Then and Now
Reflections on World War II and Its Current Relevance By Pete Hendricks
KeOlaMagazine.com | November-December 2020
2020
marks the end of World War II in the Pacific in 1945, 75 years ago. The fear, uncertainty, and anxiety in the days after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack changed the way of life in Hawai‘i permanently. Similarly, the novel coronavirus will have long term impacts. Then, as today, the threat was real, with the immediate future uncertain. The devastating attack on December 7, 1941 was a complete surprise to most people in Hawai‘i; however, there had been earlier warnings. Japan’s expansion into Asia started with the building of a western-style modern army and navy, with a naval victory over Czarist Russia in Tsushima Strait between Japan and Korea (1905). Taiwan had become part of Japan in 1895, and Korea was annexed in 1910. Japan, then an Allied nation, was awarded extensive mandates in the western Pacific after World War I. Japan continued to expand its control in southeast Asia, under the stated policy of the “Greater Southeast Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere”. Hawai‘i’s relationship with Japan started in 1881, when King David Kalākaua, on his worldwide tour, had visited Japan and met with Emperor Mejii as an equal. At the time, Japan’s ruler was seen as a god. Kalākaua suggested a partnership to create a Union of Confederation of Asiatic Nations and Sovereigns. The king even suggested a future marriage between his niece, Ka‘iulani and a young Japanese prince. Neither suggestion became reality. Kalākaua’s visit facilitated a large number of Japanese immigrants arriving in Hawai‘i, first as labor for the growing sugar industry, and later many moved into trades and businesses. By 1941, a third of Hawai‘i’s people were of Japanese descent, and dominated one important business— commercial fishing. About half of Kona’s residents were Japanese.
Hawai‘iʻs Significance Hawai‘i’s strategic position in the Pacific was of interest to all the world powers by the time the monarchy was overthrown in 1893. Prejudice against immigrants grew in the later 1800s, with some fearing Japanese national expansionism. 24 Earlier warnings were raised
by ranking military in the 1920s. General (then Lt. Colonel) George Patton assessed the threat to Hawai‘i while stationed here from 1935–37. Patton predicted the attack on Pearl Harbor in a study memo named “Surprise.” Patton also wrote a study titled “Plan Orange,” which included martial law and internment of numerous local Japanese people after an attack on Hawai‘i. US military intelligence was aware of the imminent conflict, but the obvious flash points were far away in the Pacific and Asia. The Pearl Harbor attack was planned by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, a talented officer who had a practical understanding of the US and its potential military strength. Yamamoto served as language officer and special student at Harvard, and later as naval attaché for Japan in Washington, DC (1926–28). Yamamoto cautioned Japanese leaders against conflict with the US, but he was loyal to his country. A successful Pearl Harbor attack, destroying the US Pacific Fleet, might cause the unprepared America to sue for peace. Hawai‘i didn’t know if there was an invasion force accompanying the attackers, and rumors were rampant after the December 7th attack. The Honolulu Advertiser headline for December 8th read “SABOTEURS LAND HERE.” With no evidence at all, rumors circulated that the Japanese in Hawai‘i were supporting Imperial forces and expecting an invasion. However, a force of Japanese fleet submarines was in Hawaiian waters as part of the attack. On December 31 the Japanese sub I-1 was to attack Hilo harbor at night with its deck gun. Other submarines shelled Nawiliwili (Kaua‘i) and Kahului (Maui) harbors, inflicting minor damage. Immediately after the Pearl Harbor attack, the Hawaiian Islands were completely locked down. All the other islands outside of O‘ahu dricks ete Hen P y b initially had to pho Beach. a n u p a l at H emoria ewes m r D p m Ca
