HONOLULU, HI – June 28, 2025 — Over 200 attendees came together at Club 100 to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the formation of Hawai‘i’s legendary 100th Infantry Battalion, affectionately known as “One Puka Puka.” This milestone celebration honored the legacy of Hawai‘i-born Americans of Japanese Ancestry soldiers whose extraordinary service in World War II forged a path for generations to come.
A Legacy Remembered
The day marked more than just remembrance—it was a celebration of values, sacrifice and aloha. Among those present were:
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Two of the six living 100th Infantry Battalion veterans
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Four widows of 100th soldiers
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Dozens of descendants, current military members, elected officials, and community supporters
Filmmaker Steve Sue, also known for his authorship of Hawai‘i’s official “Shaka” legislation, filmmaker of the award-winning “Shaka, A Story of Aloha” and creator of the Hawaiʻi Shaka DMV License Plate, served as keynote speaker. “This is more than a film—it’s a promise to carry forward the aloha these men showed in the darkest hours,” said Sue. “We’re humbled by the support and grateful to the sons, daughters, and veterans’ organizations who continue this legacy.”
“Thank you to Steve Sue and ID8 for striving to share the legacy, values, and high-performance thinking of the 100th Infantry Battalion,” said Kathi Hayashi, President of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans organization and retired Sr. VP at Verizon Communications NYC.
Film Premiere & Musical Tribute
The event featured the premiere of the funding trailer for “The 100TH: Seeds of Aloha,” part of the Aloha Spirit film trilogy by Hawai‘i-based nonprofit ID8. The trailer moved many to tears, bolstered by an emotional original song titled “They Gave Their All,” written and performed by legendary songwriter Harold Payne and music partner David Kopatz.
Other Event Highlights Included:
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Live performance of “One Puka Puka Leads the Way” by JAVA President Howard High, set to rarely-seen archival footage.
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Honor guard presentation by 100th BN 442D INF REGT in full ceremonial regalia.
A Continuing Mission
The “Seeds of Aloha” documentary and its surrounding community efforts aim to preserve not only the legacy of these brave men, but also their philosophy—that aloha can and should lead the way. As momentum grows, ID8’s project invites supporters to spread awareness, engage, and help carry this story forward.