Pvt. Onso Chinen, November 29, 1943

Onso's father had immigrated in 1901 and his mother in 1912. Onso was raised in Chin Chuck, graduated from Hakalau, then worked for Hakalau Plantation until he enlisted in June 1941, months before the December 7th attack.
 
He was killed on the Mediterranean front while serving with the 100th Battalion. The 100th had landed in Salerno, Italy on September 22, 1943, and Onso was killed on November 29, 2 months after their first casualty. The objectives for the 100th on that day were to the vicinity of Cerasuola and then to Cardito, villages about 35 miles from Salerno. Casualties were heavy and they were stopped on Hill 832 by well-entrenched enemy groups. By this time, and after much fighting, the 100th had already earned its reputation.
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Pvt. Onso Chinen
Survived by his mother, 3 brothers and 4 sisters, his remains were returned to the Big Isle in February 1949 for burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Hilo. A month later, services were held for him at the Hakalau Jodo Mission. A picture of the attendees was taken in front of the mission with the caption "The silent triumphant return of Private Onso Chinen.
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!