The Creation Of Hawaiian and Polynesian Superheroes

Aloha from Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

Ron Sambrano here, sorry we have no pictures at this moment of our team at RM, as we are starting to develop our business RM Publishing and Productions. See our logo below? Cool huh? No? OK, well my business partner Mr. Wilmont Kahaialii and myself started RM about a year ago with the intent of creating quality fictional stories of Hawaiian and Polynesian superheroes. 

Before you go, "Hey man it's been done. But Hawaiian superheroes?" Yes my friends, don't kick us just yet. I understand when you are reading this might be thinking, "Here we go, two more wishful thinkers, ideas and nothing will come of it."

OK, for those of you who aren't so negative, let's take a look at famous Hawaiians, Polynesians, and people with Hawaiian ties.

Let's start off with a true Hawaiian, Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku. Born August 24, 1890-January 22, 1968. Duke was a Native Hawaiian competition swimmer who popularized the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing. He was born towards the end of the Kingdom of Hawaii, just before the overthrow, living into statehood as a United States citizen. He was a five-time Olympic medalist in swimming. Duke was also a law enforcement officer, an actor, a beach volleyball player and businessman.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Takamiyama Daigoro, that was the Japanese name given to Maui's Jesse James Wailani Kuhaulua. He was the first foreign-born sumo wrestler to win top division championship in 1972. He paved the way for other island wrestlers. His fame was respected by both the Japanese people and his native Maui, and the state of Hawaii. 

Another Hawaiian born sumotori was from Waimanalo, Hawaii. His name Chadwick Haheo Rowan. His sumotori name, Akebono Taro. He was trained by Takamiyama, and he rose to fame as well in the sport of sumo.

Then next famous person, another sumotori, Konishiki Yasokichi, born Saleva'a Fuauli Atisanoe, a Hawaii born Japanese-Samoan sumo champion. He also was recruited by Takamiyama. Konishiki earned champion's status as well.

A waterman of great stature, our next honorable Hawaiian is Edward Ryan Makuahanai Aikau, born on our island of Maui in 1946, he died in 1978. Eddie was a well-known lifeguard and surfer. The words Makua Hanai in Eddie Aikau's full name mean feeding parent, an adoptive, nurturing, fostering parent, in the Hawaiian language. As the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, he saved over 500 people and became famous for surfing big Hawaiian surf, winning serval awards including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship.

He tragically lost his life while on the double hull canoe the Hokule'a, as it journeyed to Tahiti, the canoe developed a leak in one of the hulls, this occurred about twelve miles south of the island of Moloka'i. Eddie attempted to paddle his surfboard across the channel to the island of Lana'i, he removed his life jacket that hindered his paddling. Later the crew was rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter, however, Eddie was never found. He was lost at sea, surfboard company Quick Silver sponsored a big wave surfing contest on the north shore of Oahu annually in honor of him, simply called The Eddie, with decals with the motto Eddie Would Go, a testament to his bravery. 

Don Tai Loy Ho, was a military figher pilot, and best known as Waikiki's most famous entertainer in the 70's. Don Ho was a brand, he and Duke Kahanamoku are icons in Waikiki till today. In his prime, everyone wanted to see him, including Hollywood stars. A mixture of Hawaiian and Chinese and Portuguese blood, Don Ho had the DNA to touch people's lives. He was Mr. Aloha.

This next person is a former Major League baseball player, Charles Sidney Fernandez. A left-handed pitcher born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He wore the number 50 in honor of his home state. The theme song for the original Hawaii Five-0 was often played before his starts at Shea Stadium during his days with the New York Mets. (Hawaii isn't represented? Think again, it ain't over baby!)

Another athlete, Russell Ross Francis, former New England Patriot, and San Francisco 49er, played tight end. Attended Kailua High School on Oahu. As a 49er under coach Bill Walsh he won a Super Bowl ring as member of the 1984 team. He also appeared in several  prime time wresting matches on television in the former WWF now WWE's Wrestle Mania 20-man battle royal.

Athletes reign, Shane Patrick Victorino, "The Flyin Hawaiian",  born and raised, guess where? Yes our island of Maui, he starred in track and field, baseball, soccer, basketball and football at St. Anthony High. However he was famous for being in the Major Leagues as one of baseball's best outfielders. He has won World Series rings with two teams, both on the east coast. The Philadelphia Phillies in the National League. And again as a member of the Boston Red Sox of the American League. Dreams do come true in big ways.

This time it's a woman, however an athlete also. Sorry guys, I guess our air is so clean, we just produce em like a factory. Michelle Sung Wie, is a professional women's golfer, currently on the LPGA Tour. She turned professional shortly before her 16th birthday in 2005. She won her first major at the 2014 U.S. Women's Open. She endorses Nike Golf. She was born in Honolulu, her parents are from South Korea. Just a confirmation that we in Hawaii come from a melting pot of many people and cultures. Yeah it's awesome guys! Michelle attended and graduated from Punahou, and she later attended Stanford University.

Alan Wong is a chef, an alumnus of the Kapionlani Community College Culinary Arts program, he was instrumental along with other notable chefs to create Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Chef Alan is famous with restaurants in Hawaii, and other parts of the globe.

Chef and businessman Roy Yamaguchi, he has a chain of Pacific Rim restaurants all over, his ties to Hawaii is his grandfather that ran a tavern on Maui. He along with other chefs including Alan Wong and Sam Choy were responsible for the HRC movement.

These are just a few of the well known people that call Hawaii home, and traces their success to the islands. It does not matter what race, gender, religion. Once you live, or connected to the islands, your life changes for the better. Some call it a blessing, others call it magical. Whatever the name you give it, Hawaii will always have a special place in many a heart. More to come in future blogs.