Suspect Arrested in Attack on Elderly Woman

80-year-old woman violently pushed in unprovoked assault.



In Honolulu, surveillance cameras caught a disturbing violent assault on an 80-year-old woman on the street. 37-year-old Jordan Wong was arrested Tuesday after violently pushing down the unnamed victim in an unprovoked attack. The woman fell to the ground, over the curb and landed in the shoulder of the road, hitting her head. She reportedly walked away from the assault, but suffered bruises and complained of back pain. Honolulu Police have classified the incident as a second degree assault.

More here: Suspect accused of knocking down elderly woman in Honolulu arrested

Jude Weng to direct Netflix's 'Finding Ohana'

Screenwriter Christina Strain's Hawaii-set feature is "a Goonies style adventure starring all Datas."


Jude Weng, Christina Strain and the cast of 'Finding Ohana'
Netflix has nabbed the rights to director Jude Weng's feature film debut, the Hawaii-set family adventure Finding Ohana, with newcomers Kea Peahu and Alex Aiono leading a large ensemble of Hawaiian and Asian actors.

Finding Ohana follows two Brooklyn siblings whose summer in a rural Oahu town takes an exciting turn when a journal pointing to long-lost treasure sets them on an adventure, leading them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage. According to screenwriter Christina Strain, it's "a Goonies style adventure starring all Datas."

Read this great Twitter thread, in which Strain explains why and how this project came together:

Congressman calls himself "an Asian trapped in a white body"

Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) was speaking to a room full of Asians.



Uh, no. I don't care where you live, what you eat, who your friends are, or who you're married to. It does not give you honorary Asian status, and it definitely does not make you an "Asian trapped in a white body."

That's a quote. That's what Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) told attendees at an event for Asian American and Pacific Islander voters in Washington on Tuesday night. During remarks at the 2019 Celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Members of the 116th Congress, the congressman -- who is white -- told the crowd -- which was largely Asian -- "I'm an Asian trapped in a white body."

The comment was shared in a tweet by National Journal fellow Nicholas Wu, who was in attendance.

Federal judge in Hawaii blocks Trump's travel ban

Travel ban "plainly discriminates based on nationality" in a way that is "antithetical" to American principles.



Trump keeps trying to make this shit happen. And Hawaii keeps knocking it down. A federal judge in Hawaii has issued an order blocking major parts of Trump's newest travel ban, suggesting it violated immigration law.

The decision, ordered by U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu on Tuesday, stopped the administration’s travel restrictions nationwide, hours before they were scheduled to take full effect Wednesday.

The newest travel rules, which Trump signed September 24, indefinitely ban entry to the U.S. by most nationals of Syria, Libya, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Chad and North Korea. They also restrict travel by certain Venezuelan government officials and their families.

Watson wrote that the ban goes against the Immigration and Nationality Act and "plainly discriminates based on nationality" in a way that is "antithetical" to American principles. He also said the order "lacks sufficient findings that the entry of more than 150 million nationals from six specified countries" would harm U.S. interests.

More here: Federal judge in Hawaii blocks Trump's new travel ban

Watch the trailer for 'Go For Broke' - A 442 Origins Story

Film tells the story of the most decorated combat unit in American military history.



Go For Broke, a 442 Origins Story, is a Hawaii-based, non-commercial education multi-part film project that aims to tell the complete story of the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service.

The first film, Go For Broke, follows a group of University of Hawaii ROTC students during the tumultuous year after the attack on Pearl Harbor as they navigate wartime Hawaii and fight discrimination by forming the Varsity Victory Volunteers. The brave actions of these young Japanese Americans, along with the perseverance of the original 100th Infantry Battalion draftees from Hawaii, directly led to the formation of the all-Japanese fighting unit -- the 442nd -- the most decorated combat unit in American military history.

Here's the recently released first trailer for Go For Broke:

The Great Failed Spam Heist of Ewa Beach

Thieves thwarted while attempting to steal 18 cases of Spam from a Hawaii drug store.



It wasn't exactly a fool-proof plan, but you have to appreciate the audacity of these thieves, just a little bit. This week in Hawaii, three women were thwarted while trying to steal 18 cases of Spam.

3 women attempt to steal 18 cases of Spam at Ewa Beach Longs

According to KITV, the attempted Spam heist occurred at a Longs Drugs store in Ewa Beach, where a trio of shoplifters tried to roll off with 18 cases -- that's 216 cans -- of everybody's favorite canned cooked meat.

The thieves were thwarted when a watchful customer noticed the shopping cart full of Spam while hanging out in cereal aisle. He got suspicious and staked out the store's exit to see what was up.

"I didn't say anything. I just stood by the door and the person that was trying to steal all the Spam just pushed the wagon and said 'Here!'" Kurt Fevella told KITV.

No, the Ni’ihau Incident did NOT lead to FDR signing Executive Order 9066

Guest Post by Joseph Shoji Lachman


A comparison of lead actor and Benehakaka Kanahele, the man he is portraying. The resemblance is lacking, to say the least. (Via Shutterstock and Hawaii Reporter)

According to Deadline, Zach McGowan will star in the historical film Ni'ihau, directed by Gabriel Robertson and set in Hawaii during World War II. He will portray Benehakaka Kanahele, a native Hawaiian who received the Medal for Merit and Purple Heart for his part in killing the pilot of a downed Imperial Japanese plane in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

You'll probably notice that Zach McGowan doesn't bear much of a resemblance to Kanahele, and it's even more of a stretch than casting Emma Stone as part Hawaiian in Aloha. Once again, members of the API community will watch as they are portrayed in media by white replacements. At this point, we are frustrated, but hardly surprised when this happens. Pacific Islanders have been abused throughout the U.S.'s history, and this appears to be just another manifestation of that shameful legacy.

To our surprise, however, this may not even be the worst of it.

What is disturbing here is the historical denialism bubbling up from under the surface.

Take a look at this quotation from the Deadline article:

Hawaii's House Republican Leader Says She Was Ousted Over Women's March

Hawaii State Rep. Beth Fukumoto is exploring possibly switching parties.



State Rep. Beth Fukumoto is exploring a possible switch from the Republican to the Democratic Party in Hawaii, after her stance against President Trump prompted her colleagues to vote her out as their minority leader, a post she had held since her election in 2012.

Fukumoto said her fellow Republicans ousted her "because she participated in the women's march protesting the Trump presidency," reports Wayne Yoshioka of member station Hawaii Public Radio.

Read more: Hawaii's House Republican Leader Says She Was Ousted Over Women's March

Extras needed for 'Go For Broke' film project in Hawaii

442 Origins will tell the story of the 100th / 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service.



The 442 Origins series is a Hawaii-based, non-commercial education film project that will tell the complete story of the 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service. The first film in the series, Go For Broke, is currently in production in Hawaii, and they are in need of Asian men to be extras in the film.

Go For Broke follows a group of University of Hawaii ROTC students during the tumultuous year after the attack on Pearl Harbor as they navigate wartime Hawaii and fight discrimination by forming the Varsity Victory Volunteers (VVV). The brave actions of these young Japanese Americans, along with the perseverance of the original 100th Infantry Battalion draftees from Hawaii, directly led to the formation of the all-Japanese American fighting unit -- the 442nd -- the most decorated combat unit in American military history.

If you're in Hawaii, they're looking for Asian men, ages 16-30, this Saturday, January 7 at UH Manoa to help create iconic moments from the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat team. Here's some more info:

Award-winning actor and filmmaker Keo Woolford dies at 49

Honolulu native wrote, directed and produced the 2013 indie film 'The Haumana.'


Photo Credit: Olivier Koning
Actor Keo Woolford, who wrote, directed and produced the award-winning 2013 independent film The Haumana, died Monday afternoon in Hawaii after suffering a severe stroke last week. He was 49.

Keo Woolford, Actor on 'Hawaii Five-0,' Dies at 49

A native of Honolulu, Woolford had a recurring role as Detective James Chang on CBS' Hawaii Five-0, as well as small roles in films like Happy Texas (1999), Act of Valor (2012) and Godzilla (2014). He also starred in more than 300 performances as the King of Siam in The King & I at the London Palladium.

Hawaii Five-0 star Daniel Dae Kim shared his remembrance of Woolford on Twitter:

Hawaii Congressman Mark Takai dies at 49

First-term Congressman passed away on Wednesday after battling pancreatic cancer.



Sad news. U.S. Rep. Mark Takai, a first-term Congressman from Hawaii's first district, died Wednesday morning in Honolulu, nine months after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 49.

Mark Takai, Congressman from Hawaii, Dies at 49

Born and raised in Oahu, Takai was a lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard and veteran of the Iraq War. At the age of 27, he was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature, where he served for twenty years before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014.

Last fall, Takai confirmed that he had been diagnosed with cancer, and underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his pancreas, followed by chemotherapy. In February, he announced that he would seek re-election, but later announced that he would not run for a second term after learning the cancer had spread.

"Right now, for the sake of my family, I need to focus on getting better rather than getting re-elected," Takai said in a statement at the time. "Although I will not be running for re-election, I intend to serve out the remainder of my term in Congress. There is still much work that I am determined to see through for Hawaii and our nation over the next few months."

A statement from his office said Takai passed away at his home, surrounded by his family.

See you at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'Mele Murals'

Friday, August 5 at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center.



Los Angeles! Mark your calendars. You do not want to miss the upcoming LA premiere of Mele Murals, the latest documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Tad Nakamura. Mele Murals is a story about the transformative power of modern graffiti art and ancient Hawaiian culture for a new generation of Native Hawaiians.

Set against the resurgence of Hawaiian language and culture of the past twenty years, Mele Murals follows two former illegal graffiti writers turned community artists -- Estria Miyashiro (aka Estria) and John Hina (aka Prime) -- and their quest to connect people and place through mural making. The film shows how public art rooted in underground graffiti unexpectedly but powerfully fuses with Native Hawaiian traditions and contemporary life to impact local youth, the rural community of Waimea, and most of all the artists.

The Los Angeles premiere will include a screening of the film and Q&A with the filmmaker and featured artists Estria and Prime. It's happening Friday, August 5 at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center.

Here's the trailer:

A photographic mystery unfolds in 'We Were Young Once Too'

A young woman embarks on a journey of discovery in Lawrence Chen's latest short film.



I'm a big fan of filmmaker Lawrence Chen, whose work I've featured here quite a few times over the years.

In his latest short film We Were Young Once Too, a young woman receives a cryptic Polaroid photo in the mail addressed to the former tenants of her apartment, and embarks on a journey to discover both her past and the mysterious destination in the photographs.

Check it out:

Rep. Mark Takai will not seek re-election due to cancer

Hawaii Congressman was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year.



U.S. Rep. Mark Takai has announced that he will not seek a second term in Congress due to health problems.

Takai, who represents Hawaii's 1st district, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year. He had planned to fight the cancer while running for re-election, but recently learned the disease had spread.

US Rep. Mark Takai will not seek re-election due to cancer

"Right now, for the sake of my family, I need to focus on getting better rather than getting re-elected," Takai said in a statement Thursday. "Although I will not be running for re-election, I intend to serve out the remainder of my term in Congress. There is still much work that I am determined to see through for Hawaii and our nation over the next few months."

New report examines Asian American & NHPIs in the West

Asian American Advancing Justice releases final report in 'Community of Contrasts' demographic series.



This week, Asian American Advancing Justice released the final report in its A Community of Contrasts demographic report series, examining the growing Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations in the Western U.S., including Arizona, Hawaii, Las Vegas, the Seattle metro area and Oregon.

These demographic reports showcase the contributions and needs of Asian Americans nationwide. The report's disaggregated data illuminates income and educational disparities across Asian ethnicities, highlights Asian American business and economic contributions and underscores the future political power of our rapidly growing demographic. Props to Asian Americans Advancing Justice for always slinging that demographic data.

Here are some highlights from the West report:

Honouliuli Internment Camp declared National Monument

"A monument to a painful part of our history so that we don't repeat the mistakes of the past."



Last week, President Obama announced the creation of three new National Monuments across the country, including the Honouliuli National Monument in Hawaii, where Japanese American citizens, resident immigrants, and prisoners of war were held captive during World War II.

President Obama announced the new designation along with the launch of the "Every Kid in a Park" initiative, providing all fourth grade students and their families with free admission to National Parks and other federal lands and waters for a full year. Honouliuli National Monument will help tell the difficult story of the internment camp's impact on the Japanese American community and the fragility of civil rights during times of conflict.

Honolulu road rage incident caught on video

After video goes viral, driver turns herself into police.



Beware, road ragers. You are being recorded. That's what happened to one driver last week in Honolulu, whose bad behavior behind the wheel was shot on video, uploaded to social media, and went viral in a matter of hours. The driver, who became known as "road rage lady," has reportedly turned herself into police.

Woman turns herself in to police after road rage incident goes viral

Ryan Arakaki, who recorded the video, admits he cut off Kimberly Ong's minivan at a light. That's when Ong lost her shit, following and tailgating Arakaki's car, blaring her horn for several minutes before he pulled over. She then got out of her car, yelled obscenities at him and tried to slap away his cell phone.

Part of the altercation was caught on video:

3-year-old kid gets an awesome prosthetic Iron Man hand

Kid born without fingers gets a 3-D printed mechanical hand



Check out this awesome story out of Hawaii about a 3-year-old kid, born without fingers, who is now rocking a super-cool, fully functioning Iron Man-like prosthetic hand with the help of 3-D printing technology.

3-year-old Maui boy receives 'Ironman'-like 3-D printed hand

3-year-old Rayden "Bubba" Kahae was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, a congenital disorder which caused his right hand to develop without fully formed fingers. But last week, thanks to the internet, a 3-D printer and a nonprofit group called E-Nable, the kid got a new hand -- a badass red-and-gold Iron Man hand.

Check out this video of Rayden trying on his hand for the first time:

David Ige defeats governor in Hawaii primary race

Governor Neil Abercrombie ousted by state senator in stunning upset



Holy moly. Upset! Big political news out of Hawaii, where State Senator David Ige defeated Governor Neil Abercrombie in Saturday's Democratic primary, unseating the incumbent by a massive margin.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie Ousted By Sen. David Ige In Primary

Ige, who has served in Hawaii's legislature for 29 years, was still significantly unknown and underfunded compared to Abercrombie, but capitalized on the governor's rapidly declining popularity. Ige collected 66 percent of the vote, while Abercrombie received only about 31 percent.

Abercrombie, who served in Congress for more than 20 years before his 2010 election as governor, is the first Hawaii governor to be defeated in a primary and only the second not to win a second term.

A Very Special Episode of Hawaii Five-0

Pearl Harbor-themed episode involves flashback plot set in Hawaii's internment camps



I watch a lot of television. Hawaii Five-0 is easily one of my favorite guilty pleasures. It's ridiculous on so many levels, but hey, it's an action/cop procedural that delivers a satisfying amount of shootouts, car chases and criminal plots. It also regularly employs an awesome number of APA talent both in front and behind the camera, and goes to great lengths to reflect the diversity of the Aloha State. That's a show I can get behind.

So this week's episode is particularly interesting. The Pearl Harbor-themed episode, "Ho'onani Makuakane (Honor Thy Father)," has a flashback plot set in Hawaii's Japanese internment camps. The Five-0 team winds up investigating a cold case involving an elderly man seeking revenge for a murder he witnessed while incarcerated at the Honouliuli internment camp in 1943. The show actually re-created the camp for the episode.

'Five-0' recreates internment camp

Here's a video with star Daniel Dae Kim and some great behind-the-scenes footage: