HONOLULU (April 15, 2025) — ID8, the Hawaiʻi 501C3 nonprofit producer of the award-winning film, Shaka, A Story of Aloha, has begun production on a follow on film entitled, The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha as the second film in a trilogy of feature documentaries dedicated to preserving and fostering the Spirit of Aloha.
The 100th Begins Production
Steve Sue, Sen. Glenn Wakai, Dr. Takashi Manago and Kathi Hayashi clapper in “The 100th, Seeds of Aloha” film kickoff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol.
The 100TH film was formally kicked off with a ceremonial film clapper at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol Auditorium by interviewee #1, Dr. Takashi Manago, 101 years old and one of 6 living veterans of the WW2 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate). Dr. Manago was joined by film producer Steve Sue, Senator Glenn Wakai, and Club 100 President Kathi Hayashi during the introduction of a screening of the Shaka film – the first film in the Aloha Trilogy. The screening was a mahalo to legislators for passing the Hawaiʻi Shaka State Gesture Law last session.
The 100thʻs logline reads, “Amid the chaos of World War II, a battalion of AJA soldiers (Americans of Japanese Ancestry) from Hawaiʻi, named the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) – initially distrusted by their own country after the attack on Pearl Harbor – went into battle, eventually being named “The Purple Heart Battalion” for exemplary valor while liberating Italy and France. Their performance also led to the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (also primarily AJA soldiers) and along with the 442nd RCT became the most decorated unit of it’s size and type in U.S. military history. This however is not your average war story – it’s an epic tale of 80+ years of global service after the war.”
Part of a Trilogy of Aloha
The announcement comes on the heels of the Shaka film winning the People’s Choice award at Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) where it played to sold out audiences. The success of the Shaka film, combined with the approvals of the Shaka as Hawaiʻi’s Official State Gesture and the Hawaiʻi State DMV Shaka License Plate, birthed the nonprofit movement called “Project Shaka.”
Preserving 100th/442nd History
The 100thʻs kickoff announcement is also timely as many veteran groups were angered with the recent removal of the 442nd RCT page from the Army website, underscoring the need to preserve military history outside the Federal government. Says 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans president Kathi Hayashi, “No one can erase good deeds. The Hawaiʻi-born local boys overcame discrimination for looking like the Japanese Imperial Navy that attacked Pearl Harbor and other strategic areas. Despite being small in stature, on average 5ʻ-4”, 125 lbs. and their loyalty mistrusted, they went on to become, with the 442nd RCT, the most decorated unit in U.S. military history and would plant positive seeds of change.”
“Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum is proud to partner with ID8 on this special film as it aligns with our mission to honor the legacy of Pearl Harbor and the heroes who shaped history,” says Janeen Woellhof, Interim Executive Director of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. “The stories of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd RCT embody the courage, sacrifice, and enduring aloha spirit that emerged from one of our nation’s most pivotal moments. This film will ensure their legacy continues to inspire future generations.”
100th Film Backstory
Says filmmaker Steve Sue, “I have to credit Wally Camp of Hilo, a veteran and an interviewee in our Shaka film. He badgered me for over a year to tell the story of the 100th Infantry Battalion, as he felt itʻs never been adequately told. When I balked, he brought in other voices who were also very persuasive.”
After completing the Shaka film, Sue saw himself more as a “Mr. Aloha” than a military storyteller. But he conceived of a way to tell the 100th Battalion’s story — one that not only honors their military sacrifices but also celebrates their lasting legacy of service rooted in the Spirit of Aloha.
“I did some research and got hooked,” says Sue. “It’s an incredible story. I wrote a treatment that highlights heroism in a fresh way — without aggressive re-enactments and pyrotechnics — while showcasing a story of healing through an 80 year post-war legacy of global service. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s high time to foster healing along with customary reverence and gratitude. I’ve come full circle and am now truly excited to share the story.”
A number of people have joined ranks with Sue and nonprofit ID8 including the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (aka “Club 100”) led by President Kathi Hayashi. Also in the mix are Nora DeBievre, owner and tour leader of Nisei Legacy Tours, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and 100th/442nd/MIS historical expert Stuart Hirai.
Get in the 100th Film: Map Day June 7
Interested parties with stories to contribute are invited to become part of a map-building scene at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (PHAM) Hangar 79 on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The scene will feature 100th/442nd descendants placing commemorative medallions on a large floor map of Italy and France. Short interviews will be taken for possible inclusion in the film. The scene is part of PHAM’s monthly Family Day. For details, see 100thFilm.com.
Says Hayashi, “Thank you to Steve Sue and ID8 for striving to share the legacy, values and high performance thinking through The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha which I am confident will inspire future generations to push through life’s setbacks and make positive change.”
# # #