Kapoho Reunion in Honolulu

Frances Kakugawa enjoyed a Kapoho reunion of sorts at her Honolulu book events for her newest title, Kapoho: Memoir of a Modern Pompeii. At her book launch, held at Native Books at Ward Warehouse, a gentleman of 90+ years attended (photo, right) , brought by his son who ’d spotted Kapoho at the store the previous day. Born in Kapoho, both recognized each other’s family names; when Frances was a girl she and her siblings used to swim on his family’s property at Pohoiki Beach.

A few days later, at Barnes & Noble at Kahala Mall, Frances’ family came out to join her…and so did several members of the Nakamura family. The Nakamuras owned the buildings that are seen on the cover of Kapoho —places that Frances calls “the heart of Kapoho”—Nakamura Store, their pool hall, theater and the family’s residence.

For recaps of the two events in Frances’ own words, as well as photo slideshows, read her blog posts:

KAPOHO Book Launch Photos and Reviews

Only in Hawaii…KAPOHO at Barnes & Noble

Frances' brother, Paul, to her left, and Shozo Nakamura and his wife, Harumi, to her right. Shozo and Harumi’s daughter, Sharon, wears the bright blue shirt. It was Shozo’s parents that owned Nakamura Store.