Japanese Internment in Hawaiʻi and The Crystal City Story

"Japanese Internment in Hawaiʻi and The Crystal City Story"

with John Okutani and Tomoko “Tomo” Izumi Mohideen

Sunday, December 7, 11:30 am - 1 pm

Soka Gakkai International Cultural Center

2729 Pali Highway, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817

Free Parking. Garage Entry from 11 am - 11:30 am

About Event:

Hear Docent John Okutani and Internment historian Tomoko “Tomo” Izumi Mohideen talk about the WWII internment of Japanese (immigrants and citizens) in the territory of Hawaiʻi and the United States mainland. Tomo was eight years old when her father, Reverend of Papaaloa, Maui, Hongwanji, was arrested and taken away by the FBI. Her family was later interned in Crystal City, Texas. Painful memories were followed by many years of unforgettable hardships from being held prisoners during the war. Learn more about this regrettable chapter of WWII.

Co-Sponsors:

• Peacebuilding LLC
• United Nations Association of Hawaii - Honolulu Chapter

Directions on Traveling to SGI-USA Hawaii Culture Center

To reach the SGI-USA Hawaii Culture Center by bus, you can take either Route 65 or Route 67 toward Ala Moana Center, then transfer to a bus heading up Pali Highway. The Culture Center is located at 2729 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817.

Here’s how to navigate the trip:

Route 65 or 67 Overview

· Route 65 (Honolulu – Ala Moana Center):

• Starts from Hui Iwa Street + Kahekili Highway.
• Ends at Kona Street + Opposite Kona Iki Street near Ala Moana Center.
• Operates daily with multiple stops along Kamehameha Highway.

· Route 67 (Honolulu – Kailua – Waimanalo):

• Travels via Pali Highway to Ala Moana Center.
• Stops include Kailua, Waimanalo, and Downtown Honolulu.

Getting to SGI-USA Hawaii Culture Center

Once you arrive at Ala Moana Center via Route 65 or 67:

1. Transfer to a bus heading up Pali Highway:

• Look for buses that travel toward Nuuanu or Manoa, such as Route 5.
• Confirm with the driver that the bus stops near 2729 Pali Hwy.

2. Disembark near the SGI-USA Hawaii Culture Center:

• The closest stop is on Pali Highway prior to Moanawai Street (traveling North – Mauka); or
• Laimi Street / Jack Lane (traveling South – Makai).

Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Use the Transit app or TheBus website (thebus.org) to check real-time schedules and plan transfers.
• Ask the driver if you're unsure about the stop closest to the Culture Center.
• Bring a HOLO card or exact fare for convenience.