Japanese immigrant Katsu Goto’s true story, a powerful saga of hope and inspiration arising from tragedy, is the subject of a new documentary about a poignant chapter in Hawaii’s history.
Japanese immigrant Katsu Goto’s true story, a powerful saga of hope and inspiration arising from tragedy, is the subject of a new documentary about a poignant chapter in Hawaii’s history.
Today, more than 130 years after Goto arrived in the islands to work on a sugar plantation, his story is being given new life by filmmakers Patsy Iwasaki and Danny Miller.
Their program at the Lyman Museum in March was so popular that attendees asked for a reprise.
As a result, another presentation, with additional film footage and historical information, will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday and 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the museum, located at 276 Haili St. in Hilo.
Iwasaki and Miller will discuss the research and making of “Honoka‘a Hero: The Story of Katsu Goto” — a film spanning his life from plantation laborer, to successful businessman and labor rights advocate, to his tragic lynching in Honoka‘a town in 1889.
Joining the filmmakers in this program is Dr. Erika Hori, a historian who conducted extensive research on Goto.
The presentation is part of Lyman Museum’s Saigo Public Program lecture series. Admission is free to museum members, $3 for nonmembers.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii.
The museum is open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.