Holly Hoopii, the Buddha Bar and a tribute to Clifford Uyeda

Vol. 139, No. 5, September 3, 2004. 12 pages. View this issue

Holly Hoopii, the only female Asian Pacific American on the U.S. Bowling Team, was the cover story, with a longer interview inside. Also on the front page was the Buddha Bar, a Waikiki venue whose name drew protests from local Buddhists. Tributes to Clifford Uyeda, a former JACL president and a leader of the redress campaign, came from John Tateishi and from two letter writers. The JACL also answered Michelle Malkin’s book defending the World War II incarceration (often called internment), and Floyd Mori and Harry Honda wrote about the Honolulu convention.

Elsewhere in the 12 pages: Yumi Sakugawa on Hello Kitty at 30, Lynda Lin’s interview with director Mamoru Oshii, and Olympic reports on Bryan Clay and Kimiko Soldati. News items covered the Go for Broke oral history kiosk, a gathering on the Jerome and Rohwer camps, Hmong resettlement in Wisconsin, and the death of Hiram Fong, the first Asian American U.S. senator.

What’s in this issue

Sports

• Queen of the Pins: Hawaiian Native Holly Hoopii Bowls Her Way onto U.S. Team, by Lynda Lin, page 1. Holly Hoopii, a native Hawaiian, is the only female Asian Pacific American on the U.S. Bowling Team after overcoming repeated near-misses in past tryouts. In an interview, she discusses her journey from childhood bowling leagues in Hawaii to national competition, her achievements including a perfect game, and her thoughts on gender and ethnicity in the sport.
• Bowling Q&A: Holly Hoopii on Talent, Team, and Breaking Barriers, by P.C. Staff, page 4. In an extended interview, U.S. Bowling Team member Holly Hoopii discusses how her high school coach helped develop her skills and how luck played a role in making the national team. She also addresses gender dynamics in bowling, being the only Asian American on the team, and why the sport has struggled to gain Olympic recognition.
• Clay Powers Way to Silver Behind Sebrle in Decathlon, by Bob Baum, AP Sports Writer, page 7. Hawaii’s Bryan Clay won silver in the Olympic decathlon behind gold medalist Roman Sebrle, posting the third-highest score ever by a U.S. decathlete. Clay, who is part Japanese American, discussed his underdog status and his emotional connection to Hawaii after the historic performance.
• Kimiko Soldati Eliminated From Springboard Diving, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Kimiko Soldati of Texas was eliminated early from Olympic 3-meter springboard diving competition after a poor opening dive, finishing 21st in preliminaries. Despite battling injuries to make her first Olympic team at age 30, she expressed pride in not giving up despite the disappointing result.
• Loaded Warriors Look Forward to Starting Season, by Jaymes Song, AP Sports Writer, page 7. Hawaii quarterback Timmy Chang, closing in on the NCAA career passing record, leads a Warriors offense returning ten starters into the new season. Coach June Jones’s run-and-shoot squad, coming off a wild triple-overtime Hawaii Bowl win, opens the season against Florida Atlantic.

Community

• ‘Buddha Bar’ Draws Ire of Local Buddhist Community, by Caroline Aoyagi, page 1. A new nightlife venue called the Buddha Bar opened in Waikiki, sparking protests from local Buddhist groups who say the name disrespects their religion. Despite removal and reappearance of signage amid a permissions dispute, the bar’s owner says he is trying to address community concerns while some Buddhists debate whether the protest goes too far.
• Go For Broke to Debut Oral History Kiosk at Arkansas Military Museum, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Go For Broke Educational Foundation will unveil an interactive oral history kiosk called ‘Arkansas’ Nisei Heroes’ at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. The kiosk features video testimonies and biographies of five Nisei veterans who joined the Army from the Jerome and Rohwer concentration camps.
• Hundreds Register for Event on JA Camps, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. A September reunion commemorating Japanese Americans interned at Arkansas’s Jerome and Rohwer camps is expected to draw nearly 900 attendees, marking the first such tribute in six decades. Notable attendees are expected to include former President Bill Clinton, Sen. Daniel Inouye, actor George Takei, and Secretary Norm Mineta.
• Buddha Bar Controversy Continues Amid Owner’s Response, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Bar owner Les Hong says he is at a loss over the backlash to the Buddha Bar’s name, noting he did not anticipate the controversy and will try to address community concerns. Local Buddhists continue pressing for a name change even as the bar prepares to close in nine months due to a redevelopment project, while opinions among Buddhists on the protest remain divided.
• Arkansas Author Seeks Former Rohwer Internees, by P.C. Staff, page 7. An author is seeking permission to publish artwork created by internees at the Rohwer Relocation Center under the instruction of ‘Miss Jamison’ during their incarceration from 1942-1945. A list of individual artists’ names is provided along with contact information for anyone with information.

Commentary

• A Tribute to Clifford Uyeda, by John Tateishi, page 1. JACL Executive Director John Tateishi remembers the late Clifford Uyeda, a former JACL president who played a central role in the redress campaign and other civil rights causes. The tribute recounts Uyeda’s quiet leadership style, his work establishing the foundational arguments for redress, and his enduring influence on the organization.
• In Memory of Clifford Uyeda, by Phil, page 2. A letter from the Civil Rights Chair of the San Fernando Valley JACL pays tribute to Clifford Uyeda’s leadership on the Redress Committee and his broader devotion to community healing. The writer reflects on Uyeda’s inspiring career overcoming obstacles to become a physician and his lasting legacy as a model of principled activism.
• Tribute to Dr. Clifford I. Uyeda, by Stanley N., page 2. A member of the New York JACL Chapter writes in tribute to Dr. Clifford Uyeda, calling him one of the greatest national JACL presidents for his accomplishments during a single term. The letter praises his down-to-earth leadership, founding role in the National Japanese American Historical Society, and dedication to grassroots JA issues.
• JACL’s Full Response to Malkin Continued: Getting History Right, page 4. Continuing its critique, the JACL argues that Malkin’s book fails to accurately represent history despite her claim that ‘getting the history right is vital.’ The piece emphasizes that unlike 60 years ago, JAs today have many advocates who respond quickly to challenge such historical distortions.
• Pidgin Contest: More Cross-Cultural Dialog, Less Racism, by Steven Sho Becraft, page 5. A young writer reflects on his childhood experiences with racist slurs and xenophobia after immigrating to the United States, recounting being called a ‘Jap bitch’ for wearing a Japanese backpack. He argues that political correctness has failed to solve issues of racial civility and proposes fostering genuine cross-cultural dialogue instead.
• A JACL Convention that Sets an International High, by Harry Honda, page 8. Veteran JACL observer Harry Honda reflects on the 38th biennial JACL convention in Honolulu, praising its organization and camaraderie while recounting the controversy sparked by Michelle Malkin’s op-ed defending internment. The column also profiles numerous longtime JACL members and friends encountered throughout convention week.

National

• Petition Drive Has No Michigan Donors, by Associated Press, page 1. A campaign finance report reveals that supporters of a 2006 Michigan initiative to ban affirmative action have raised nearly all their funds from California, not Michigan residents. Opponents argue this proves the initiative lacks genuine grassroots support within the state, while the initiative’s treasurer disputes the claim, citing hundreds of unreported local donors and volunteers.
• Overwhelming Percentage of Gay and Lesbian Asians Victims of Hate Crimes, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A new report from Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights/’Ohana House finds that 62 percent of API LGBT survey participants reported experiencing discrimination. The study also found significant gaps in safer sex practices and a strong demand among respondents for culturally specific LGBT services.
• Museum’s Vietnam War Exhibit Opens Old Wounds, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. An exhibit on the Vietnamese American experience during the Vietnam War opened at the Oakland Museum of California to mixed reviews. Critics, including researchers who helped develop it, say the exhibit fails to capture the community’s internal ideological struggle over communism.
• Wisconsin Makes $1 Million Available for Hmong Resettlement Effort, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. Wisconsin has allocated an additional $1 million to help resettle Hmong refugees through Wisconsin Works programs across nearly two dozen counties. Social service agencies have expressed concern about having sufficient resources for refugees with limited schooling and health issues.
• Exhibit Hopes to Capture MacArthur’s Influence in Japan, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. A television special will showcase Japanese artifacts given to Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his wife during his postwar tenure as supreme commander of Allied Powers in Japan. The MacArthur Memorial hopes the broadcast will help younger generations understand MacArthur’s revered status in postwar Japan.
• Immigration Measure Set on Arizona Ballot, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. An Arizona ballot initiative requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and social services will appear on the November ballot barring a successful legal challenge. Supporters say it combats fraud while opponents call it unnecessary and rooted in racism.
• Student in Hawaii Charged Over Fatal Crash, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. Filipino American student Jason Ivler, 23, has been charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide after his SUV collided with another vehicle in Manila, killing a presidential adviser. Ivler faces up to four years in prison if convicted and is scheduled for his first court hearing.
• Correa Named New Honolulu Police Chief, by P.C. Staff and Associated Press, page 4. The Honolulu Police Commission selected Boisse Correa, 58, to succeed retiring Chief Lee Donohue after a 40-year department career. Correa, a Hawaii native with 34 years of experience, was chosen from four finalists including two female candidates.
• Petition Drive Donor Details Disputed, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Continuing coverage of the Michigan affirmative action ballot initiative reveals that opposition group Citizens for a United Michigan has raised over $314,000, led by a $200,000 donation from Detroit Renaissance. The initiative’s treasurer disputes claims of lacking in-state support, citing unreported volunteers and donors.
• Hiram Fong, First AA U.S. Senator, Dies at 97, by Associated Press, page 11. Hiram L. Fong, the first Asian American elected to the U.S. Senate and a former Hawaii shoeshine boy who became a millionaire businessman, died at age 97. Fong served nearly 18 years in the Senate and championed civil rights, including an amendment ensuring minority voting rights protections.

JACL

• JACL’s Response to Author Michelle Malkin, page 1. The JACL issues a statement condemning Michelle Malkin’s book defending WWII Japanese American internment as racial profiling justification, arguing it misrepresents historical intelligence findings. The piece cites the Commission on Wartime Relocation’s conclusion that no JA committed espionage or sabotage, and criticizes Malkin’s methodology and political motives.
• Mori Memo: Notes From the Convention, by Floyd Mori, page 5. Outgoing JACL National President Floyd Mori reflects on the 38th Biennial National JACL Convention held in Honolulu, celebrating the organization’s 75th anniversary. He thanks organizers and attendees, announces a new Millennium Club membership tier, and congratulates incoming president Ken Inouye.
• Honolulu Chapter Honors Community Leaders, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The JACL Honolulu chapter honored community leaders Colbert Matsumoto and Art Koga at its annual membership meeting for their contributions to local causes including saving the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. The event also recognized three Emerging Leader scholarship award winners.
• Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL Awards Kee Kitayama Memorial Scholarships, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL chapter awarded Kee Kitayama Memorial Scholarships to three local high school students demonstrating understanding of the Japanese American internment experience. Each recipient will receive $1,000 from combined scholarship and education funds.
• Boise Valley Chapter Announces Scholarship Recipients, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Boise Valley JACL chapter awarded $500 scholarships and certificates to four recipients: Elizabeth Oyama, Kimberly Hirai, Karin Hayashida, and Sarah Campbell. The awards are part of the chapter’s annual scholarship program.
• SFV Groups Announce Scholarship Winners, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The JACL San Fernando Valley chapter and SFV Japanese American Community Center presented scholarship awards to five recipients at a ceremony in Pacoima. Dr. Teresa Williams-Leon of Cal State Northridge served as the featured speaker at the event.

Arts & Entertainment

• Hello Kitty Is Not Just for the Kids Anymore, by Yumi Sakugawa, page 3. As Hello Kitty celebrates her 30th anniversary, the iconic Sanrio character’s product line has expanded from children’s items to high-end jewelry and lingerie aimed at adults. The article profiles devoted adult fan Xochitl Robledo and discusses how Sanrio has evolved its marketing to grow alongside its original customer base.
• Cracks in the Shell: Director Mamoru Oshii on ‘Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence’, by Lynda Lin, page 9. Director Mamoru Oshii discusses his sequel to the influential anime film ‘Ghost in the Shell,’ exploring philosophical questions about what makes humans unique amid advancing technology. The film, the first anime ever considered for the Cannes Film Festival’s top prize, follows cyborg detective Batou investigating a robot’s murder of its owner.
• The Sexual Inner Demons of a ‘Lonely Woman’, by Yumi Sakugawa, page 12. A book review examines Takako Takahashi’s short story collection ‘Lonely Woman,’ which explores feminine loneliness and madness through Japanese women whose repressed erotic fantasies border on the demonic. The review highlights stories like ‘The Suspended Bridge’ and ‘Foxfire’ as examples of Takahashi’s exploration of women transcending societal expectations through disturbing psychological transformations.

Obituaries

• In Memoriam: Community Obituaries, by P.C. Staff, page 11. This issue’s obituary section lists numerous Japanese American community members who recently passed away, including notable figures like Tom Kubota, an MIS veteran who served in military intelligence while his family was interned, and Robert K. Sakai, a former University of Hawaii dean. Survivors and biographical details are listed for each individual.

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