276 Haili St
Hilo, HI 96720
USA
Matinée presentation:
So many people contacted us to say how disappointed they were to have missed this popular program, first presented in March, that the filmmakers were asked if they could possibly repeat it for two more appreciative audiences. Not only were they kind enough to agree, but they offered to include additional film footage as the documentary will be nearer to completion in June. The remarkable story of Katsu Goto began in 1885 when, at the age of 23, he traveled to Hawai‘i to work as a laborer on a sugar plantation in Hāmākua. Goto later became a local businessman and leader in the small Japanese community in Honoka‘a, where he opened a retail store and fought for the rights of his fellow community members working as plantation laborers. But his business success and selfless service ultimately led to a tragic end: on October 29, 1889, Goto was found hanging from a telephone pole, lynched in Honoka‘a town. Today, 127 years later, his story is being given new life with the help of modern technology and the vision of filmmakers Patsy Iwasaki and Danny Miller. Their presentation explores the research and making of “Honoka‘a Hero: The Story of Katsu Goto”—a powerful saga of hope and inspiration arising from tragedy, and the story too of his niece Dr. Fumiko Kaya, who established the Goto Foundation. Drawn from academic and historical sources, the film also features historical reenactments in collaboration with students from UH-Hilo’s Performing Arts Department and its Chair, Dr. Jackie Pualani Johnson. Learn more about this very moving chapter in Hawai‘i’s history on either of two occasions: Monday evening, June 19, and a “matinée” on the following afternoon, Tuesday, June 20.
Admission to these wonderful programs is free to Museum members, and $3.00 for nonmembers.
Please support the Museum by becoming a member, and enjoy all Saigo Series programs, all year round, at no charge!
Seating is limited; first come, first seated.
On Monday evenings only, additional parking is available next door at Hilo Union School, Kapiolani St. entrance; park, then walk through our green gate in the rock wall.
On Monday evenings, doors open at 6:30PM. E komo mai!
