LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Museum will host three Kaua‘i heroes Wendnesday when it kicks off its new “Author Series” with “Veteran Stories,” highlighting a section of Pamela Brown’s new book “Kaua‘i Stories.” “This is an incredibly special privilege and a rare
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Museum will host three Kaua‘i heroes Wendnesday when it kicks off its new “Author Series” with “Veteran Stories,” highlighting a section of Pamela Brown’s new book “Kaua‘i Stories.”
“This is an incredibly special privilege and a rare opportunity to hear first-hand accounts from Kaua‘i’s veterans who fought in World War II,” said Melisa Paterson of the Kaua‘i Museum in an email.
The event is from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Museum’s Senda Gallery and offers an opportunity to meet and talk story with three Kaua‘i veterans.
“It’s going to be a little bit of a Q-and-A,” Paterson said.
Turk Tokita, 92, who served in the 442nd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army that fought in Europe in World War II, will be joined by Kazuma Monty Nishiie, 97, an original member of the 100th Battalion that joined the 442nd.
Jiro Yukimura, 91, who served during World War II in the Military Intelligence Service translating captured Japanese documents, will also share his stories.
All three men were raised on Kaua‘i and their pre- and post-war experiences, as well as some war-time stories, are featured Brown’s new book, “Kaua‘i Stories: Life on the Garden Island told by Kaua‘i’s People.”
Kaua‘i resident Norman Hashisaka, 87, who served in the Military Intelligence Service, is also featured in the book, but is unable to attend the Jan. 30 event.
Tokita, Nishiie and Yukimura will be signing copies of “Kaua‘i Stories,” which is available for purchase at the museum.
Regular admission to the Kaua‘i Museum and this event is $10. Museum members are admitted for free.
Throughout the year, Paterson said the Kaua‘i Museum will continue to highlight the works of talented local writers during its ongoing “Author Series.”
For more information about the “Veteran Stories” event, call the Kaua‘i Museum at 245-6931, or visit www.kauaimuseum.com. Space is limited and reservations are recommended.
• Chris D’Angelo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lifestyle@thegardenisland.com.
