National Youth Summit on Japanese American Incarceration in World War II

Panelists and the audience will explore the history of Japanese-American incarceration and will discuss how fear and prejudice can upset the delicate balance between the rights of citizens and the power of the state. The program will also focus on the role of young people in shaping America's past and future.

Panelists include:

• Reverend Dr. Todd Takahashi of Konko Mission Wahiawa, whose aunt, Reverend Haruko Takahashi, founder of Konko Mission, was one of the few women incarcerated at Honouliuli for 18 months during WWII.
• Dr. Gary Okihiro, Professor of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University. Born and raised in Aiea, Oahu, Dr. Okihiro has served as professor and senior scholar at leading national and international institutions including Princeton University, Nihon University in Japan, Cornell University, and is the founding director for both the Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race and the Asian American Studies Program at Columbia University. Dr. Okihiro is a highly acclaimed author and has published 11 books on Asian and Hawaii history, as well as numerous articles, essays and reviews. He has received numerous fellowships, grants, book awards, and appointments; was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa in 2010; and is well respected for his insight on WWII and the internment camps.
• Jane Kurahara, a member of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii's Hawaii Internment Education Committee. Kurahara re-discovered the Honouliuli site over 18 years ago, and since then, has worked to preserve it as a national monument.

Panelists will be joined by students who will provide their insight to what took place during WWII and its relevance to the nation's current situation and its future. Teachers are encouraged to bring their students to the free Summit.

Event cost details: Free

Location info: 319 Lexington Blvd., Honolulu, HI, us