LIHUE — Kauai Area Complex Superintendent William Arakaki said his father was a veteran, but rarely spoke of his experiences. Arakaki said he remembers his dad telling him not to throw away any of his things, and it was only
LIHUE — Kauai Area Complex Superintendent William Arakaki said his father was a veteran, but rarely spoke of his experiences.
Arakaki said he remembers his dad telling him not to throw away any of his things, and it was only after his passing that Arakaki discovered the contributions his father had attained as a soldier.
His comments came as Grove Farm Co. Vice President Marissa Sandblom and Royce Kawabata distributed bags of the book, “Journey of Heroes” by Stacey Hayashi, to Kauai’s school principals during their meeting Wednesday at the Department of Education offices.
“We have 30 copies of this book talking of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team,” Sandblom said.
“These are for the school’s library where students are able to learn more about these heroes from Hawaii.”
Presented as part of Grove Farm’s 150th anniversary, Sandblom said the gift of more than 450 copies of the book was because her children, who attend Kekaha Elementary School, have no resources on discovering the saga of the local heroes.
“I never realized the importance of learning about the 100th Battalion, or the 442nd Regional Combat Team until I met the late Sen. Daniel Inouye,” Sandblom said. “Everyone should learn the story of these Hawaiian heroes.”
Hayashi said “Journey of Heroes” started when she embarked on taking advantage of tax credits for filmmaking in Hawaii.
“What a great idea,” she said in the preface. “The 100th and 442nd really deserve a movie about them.”
During the course of creating the documentary, she listened to their stories of courage, duty and friendship.
“America treated them so poorly, yet instead of sulking and being bitter, they said ‘Forget what you think. I know who I am. I am an American,’” Hayashi said.
“The values and spirit that these men embody are what I find so admirable, and what I think is the heart of their story — values which we seem to be losing in modern life. People need to be reminded.”
With the production of the film facing many obstacles, Hayashi detoured from her path and produced “Journey of Heroes.”
“Writing this book was another way to tell the story,” Hayashi said. “I haven’t given up on the film, so if anyone out there as a couple of million, or so, call me!”
Sandblom said 450 copies is enough to have each school to have 30 copies for its library.
Waimea High School will have an additional number to accommodate the Niihau people.
