Pfc. Satoshi Matsuoka, May 20, 1944

Born and raised in Honohina Mauka, Satoshi graduated from Laupahoehoe High School in 1942. Active in scouting, he was Senior Patrol Leader of the Honohina Group and was awarded the Life Scout Badge.  He had been working for Hakalau Plantation when he enlisted in March of 1943.
 
PFC Matsuoka served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Unit, 100th Infantry Battalion, Company B.  His unit landed in Anzio at the end of March of 1944 and fought for 2 months to maintain its beachhead before advancing to capture Rome on June 5.  Satoshi was killed in this Anzio to Rome Campaign on May 20, 1944.
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Pfc. Satoshi Matsuoka
In June 1944, memorial services were held at the Honohina Hongwanji Temple.  He was survived by his parents, a sister and two brothers, one of whom was at Camp Savage, Minnesota training to interrogate prisoners of war and translate captured documents.
For the Hakalau Kuleana, our responsibility is to care for the land, the people, and the culture. We are guided by cultural values of YESTERDAY: Engage in collective effort. Look out for each other. Honor hard work. Show respect for those who came before us. Aloha and Mālama `Aina. In 2021, Akiko Masuda added two more values to the list: Consistently show up. Whatever has to be done, jump in and do it!