More than 135 years ago, the brutal lynching of Japanese immigrant and labor advocate Katsu Goto shocked the Honokaʻa community and left a mark on Hawaiʻi’s plantation history. Today, his story is being brought to life on screen by University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Assistant Professor of English Patsy Iwasaki, whose long-awaited documentary Honokaʻa Hero is finally nearing completion.
After years of perseverance through loss and setbacks, Iwasaki is now in the final stages of finishing the film, with a fall completion date in sight. The project, more than a decade in the making, honors Goto’s courage and sacrifice while highlighting the resilience of those working to preserve his legacy.
Telling the story of a hero
Katsu Goto immigrated to Hawaiʻi in 1885 as a plantation laborer and later became a successful businessman in Honokaʻa. Known for speaking out on behalf of fellow workers, he became one of Hawaiʻi’s earliest advocates for labor rights. His activism, however, led to a tragic end—he was lynched in 1889, found hanging from a telephone pole in town. Through reenactments, interviews, and historical research, Iwasaki’s documentary seeks to honor Goto’s legacy and shed light on his enduring impact.
A journey marked by setbacks and resilience
The documentary has faced significant challenges. Original director Danny Miller passed away in 2018 during post-production, and the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed progress. “After taking time to process and heal from the great loss, it was another long journey to find an editor with the film and video skills, qualifications and heart to take on this very special project,” Iwasaki said.
That turning point came with the addition of Oʻahu-based director and cinematographer Ryan Kawamoto of Kinetic Productions. A Waiākea High School graduate with ties to East Hawaiʻi, Kawamoto has helped guide the film to completion with his expertise in storytelling and production.
Collaboration across UH Hilo and the community
This spring semester, about 30 UH Hilo students, alumni, and community members contributed to the documentary through a project called Connections: Creating Cultural Resonance and Encouraging Resilience through Documentary Film. Their hands-on involvement ranged from acting and scriptwriting to project management, digital humanities research, and social media engagement.
The cast and crew worked on reenactments filmed across Hawaiʻi Island, including Sweet Cane Café, Shoroan Tea House, and the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum. UH Hilo emerita professor Jackie Pualani Johnson once again designed period costumes and coordinated production, while UH Hilo Performing Arts lecturer Kristi “Kea” Kapahua choreographed a ballroom waltz set in Japan’s Meiji era.
UH Hilo alumnus and actor Kimo Apaka reprised his role as Goto, continuing his portrayal from Miller’s original filming. Students such as Jun Reyes (scriptwriting), Alfred Evangelista Jr. (project management), and Hayate Moro (social media) gained valuable internship and professional experience while contributing to the film’s progress.
A story brought to life
The reenactment phase of production was supported by a UH System SEED award and UH Hilo’s College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Engagement Support fund.
“My heartfelt thanks to everyone in this UH Hilo and community collaboration for their amazing kōkua,” Iwasaki said. “It truly showcases our outstanding UH Hilo ʻohana and Hawaiʻi Island community—the best team ever!”
As Honokaʻa Hero nears completion, Iwasaki hopes the film will shine a lasting light on Goto’s courage and legacy, reminding audiences of the power of resilience, equity, and community.
