anglophile/Western acolyte. It’s about respect. Though Hung Wai was Chou’s
jr. by 7 yrs., Chou was attentive to Hung Wai’s nation-building [U.S.]. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Abundance of a man’s heart is from Matthew 12:35
The heart is filled w/both Jekyll & Hyde. Overcoming the Hyde in each of us is
as elusive as a phantom. Isamu Kanekuni born 1921, knowledgeable as he
is, is an utter asshole — tells me why do I waste my time crusading for
sports ancients/icons when today’s dying newsprint is about local contempos.
Yes, newsprint dies w/our old farts, but to me business/economics are not
excuses for sh_tcanning the past. Yes, blogging is my panacea, but I crusade
to give our oldtime heroes their last shot at glory before they pass on to Divinity.
Now what’s so useless about this! “The heart, not the brain, is our noblest refrain!”
Yes, Isamu is no jesus/buddha/muhammad. Isamu is my negative role model who
inspires me to REBUKE Isamu & battle even more by REJECTING Isamu’s heartless drivel.
The post-1920 born buddaheads are frickin’ punks/egotists/intolerants. Dad, I miss you
[Toshi 1913-1998]. You, Hiro Higuchi, a breed apart from Isamu’s gang of
hubris-makers. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr 1892-1971 [alter ego to MLK/Barack Obama] –
Niebuhr is Missouri-born German American whose dad was an evangelist. Like Hung Wai Ching,
his protege, Niebuhr has divinity degree from Yale & is among NYC Union Theol. Sem.’s greatest
figures [taught Hung Wai/devotees include Martin Luther King/Columbia U. sister school's Barack
Obama]. Like Yasutaro Soga’s slow but steady assimilation, Niebuhr transformed from incendiary
leftist to moderate centrist peacemaker/consensus-builder. Extraordinary evolution/metamorphosis.
Our greatest leaders today hang their hats on nerve center Niebuhr. Niebuhr’s outlook presaged
today’s Muslim extremists — the sin of spiritual hubris is the worst sin, more than sins of mental/
physical hubris, which are easier to overcome. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Lingle/Kim 2000 GOP –
GOP chief Lingle met w/Harry Kim at Hata Bldg. Lingle got pissed off because
“don’t tell me what to do” Kim didn’t accept her GOP chain of command. Truly,
Harry was the foremost carpetbagger. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Hung Wai ["HW"] Ching 1905-2002 our discerning oracle
G-2 [Army Intelligence Office] Moses Pettigrew served in Hawai`i pre-PH
which gave him eyeball support of our AJAs for combat. When he went
back to D.C., he worked closely w/Fielder in Hawai`i, who in turn relied
on Bicknell until Bicknell also got re-assigned back to D.C. Fielder in turn
relied on Marsten & Blake. Fielder was a jock [Georgia qb. beat
Cumberland 220-0 -- highest score in college football]/commanded
Nat’l Guard unit here pre-WWII & mixed well w/
ex-track/hoops star & ROTC alumnus Hung Wai Ching. Masaji Marumoto also
served under HW & was trusted by G-2 ’s gang above. Army ran martial
law Hawai`i [`Iolani Palace had top brass general stationed there]
& was the principal advocate for combat use of the 100th conscripts
& the 442 enlistees. Of course, ONI’s Coggins, w/Nimitz’ approval,
seconded combat use of Nisei. Do you know that Nimitz believed
so much in AJAs that he called for the induction of 10,000 buddaheads
for service outside the Pacific area in July 1942? Predictably, Navy Sec.
Knox opposed Nimitz. Masaji Marumoto’s ESC under HW’s Morale Committee
command pushed ONI’s Coggins/Nimitz to “second” Army infantry combat for
AJAs, which impressed Marshall enough to reverse Ike & ratify Emmons’
combat use of 100th.
HW was so ubiquitous that LA Times’ Kyle Palmer backed HW. Being ROTC-
trained, HW easily won support of military top brass. HW’s UH alter ego
Hemenway pushed for HW as the point man for civilian support/unity in
martial law Hawai`i. HW not only became the rallying cry for strength
in unity/Americanism, he also became the rallying cry for fair treatment
of all minorities in pluralistic America. Look at Truman’s integration of
the military, at Ike’s civil rights genesis, at Earl Warren’s Brown vs. Bd.
of Education decision/etc. HW is our discerning oracle. HW went to
U Chicago for one yr., then transferred w/his prof to Yale Divinity. Which
is why son KL Ching takes it hard that Jeremiah Wright, mentored by Union
Theol.’s James Cone [HW's alma mater], M.A. grad U Chicago [HW's alma
mater], is under attack from moderates/silent majority. Wright reminds me
of John the Beloved before John’s transformation — son of thunder, man of
rage, John was more aptly John the blowhard. Who said “shall we just
burn’em up [Samaritans]?” You guessed it.
Peter was another talker who pissed off Jesus to no end, but became a
great leader. Wright is no great leader — yet. This is Obama’s roughness
of the hour — Obama’s fate to evaluate in the middle of the fire. Wright
needs to be Joshua– step back & watch others like Obama lead our united
people, while following Jesus thru & thru. It is sad that Wright has not yet
transformed a la John/Peter [Peter irked Jesus to quip, "Satan get behind
me!" -- referring to Peter]. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Will Obama win over Middle America’s silent majority?
Live & learn — Obama’s haole tutu wahine was
no pastor, she that exhorted that popolo men on the
street frightened her. But Obama’s militant racist
pastor supposedly is Jesus’ faithful servant who preaches love,
not fear. If Obama denounces his pastor’s racism, Obama will
do everyone a whole lot of good.
We need peacemakers, not destructive warlocks.
Obama has to attend a different church, unless his pastor
publicly repents/atones. This is good leadership, not flighty
behavior. Consider Obama’s PR crisis a dress rehearsal for
the real thing [KIAs/war strategy]. Public adversity is
Obama’s finest chance to be a great leader. Prove himself,
or recede into mediocrity. Please, no syrupy nice guy
crap like preacher Huckabee or hypocrite Harry Kim.
Do you know that Scrub Tanaka probably would’ve
supported Obama [not the same old Clinton]??
Teddy Roosevelt was the youngest Prexy sworn in
[McKinley's assassination] age 42.
JFK the youngest Prexy voted in to office age 43.
Clinton & Grant at ages 46, & Grover Cleveland at
age 47 — all precede Obama in younger age
if Obama wins the race [age 47]. –Curt [written before Nov. 2008 election]
November 12th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Hamakua’s Frank De Luz a minus for Ted Hong –
Hamakua “tycoon” Frank De Luz a minus for Ted Hong,
despite Ted’s thrust via De Luz vs. Takamine country folk.
Anesthesiologist Ruhland’s wife held blind Frank’s hand as Ted
sauntered w/Frank in tow around Kalakaua Park at the
Chinese New Year Fest. Ted wants Merle Lam’s support,
but Merle is out of politics. Merle would’ve been a great plus
for Ted.
–Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
It’s Lingle, not Awana
Ken Hupp born Jan. 1956 was Gov. Lingle’s
golden boy, who was considered for her plum
patronage Gov. Liaison job here.
Ken says that Awana’s only prior claim to fame
was his role in Eileen Anderson’s major upset win
over Fasi for mayor, but she was soundly trounced
by Fasi 4 yrs. later. It’s about Lingle, Ken, not
Awana. Lingle is petty/divisive, not a Party
unifier/solid saint like GOP’s great Jane Tatibouet/
Barbara Marumoto. It was Lingle who killed our GOP
Merle Lam espirit de corps here ‘98, when Merle
campaigned & won the Big Isle for Lingle, historic
change. Merle is refrigeration repairman Harry
Nishimura’s 1908-1998 daughter, Merle born 1941,
Hilo High ‘59 grad. Merle lost twice to Jimmy Arakaki,
the last in ‘96 by 300 votes. She/Jimmy are friendly
w/each other till this day. It’s Lingle, Ken, not Awana.
–Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Pentecostal progression
1) salvation
2) holiness/sanctification
3) baptism/bury old life & live new life in Christ
4) holy spirit
Akin to entry in Old Tabernacle [door/laver/
healing spot/holy place (light of candlestick)]–Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Condo lease-to-fee conversion
Honolulu’s 2005 repealed ordinance [1991 version
of land lease-to-fee conversion in State Code]
should’ve been tweaked to require binding arbitration
w/the goal of re-distribution of land for the public good.
–Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Stanley Hara/George Martin finally in UH-Hilo
Hall of Honor
Gerald De Mello created a new inspiration category
for non-alumni like George Martin.
The Portagee connection got lubed w/addition of
noisebox Eddie De Mello 1922-1974, wholly undeserving
ILWU entrant. Guess what?? Scrub Tanaka not yet
enshrined. Scrub got so-called regent award, not
plaqued on Hall of Honor, maybe in someone’s file
cabinet [out of view].–Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Lau Faat Leong aka Lau Ah Leong/Chun Afong
Punahou ‘66 grad Pam Chun wrote novel “Money Dragon” about her great-
grandfather Lau Faat Leong, among early founders of Chinatown [founder like Chun Ahfong,
Hawai`i's 1st Chinese millionaire --pundit Bob Dye's wife is Chun's progeny][not to be confused
w/Vineyard's Don Marin, whose progeny incl. harbormaster Ian Birnie's wife]. Most Chinese
merchants belonged to Hiram Fong’s First Chinese Christian Church aka “Beretania Church” [now
located on King St. across McKinley High School]. 2nd & 3rd generation UH Chinese kids broke
away from Beretania Church because of its ultra-rigidity [prohibited lascivious dancing/merriment] &
started the Community Church across Royal Elem. School in shanty Emmaville in a ramshackle old
Chinese School [today's Nu`uanu Church -- Hung Wo Ching facilitated its relocation in 1960].
There is acute status consciousness b/n Nu`uanu Church & Beretania Church [Nu`uanu's members
are college grads & incl. our Chinese "Who's Who"] — social climber mentality which would sadden
primordial leaders Chinese Stephen Mark [from Frisco] & Leigh Hooley aka Lee Houlie [who got many
of Leigh's charges/students from Beretania Church to Nu`uanu Church via Leigh's outreach to
Nu`uanu & from Leigh's Nu`uanu Y a block ewa/west of Nu`uanu Church]. In fact, Nu`uanu
Church’s 2 conference rms. are named in honor of Leigh & Pastor Mark. John Young earlier
“deaconed” at Beretania Church & also brought along many disaffected younger brethren to
Nu`uanu Church. Young was inspired by Nu`uanu Y founder Frank Atherton 1878-1945, the 1st
race-inclusive Y here in 1917. Of course, this is how Hung Wai Ching beat up the biggest J_p kids
& then contritely became their biggest supporter WWII. Young/Hung Wai/Hooley were mentored by
altruist Atherton. AJA kids went to Episcopalian ‘Iolani [Sun Yat Sen went to 'Iolani/Punahou --
Chinn Ho's son Stuart, non-Nu`uanu brethren, was rejected to Punahou, went to 'Iolani, then was
admitted to Punahou -- Nu`uanu Church kids had beeline entry to
Punahou/Harvard/Yale/Stanford/Union Theological Seminary via Atherton]. Kaua`i’s Sakae
Takahashi 1919-2001 went from Waimea High to UH for ag teacher creds [Sakae ran from cops
w/his dad when Pablo Manlapit spoke to laborers roadside, the only place Manlapit could meet
w/them -- Sakae asked Congress Delegate candidate Dem Johnny Wilson why the Baldwins allowed
Wilson to come speak at camp rallies -- Wilson said he did the Baldwins' irrigation systems, thence,
the Baldwins allowed Wilson to come to the camps]. KingLit Ching’s baby brother SauLit is a
Nu`uanu Church member — very altruistic, not a social climber. Former great sports scribe Loui
Long Hop is Lau Faat Leong’s progeny. Joe Ballard Atherton 1837-1903, Frank’s dad, genesis of Y here.
–Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Internment –
Okay, so Mas Marumoto didn’t avert his in-law’s internment, just as Walter
Dillingham didn’t avert his disciple/deshi Matsujiro Otani’s internment. Mas/
Walter felt helpless to counter Shivers/Burns/Fielder’s lock-up list pre-12/7/41.
Respect for the process. Irascible Hung Wai Ching was no sort of lay low
joe. He was a samurai [yet he loathed samurai for their warrior mentality --
yes, the conflicted/mercurial side of Hung Wai]. True, he didn’t know Issei
archetypes Koichi Iida/Daizo Sumida/Katsuichi Kawamoto/Shige Miyao to
prevent their internment, but nonetheless he fought for older/kyu Nisei
to keep them out of lock-ups. Younger/wakai Nisei [442 boys] were not
interned. BTW, Servco founder/Issei Hideichi “Pete” Fukunaga 1890-1960
[1st buddahead diversified family companies -- consumer/commercial loans--
insurance--appliances--trademark Toyota dealerships] first immigrated
to Kukuihaele/Honoka`a as Shin/new-recent Issei a century ago &
worked in the Pacific Sugar Co. fields/general store, then moved to O`ahu
to attend `Iolani School [via Episcopal beneficence -- Honoka`a didn't
have a high school until 1936 -- John Perreira 1908-1912 principal was
an early home-grown proponent of expanded education at Honoka`a].
Great Luso historymakers Godofredo Affonso [journalism]/Jose Teves
[poetry]/Val Marciel [acct.], along w/Chinese entrepreneurs Ruddy Tongg/
Wong brothers, all hail from Honoka`a, but didn’t have anything beyond
grade/elementary school during their eras. Former native son Pete
Fukunaga wasn’t interned WWII because his dealerships were
American — Chevy/Ford/General Motors. He became Toyota exclusive
dealer in 1958 [he chose Toyota over Datsun/Nissan because it had
a better clutch]. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Tom Okino 1906-1979 recruited Shinmachi boys WWII
Willy Thompson’s uncle Tom Okino married Shinmachi’s Nakaji [koa shop], thence
Okino’s recruitment of disproportionately high number of Shinmachi 442 enlistees.
Nisei SK Oda born 1899 is an honorary AJA Club member because he always
donated time/equipment to our AJA Club [combo 100th/442/interpreters MIS/
engineers/artillery]. Philanthropist Laura Kennedy 1879-1967 liked Sato Repair
Garage in Shinmachi, so when son Akira Sato returned as 442 veteran, Laura
donated the land across our Muni Golf Course to the AJA Club. At first a few
100th boys wanted their own clubhouse on the donated parcel, so the 442
boys built the current clubhouse adjacent to Laula Rd., leaving the makai
portion for the 100th minority nonconformists. Eventually K Co. replacement
Rusty Kamimura brokered truce/confluence b/n 100th/442, & today the
AJA clubhouse sits proudly as a unified symbol of all the Nisei units. Rusty,
the only son among sibs from Shinmachi born 1923, was only 14 yrs. old
when his dad died. Isamu Kanekuni born 1921 was only 16 yrs. old when
his dad died, Waiakea Mill camp. Both Rusty/Isamu are no-nonsense gruff guys,
& goal-oriented. Rusty’s wife Ritsuko born 1927 is from Kea`au, & knows
about Kea`au girls Yoshiko Ogawa/Mitsue Shinchi marrying ILWU’s high command [Hall/Dave Thompson], though
Ritsuko doesn’t like political talk/burei.
Lefty also joined Scrub Tanaka’s post-WWII nascent Dem Party, & backed John
Ushijima’s initial forway into the new State Senate 1959. But when John Ushijima
started getting greedy & sabotaged the acquisition of Veterans Cemetery
land extension/expansion thru John’s own land paradigm,
Rusty gave up vs. John’s insincerity & refused to support John thereafter. Bill
Thompson & Rusty got my Mom to prepare resolution form to secure alternate
Veterans Cemetery No. 2 site which you see today, no thanks to Ushijima. But
my Dad [1st 442 Club prexy 1946] still liked baby bro’ John, because John was
a cut-up good fun guy [beer/songs/music even though John sounded like a frog].
K Co. Lefty Kuniyoshi was highly respected because Lefty was grassroots like
Rusty. Lefty couldn’t stand peer Benty Tachibana, who attended reunions but
nothing else. Lefty & Rusty were primordial Dem Party catalysts post-WWII
along w/Scrub & Tadao Okimoto. Onomea’s Tadao was the only non-soldier.
Scrub was MIS. Jack Burns always invited these 4 hombres along w/Waimea’s
Onodera [not a soldier] to Jack’s Waimea home later on, w/driver Norman Tsuji
also joining in. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Vietnam War sage Gen. Matthew Ridgway 1895-1993
Ridgway dispelled MacArthur’s all-out war vs. China call in the Korean War by retaking Seoul
& crossing the 38th Parallel. Ridgway also averted U.S. intervention to prevent French defeat
in Indochina, arguing that ground forces equal to those in Korea were necessary to turn the
tide for the French, over intervention proponent Admiral Radford, who argued that naval/air
power were sufficient. Ridgway showed keen insight on the objective of limited war,
unlike Radford & Korean War nemesis MacArthur. Ridgway insisted on withdrawal from
Vietnam after the Gulf of Tonkin deception, arguing that we were destined to lose to
civil war forces via our containment focus, on difficult terrain, via limited warfare. Ridgway’s
prescience laid the foundation for Reagan’s Weinberger doctrine in 1985 which dissuades
us from committing troops to conflicts in which no direct vital interests are at stake [ergo
Hussein-Iraq]. Ho Chi Minh’s Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap is overrated, his impatience resulting in
disastrous defeats beyond the capabilities of his forces [Tet offensive]. Although the French
defeat at Dien Bien Phu 1954 enhanced Giap’s persona, the major strategic decisions of the
French Indochina War were made by China, over greenhorn Giap’s objections. World media
convinced the U.S. public that existing U.S. strategy of attrition would not result in final
victory after Giap’s failed Tet offensive. W/public support undermined for our war effort,
President Johnson halted U.S. air strikes above the 20th Parallel to induce negotiations w/
Ho Chi Minh. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Typecasting –
Yes, German engineers/mgrs. along the Hamakua/Kohala coast were demanding/autocrats. But
French mgr. W. Pierre Naquin [from La.] at Honoka`a Sugar Co. was especially
abusive/dictatorial/ruthless. Germans enjoyed their high cultural status thruout the world, &
attempted to redeem their lost glory post-WWI. Scots [prevalent thruout the islands] were
pragmatic a la the Chinese, but they also had immense individualism a la their solitary Chinese
counterparts. Did Ian Birnie, whose Dad was Scot immigrant, tell you about how his Dad’s Scot
pals belittled Ian’s American Mom [not part of the exclusive Scot clique]? No wonder she divorced
him [only to marry him again after he grew contrite as he aged]. But overall, Scot
engineers/mgrs. were altruists, & unlike their Chinese counterparts, encouraged upward mobility
in fledgling Asian immigrants. In these pecked-on Asian immigrants, our Scots, born/bred of
tremendous hardship/poverty in Old World Occident, saw themselves. Thence enormous
uplift/encouragement/sense of community from Scots to Asian immigrants. Name a larger-than-life
plantation owner/mgr., he almost certainly was Scot. CC Kennedy/John M. Ross/James
Henderson, all Scots, all caring owners/mgrs. Don’t mistake heart for complacency. These were
firm/tough mgrs., but they were fair & cared for their villagers. Yes, the world has seen great
Scot scientists/ literateurs, but not in abundance like their German counterparts. Thence the
German hubris, thence the Scot stoicism. Also, the Scots were not humiliated WWI. The
Germans lost face completely in defeat WWI. Displaced aggression/projection onto lower
members of the social/status pecking order [Asian immigrants/etc.]. Then again, we had great
German philanthropists sprinkled about, Reinhardt/Asegut from the 1850s [started sugar mills from
my native Pauka`a to Papa`ikou], but these good joes came long before German ignominy
WWI. The Reinhardts then intermarried w/NY’s Macy [yes, famous Macy's]. The new park by Harrington’s Restaurant is the former
Reinhardt Estate. Again, every plantation was different, although common threads are visible.
Generally, the larger the plantation, the greater the division of labor/stratification. Which is why
labor strife was more prevalent in large communities like Ola`a-Kea`au & Pepe`ekeo. Labor
agitator Pablo Manlapit had greatest impact at the large mills. No, Goto’s lynching preceded Big 5
ownership in Honoka`a. Overend was proprietor/owner who was in over his head vs. labor
agitators 1889. After all, “J_ps” had just come here 4 yrs. earlier. Ignorance breeds violence, both
ways. Look at “J_ps” doing in other “J_ps” [J_ps bombed Sakamaki's home in Ola`a 1920]. Look
at Scrub Tanaka’s disdain for Yoshiko Ogawa [Ola`a girl married Jack Hall]. Scrub never lived down
Scrub’s dislike for Pepe`ekeo/Ola`a AJA girls. Yet, Scrub worships all other AJA girls, always
exhorting that they have more guts/brains than the men!! Girls like social worker Fumiko
Iwamasa/stenographer Takemoto-Hayashi/etc. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Family links [KTA-Hawaii Hardware -- HPM Bldg. Supply] –
Intrepid pioneer building contractors/Issei immigrants Kametaro Fujimoto & Sanzo Kawasaki
teamed up to form Hawai`i Planing Mill [bldg. supply outfit] in 1921. Sanzo later was bought
out, & Kametaro’s son Barney took over operations. Barney was succeeded by Barney’s
son Bobby, who then was succeeded by Bobby’s son Michael [Yonsei 4th generation, born
1952], Bobby born 1927. Sanzo’s son Roger married Koichi Taniguchi’s daughter Sayoko.
Ryuzo Taniguchi [Dr. Tokuso Taniguchi's brother] is Koichi’s nephew, & owned Hawai`i Hardware,
HPM’s smaller industry rival. Koichi’s other daughter [married to watchmaker George Hiraoka]
worked at Ryuzo’s Hawai`i Hardware Store, which just closed for good [retirement], corner
Kilauea/Hualalai Sts. [across Burger King/Long's Drugs].
Koichi Taniguchi’s name indelibly is linked w/Sanzo Kawasaki & w/Koichi’s nephew Ryuzo/
Hawai`i Hardware Store. But no bad blood between KTA/HPM, both major benefactors
re social altruism. Of course, Ryuzo formerly w/HPM.
Roland Higashi/Kaiko`o Mall bailed out Kiyo Okubo for several yrs., allowing Kiyo to house
Kiyo’s museum rent-free in the old Men’s Shop site in the Kaiko`o Mall. This move came when
Kiyo moved out of Dr. Matsumura’s termite-ridden “home” next to Ace Hardware. Yes,
benevolent Roland was very generous to Kiyo Okubo. Roland never forgot how difficult it
was for Roland’s entrepreneur dad to deal w/patricians [Holmes Store/AmFac/C. Brewer/
Theo. Davies/etc.]. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
23rd Psalm — Billy Graham’s wife Ruth’s favorite, as well as George Mukai’s –
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want …. Ubiquitous pastor Richard Uejo born 1925/
stoic-superhuman 442nd’s George Mukai born 1923 –
are okay w/the opening line The Lord is my shepherd as their epitaph [gravestone
inscription]. Like George Mukai says about his wife Janet Matsubara Mukai [converted from
Buddhism], as Billy Graham says about his wife Ruth, She is my soulmate & my inspiration.
Wow, heady stuff, baby!! Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Ha`ena [Kea`au] public access issue –
1. County public works chief E.L. Wung [born 1893] in 1932 argued that WH Shipman Ltd.
should provide a mauka to makai public access road for fisherman/opihi pickers/etc. He
was turned down based on available access via the old gov’t rd. parallel to the
Kea`au coastline. Nonetheless, gotta’ commend Wung’s position for the little guy.
But Wung always had a grudge vs. patriarch Shipman, inasmuch Shipman often won out
ranch lease/etc. bids over fellow rancher Wung. Thence, Wung’s minus-type mentality.
2. In 1994 Jim Albertini/Kaliko Kanahele protested vs. Shipman & its mauka to makai Ha`ena
Rd. [from Puna Mill site down to Ha`ena Beach where the Shipman beach home is].
Their trespassing convictions were upheld in 1997 without comment. The 1995 PASH
case [preserve native Hawaiian custom/usage gathering/cultural rights] had no effect
on these convictions.
3. Google Ha`ena Beach. You’ll see established access along the coastline via Ginny Aste/
Jon Olsen’s trail outfit, which clearly prohibits trespassing into the Shipman Ha`ena
property. Roy Blackshear/Fred Koehnen/Bobby Cooper of Shipman Ltd.
were well aware of the public glare/expectations toward philanthropy, & Shipman Ltd.
has tried to embrace its Hawaiian ancestral/actual bloodline feel for the common lot via
public gifting/sponsorship/support. But forebearer Herbert Shipman’s [1892-1976, son of
founder & missionary native son William Shipman] ohana embrace of his workers [Herbert
was single, no kids -- his workers were his family], though labeled feudal patriarchy/
benevolent paternalism by outsiders, sadly never will be replicated in today’s ultra-sensitive
grievance/victimization world & w/current mgmt. And the coastal road from Keaukaha toward
Haena is Watumull’s private road, not a public road. The actual old Puna Trail runs from today’s National Guard complex by our airport [Puhala grove/Waiakea as depicted on old maps] inland away from the coastline toward Haena & beyond. Love, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Headline-grabber Nippon’s Kawamoto/George Will on Congress —
Folly that the Honolulu Advertiser switches back on its Hawaiian racial preference editorial.
It slashes Nippon headline-grabber Kawamoto for preferring Hawaiians, yet it immunizes itself
for its own Hawaiian racial preference [Akaka Bill/etc.]. Which brings up erudite columnist
George Will’s take on Congress recognizing D.C. as a State when Congress has no authority
to do so!! Congress also has no authority to voila` a Hawaiian tribe out of thin blue air.
Only a federal constitutional amendment can make a State of D.C. [Senate majority Dems want
to get 2 additional Dem Senate seats out of D.C.] or make a political [not prohibited racial]
tribe of Hawaiians. Such pie-in-the-sky fairy tales concocted from power grabs & emplaced
greed [Hawaiian entitlements mainly enrich the rulers, not the ruled, a la the sad 1848 Great
Mahele] do no good for the common lot! –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Our greatest heroes were conscripts/draftees –
I thank Tom Fairfull & his Army Museum gang for preserving the untold legacies of our greatest
heroes. The 4 current DSC WWII 100th Batt. enshrinees typify an amazing point about the
100th Batt. — these were the reduxed 1941 draftees/conscripts who were separated from
the non-AJAs, put on a ghost ship to nowhere [the Army had no clue whether to lock them
up after the Pearl Harbor attack, or relegate them to non-combat duty because they could
not be trusted to carry firearms (insurrection/subversion)], & became the orphan unit of the
Army!! “And the rest is history!” Kansha, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Affordable housing — no solution in sight short of autocracy/tyranny –
Kingmaker Bob Oshiro, like eventual Burns expatriate Sakae Takahashi, grew weary of big money
campaign financing. Jeremy Harris’ negative exemplar says it all.
Affordable housing is the biggest problem facing lawmakers today. Only mega-large public
housing projects will alleviate the homeless issue, albeit unsatisfactory stopgap measures
[short of undemocratic population controls -- limit on number of children one may bear]. –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Pi`ihonua [land incline] political links —
1. Pi`ihonua Camps 3, 4, & 5 lie 4 miles upslope north of Hilo Bay, village vestiges of Hawai`i
[Sugar] Mill Co. Camp residents are mostly Okinawan[Uchinanchu] & Japanese [Naichi].
Hawaiian residents include benevolent electrician Henry Keli`i & the Kahele ohana.
Pi`ihonua Elem. School had its start w/the development of Hawai`i Mill plantation a
century ago, its bldg. size gradually growing up the ground incline as its enrollment
increased. Susumu Miura born 1912 is among its oldest living alumni.
Of course, former plantation owner James “Kimo” Henderson 1876-1965 has his mansion
above Camp 3, & his daughter Lei Hutchinson has her home just below his. Kimo/Lei/family
were GOP, but like UH godfather GOP Charles Hemenway, they exemplified their Christian
creed of everybody’s equal. Nonetheless, the patriarchal Hendersons [no relation to
Richard Scotch Henderson] surely were not elated that their spiritual progeny [village
residents] carried the Dem Party banner. Free country. The Hendersons accepted
this precept. If anything, the Hendersons’ diversity/pluralistic values were evidenced
via their rank/file workers’ Dem colors. But the original residents [Issei immigrants/oldest
Nisei children of immigrants] were apolitical: Sus Miura’s dad/Kantaro Kunihiro/Hidetaro Higa/
Jihizo Ota/Hideo Yamada, among others. Owner James Henderson, typecast stone-face
tightwad Scot, was not generous/benevolent to those villagers [Camps 3,4,5] at
the bottom of the social ladder/group hierarchy [like renaissance man Henry Shimabukuro's
parents]. The common laborers despised Henderson’s uncaring/stand-off ways. But the
company men/supervisors/scale men [weigh the cane tonnage] like original Luso Ventura/
haole Herd/buddaheads Kunihiro, Ota, etc. absolutely worshipped him [were bestowed
favors by the pragmatic/"conditioned response"-oriented Henderson]. Henderson was
full Scot but was called Kimo for James by his Ponahawai ahupua`a devotees downtown
where his mill factory was [on Puna side of Alena`io Canal by Central Fire Station]. Kimo
bestowed his full grace/charity/generosity to his Mill Camp residents [now Osorio Lane/
lower Kuku`au St. block between Kilauea Ave. & Kino`ole St. (there was no Kino`ole
St. Puna side of Ponahawai St. in Henderson's era pre-1920s)]. Kimo’s onetime
office site at Pi`ihonua Camp 3 also was site of Kimo’s benevolence to Kimo’s company
men. Kimo’s son Sonny & Kimo’s Helco confidant Pat Brown [Pu`u`eo Sheila
Clark's dad] were great altruists who uplifted the Ponahawai down-and-out residents.
Just as Kimo’s loving daughter Lei Hutchinson [hubby Hardy Sr. was Gas Co. mgr./soft-
spoken nice guy] took the austere Camp 3,4,5 Pi`ihonua kids under her expansive/
tender/nurturant wings. Hardy Jr. was auspicious ad-man/PR guy but was hi-maka-maka
toward villagers at bottom of social/class ladder.
2. As elitist James Henderson aged, camp residents linked w/powerful Dem solons to
improve their lives/sites — Jackie/Mamoru Shiro enlisted Kazuhisa Abe; Tatsuya Oshiro/Sam
Tokeshi had Nelson Doi, who also was the village cane planters’ attorney.
Mokey Hanagami had John Ushijima; Isamu Ponduce [make bread] Hokama had
Herb Matayoshi [Okinawan roots only peripheral to linkup]; Tets Kunihiro had Stanley Hara.
Mac Taira had the lone GOP, powerful James Kealoha. Look at the Freeway to Nowhere
from Camp 3 to Camp 4, a half mile distant. Look at the beautiful concrete bridges
at Camp 3. Amazing pork barrel!! Amid austere/lean villagers. Mokey Hanagami also
enlisted GOP curmudgeon/Sen. minority leader Doc Hill, who was peripheral to Pi`ihonua’s
social progress, but who pragmatically hired mostly AJAs [post-WWII Nisei vote-getters].
The current leaders/outfit are not linked politically. The current crew consists
of dour/Mt. Rushmore Byron Toma, ebullient/classy retired Col. Henry Shimabukuro, polite
Conrad Hokama [Ponduce's son born 1958], & pedantic Roy Daimaru. Assorted mix.
3. The close-knit/insular villagers have the remarkable distinctions of fee simple ownership
of land down to the lowest rung of the social ladder –affordable lease-to-fee conversion
from the State, the rarest/most magnanimous measure of participatory democracy —
of owning their social hall & the land it sits on debt-free — all thru their own group effort
[no corporate/Big Five bailout][DLNR's Bill Paty facilitated purchase price at 50 % of market
value]. Amazing/remarkable pro-active collective effort unlike any other kumiai/community
org. anywhere!! Kumiai prexy Toma thanks inimitable Henry Shimabukuro/Conrad
Hokama for galvanizing lease to fee conversion. Extraordinary men w/even more
exceptional hearts/yamato damashii/chugi/otagai/oyakoko!! I’m still floored by their
superhuman achievements, on their own blood/sweat/tears! Great, great leaders,
incredible metaphysical group cohesion/solidarity — unmatched!! Ai/kansha, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
State House Speaker Elmer Cravalho 1959-1967
1. Elmer Cravalho born 1926, our Little Caesar, ran a tight ship as House Speaker. What does he do
when he gets up out of slumber at 2 a.m. in the dead of nite? Plot! Cravalho returned
to Maui for his long run as mayor in 1968, followed by fellow Luso Hannibal Tavares [Nils
Tavares'/Edna Taufaasau's nephew]. We now have another Tavares as mayor there.
2. No, Cravalho was not Burns’ choice for Governor in 1974! Cravalho missed the boat when
he turned down Burns’ plea to be Burns’ Lt. Gov. in 1966. Cravalho felt that the Lt. Gov.
office was merely ceremonial, a demotion from Cravalho’s autocratic House rule. Burns
confidante Mike Tokunaga surmised that Cravalho was swayed by Cravalho’s ILWU to
stand pat in the House, where the ILWU pushed its agenda.
3. Neophyte kanaka maoli Kenny Brown became Burns’ final Lt. Gov. choice in 1966, but was
trounced by erstwhile anti-Burns bard Tom Gill. Like Hilo’s Scotch Henderson, Brown
would’ve made a fine Governor — team builder/listener/frugal/compassionate. Aloha, -Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Dan Tuttle’s favorite lawyers/Luso(Portuguese)/Waiakea-Kai’s Martha Wakefield
1. Dan Tuttle, our best political observer, died Dec. 2006. His favorite lawyers are
Bob Dodge [Dem Party manifesto that everybody's equal 1952], Martin Pence [Kansas
Plains Jacksonian Dem], & Hawaiian Bill Richardson [promoted Hawaiian custom over
Western culture]. Nelson Doi is Tuttle’s favorite conversation piece [good copy/ink],
not as a lawyer.
2. Dodge is the classic case of idealism over pragmatism. When Dodge poked the windmill
[a la hopeless romantic Don Quixote] of Dem Frank Fasi 1960 mayor’s primary race, Dem
boss Jack Burns refused to endorse dreamer Dodge. Fasi swamped Dodge, only to lose
to Burns’ good friend GOP Rusty Blaisdell in the general election. Above all, Burns was
a team-first coach. Dodge did not fit the bill, despite being a brilliant platform man.
3. Pence got elected County Attorney/became judge on the backs of faithful Dem soldiers
like Yasuki Arakaki. But when Yasuki [I have to say full first name because he has brother
w/nickname Yasu, like WWII hero/jock Kazuma Hisanaga, who has brother w/nickname Kazu]
got nailed w/hot button red-bait charges, Pence demurely [not Pence's usual style] asked
Yasuki for Yasuki’s Dem Party membership card. Utterly betrayed, Yasuki took it out of
his wallet, flung it at Pence, & told Pence, “And this is how you treat your friends, heh,
judge!” Yasuki never spoke to Pence again. Pence’s sin, not Yasuki’s by a long shot.
4. Richardson’s adage: The surveyor’s compass holds no water over the canoe berth [so that
the canoe doesn't wash out to sea in the dead of night], which defines the public’s right
over the shoreline. Rich’s adage still crests today — rich beachfront owners cannot breach
the public’s shoreline via salt-resistant vegetation from mauka to makai [vegetation indicates
private ownership]. Ironically, Rich’s nemesis is Pence, who accused Rich of fairy tale
concoctions, not precedent/law. Yin-yang. Take your pick.
5. Non-lawyer John Hulten had the best answer to Burns’/Ariyoshi’s fear of fighting Bishop
Estate over lease-to-fee conversion — ancient Mortmain [dead hand]/Rule Against
Perpetuities [still alive today -- Campbell Estate breakup] precepts promote land ownership
at the lowest level of our socio-economic strata, equitable land distribution — Ariyoshi’s
twisted logic over 2-tiered classes of lessors, akin to non-lawyer Burns’ rationale, is but
an excuse for maintaining the status quo, leaving monolith Bishop Estate w/land ownership
greater than all the private/corporate landowners combined. The U.S. Supreme Court
validated lease-to-fee conversion. Remember that Hulten, like Burns, was a fighting
Catholic [underclass/rank & file], & Hulten resented historical Protestant monopoly over land
ownership. Yes, malihini Hulten was a greater fighter than Burns vs. landed estates.
Hulten’s downside was that Hulten chastened Burns for not voting Burns’ Catholic
conviction vs. abortion. In this respect, Hulten went down fighting, imposing his Catholic
faith over civic responsibility. A mistake. Ironically, Hulten is best known for promoting
the inter-island ferry as a cheaper alternative to commercial aviation. Hulten is a distant
in-law of great Civil War general Ulysses S. Grant.
6. Do you know that literata/solon Godofredo Affonso’s son Godfrey was an early thinktank
w/Jack Burns in Kailua, O`ahu? That Burns’ St. Louis College/High allegiance stood strong
w/Luso Val Marciel/Jim Ferry/Edna Tavares Taufaasau as Burns’ 1st cabinet chiefs? Imagine,
3 Luso heads in Burn’s inaugural Gov. term! Matchless!
7. Do you know that Waiakea-Kai kanaka maoli icon/principal Martha Richardson Wakefield is
Charles Richardson’s daughter? Keaukaha’s Richardson Estate/Park & Mamo St.’s former
name, Richardson St. pre-1916, not to mention the 2nd owner of Volcano House [Pitman
was the first, 1846] 1866’s Richardson, are Martha Wakefield’s auspicious family [Charles/
Julius Richardson]. Amazing compassionate lineage. Today’s slimmed-down Skylark Rossetti
looks like prime/peaked Martha circa 1920.
8. Do you know that when Jimmy Kealoha beat Bob Yamada for County Chairman 1958,
when Lofty Cook beat Scrub Tanaka for County Chairman 1960, Scrub bellowed, our
island is not ready for an AJA chief!! So powerful were the influence/personality of
GOP Jimmy Kealoha, who became Statehood’s 1st Lt. Gov. in 1959!! But upstart Shun
Kimura plotted the overthrow of old money/landed interests, & became AJA’s 1st Chairman
in 1964, sweeping past ethnic Hawaiian rule from our County’s inception in 1905. So gallow-
tight had been the grip of kanaka maoli/GOP chiefdom.
9. Ethnic bloc voting/plunking is over-hyped. Dan Inouye beat Ben Dillingham in haole districts
in 1962 for the U.S. Senate. Look at Gov. Lingle’s wins over Hirono/Iwase — AJAs/
Filipinos voted for her! Haole districts voted for Akaka over Case! The sizzle of
ethnicity does not fool us over the quality of sustenance. Imua, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
High cost campaigning: 1970 Gov. Burns race — “Catch a Wave”
Shorted by 1970’s unprecedented Gov. campaign costs [film Catch a Wave] for Burns — vendor
Ah Chew Goo, apolitical hoops legend, lost $2,000 for campaign pins/tokens. Dan Aoki
failed to pay for the items, then had Frank Hata [Y. Hata of Hilo outfit][Frank also Ariyoshi's
Rasputin] try to barter w/Ah Chew [fundraising tickets to cancel debt], & finally a letter from
Bob Oshiro explaining that Burns’ outfit had no money to pay the debt, & that Ah Chew best
write it off for tax purposes. Till this day, Ah Chew is sore about the loss.
Ah Chew has no preference for party labels. He sure soured on Burns’ gang in 1970. Wiped
out by a bad debt. Catch a Wave caught Ah Chew in its grip. Sad experience, –Curt
November 12th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Kingmaker Bob Oshiro on George Ariyoshi/our Lili`uokalani Park –
1. Bob Oshiro was the kingmaker for Gov. Burns in elections 1962/1966/1970, for Gov.
Ariyoshi in 1974/1978/1982, & for Gov. Waihe`e in 1986. Born in 1924, Oshiro is not part
of the ubiquitous WWII all-Nisei soldiers, but a late draftee who ended up in post-WWII MIS
Japan. Oshiro 1924-2008.
2. A dying Jack Burns told Oshiro in 1974, “Bobby, unless you get involved, this man [Ariyoshi]
isn’t going to make it. I want you to look at it from a standpoint of what it means to all
of us at the [Democratic] party.” Ariyoshi denies that Burns babysat Ariyoshi to victory.
3. Even though Oshiro was wedlocked w/genro[elder statesman] Burns, Oshiro carried the
torch for Ariyoshi/Waihe`e to fulfill the precept of everybody’s equal [fairness in education/
taxation/housing/health care/commerce/home rule], Oshiro’s ode to godly saint Burns.
4. Do you know that Burns had our MIS Scrub Tanaka get 100th Batt. Sparky Matsunaga’s
promise that even if Sparky defiantly runs in 1959 Lt. Gov. primary vs. Burns’ choice Mits
Kido, if Sparky loses, Sparky will support the Dem slate in the Gov./Lt. Gov. general election?!
Fellow 100th Mike Tokunaga was unable to dispel stubborn/ganko Sparky’s non-collaborative
nature. And do you know that Sparky faithfully fulfilled Sparky’s promise to Scrub/Burns?
When Sparky lost to Kido, Sparky closed ranks w/his Dems & went all-out to support Burns/
Kido vs. Quinn/Kealoha. Of course, GOP Quinn/Kealoha won the new 1959 Statehood
Gov./Lt. Gov. races. Scrub was a magnificent peacemaker at our Dems’ highest
level.
5. Do you know that our Hilo “Living Legend” Steamy Chow’s uncle Hiram Fong was closer
to Jack Burns than to Bill Quinn? Hiram dismissed Quinn as unapproachable on political
strategy/gamesmanship. Hiram also dismissed Sam King [the one-eyed judge] as an
attention-grabber/wala`au.
6. Laura Vestal, born 1879 in San Jose, CA., married just-widowed Waiakea Sugar Mill
mgr. CC Kennedy [1848-1919] in 1907. Statuesque/majestic beauty Laura was a Parks
commish who converted Lili`uokalani Park [solon Norman Lyman had Terr. Legislature
set aside the ponds/grounds for a Japanese park in honor of just-deceased Queen
Lili`u 1917] into a replica of Kyoto Japan’s Golden Pavilion grounds. Her husband C.C.
donated the first $1,000 to landscape the park. Hilo contractor/landscaper Yamamoto
built the quaint arch bridge in the pond site. Laura donated 3 monkeypod trees &
the row of golden shower trees in Mo`oheau Park to shade sports fans/baseball players.
Laura also donated the royal palm trees at the downtown Federal Bldg. Laura is the
Outdoor Circle forebearer. Laura also donated the land upon which today’s AJA clubhouse
sits next to the Hilo Muni golf course. Laura is not teacher Isabel Kennedy, a red-haired
single woman. Laura loved everything Japanese [even had her own buddahead masseur].
She was regal till her last breath in 1967. Her portrait adorns
the AJA clubhouse wall. Her late husband C.C. was a magnificent philanthropist [Lincoln
Park/library annex/Waiakea Social Settlement/etc.], catalyzed by his austere
Scot beginnings [only grade school education/had to work as laborer fulltime at age 12].
He never forgot how hard life could be. Auld Lang Syne, –Curt
November 14th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Our great 442nd RCT archivist, Shari Tamashiro [our MESSIAH of the 21st century]]
Hi Curt,
I was born in 1972 – I’m a rat.
I got my BA in History (Native American, Frontier focus), Communications (Rhetorical Criticism) and a core in Japan Studies at Macalester College in MN. Got my MLIS in Library & Information Science from UHM.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Our 442nd battle-specific archivist Alvin Yoshitomi
Hi Curt,
My limited field of military knowledge is in the European Theater (1942 to 1946).
My main focus is in the Italian Campaign and the Campaigns and Battles in France and Germany 1944 to 1945.
Sorry I can’t give you any insight about the Pacific Theater or the Pre-war and wartime leadership of Japan (1930s to 1945).
Alvin
November 14th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Wai A’ama [swift strong water] stream denotes the boundary between Pepe’ekeo Plantation and Onomea Plantation, per C. Brewer lands pundit John C. Cross [C. Brewer owned both plantations]. Amazingly, on the loft of deep chasm/gulch Wai A’ama, rests an old Japanese family grave plot with a pair of train track rails embedded in the grave closest to the huge gulch. So JC tells me, “Curt, you crazy or what, I ain’t gonna check out the grave embedded with rails!!”
November 14th, 2009 at 10:35 am
“Across the Universe” has to be among vocalist John Lennon’s greatest songs, and May Pang among Lennon’s greatest loves. Pang reconciled Lennon w/McCartney & united Lennon with son Julian [from Cynthia]. Yoko Ono is not inspiring like May Pang. –Curt