Rearview: Lessons learned in 2020 elicit fond memories
Every December, I review the past 12 months and write a two-part article about things I learned while researching this column. Read more
Latest Stories by Bob Sigall
Rearview Mirror: Thousands at Ala Wai Canal witnessed sailing of Kon Kini
An anonymous reader asked me about longtime Honolulu Advertiser reporter Bob Krauss (1924-2006). Read more
Rearview Mirror: Flu pandemic dashed Duke Kahanamoku’s dream of joining Air Corps
I’ve written quite a bit about Duke Kahanamoku in the past, but only recently found out he came down with the Spanish flu and nearly died from it. And it prevented him from what he thought at the time was his life’s ambition. Read more
Rearview: Unpredictable Aku conjures up ‘A Day in the Life of a Fish-head’
When I started listening to KSSK radio in the early 1970s, Hal Lewis, aka J. Akuhead Pupule, its morning deejay, was a real character. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Vietnam baby lift tops list of 500 columns
Last week I began a review of some of my favorite columns from the past nine years. In this, my 500th column in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, I’ll present the top eight. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Counting down the best among 500 columns
Ten years ago Business Editor David Butts asked whether I’d be interested in writing a regular feature in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. We met and discussed it, and Rearview Mirror was born in April 2011. Read more
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Rearview Mirror: Hilton Hawaiian Village marks 65 years, and how the fireworks show got started
I wrote about the Hilton Hawaiian Village earlier this year, as it celebrates 65 years in operation. It was Henry Kaiser’s first venture into the hotel business when it opened on Sept. 17, 1955. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Tin Can Alley and the Beretania Follies conjure up memories of years past
Myles Takahashi wrote to me last month. He formerly resided on Kamanuwai Lane, which is about where Maunakea Street is, mauka of Beretania Street. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Prince of Wales visited Hawaii, surfed with Duke
There are often news stories about Edward, the Prince of Wales, who gave up the British throne for Wallis Simpson, the woman he loved. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Furniture and hobby stores, supermarket of years past rekindle memories
“Back in the 1950s many families, including mine, had beautiful rattan furniture,” Jo Anne Yamamoto told me. What is their history? Read more
Rearview: Catching up on 2 unusual weddings and other war stories
Last month I wrote about John Wayne owning The Forbidden City, originally on the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Admiral relaxed with friends in Laie to destress during WWII
As we approach the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II next week, I thought I’d share some stories from a book about Adm. Chester A. Nimitz, who commanded the U.S. Naval Forces during the war. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Espionage and internment among the themes that emerged in WWII
Following the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Hawaii, the War Department evacuated all 110,000 persons of Japanese ancestry from the west coast to internment camps. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Times Supermarket created to honor dead brother’s dream
In July, I mentioned Albert and Wallace Teruya left Kewalo Inn to start Times Grill cafe, and then Times Supermarket. Two weeks later, I found out why they switched from restaurants to markets. I don’t know anyone else who’s ever done that. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Revisiting the Battle of Iwo Jima and other vignettes from WWII
As part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, I’ve been writing a series of articles about the war, and particularly Hawaii’s connections to it. Here’s the sixth in that series. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Civilians were caught in the crossfire on Dec. 7, 1941
The Japanese attack focused on Oahu’s military bases, but civilians within 20 miles found themselves in the crossfire. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Corner of Ward and Ala Moana had 5 restaurants since 1930s
Fashion designer Nake‘u Awai asked me about Christian’s Hut, a restaurant/lounge at Ward Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard, where Ward Warehouse later was located. He worked there briefly in the 1950s before going to the University of Washington. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Hana submarine shelling, replaced police sergeant remain mystery on Maui
Rearview Mirror: Neighbor islands took their share of attack in WWII
In December 1941 the Imperial Japanese Navy launched an attack on Hawaii. Pearl Harbor was the main target since most of our battleships were there. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Rabbit Island off Oahu has a deep, rich history
It’s time to open up the old mail bag and answer some reader questions. I try to do this every four to six weeks, so feel free to send in any questions you have. Read more
Rearview Mirror: The Battle of the Ewa Plain is a little-known part of WWII
With the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II approaching Sept. 2, I’m writing several columns about it. Read more
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