U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda has introduced a bill to rename the Captain Cook Post Office on Hawaii Island after 1st Lt. John Kuulei Kauhaihao, who was killed in action in Vietnam and posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the U.S. Army’s second highest award for valor.

What You Need To Know

  • Kauhaihao was killed on Sept. 5, 1968, during a battle in Tay Ninh Province
  • Over a 15-minute period, Kauhaihao launched more than 30 grenades at enemy bunkers, drawing fire on himself so his men could sight enemy gunners.
  • Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, adjutant general of the State of Hawaii, said Kauhaihao’s bravery and sacrifice embodied the highest ideals of the U.S. military
  • The bill, cosponsored by U.S. Representative Ed Case, D-Hawaii, was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability

“There are no amount of words to express my sincere gratitude to 1st Lt. Kauhaihao, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and no words can express my deepest condolences to his family for their loss more than 50 years ago,” said Tokuda, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “First Lt. Kauhaihao exhibited extraordinary courage and heroism as he led and protected his soldiers in Vietnam. For that, he rightfully deserves to be recognized in the community he was born, where he lived, and where his beloved wife and family still reside.” 

On Sept. 5, 1969, Kauhaihao, then just 27, was on a reconnaissance-in-force operation in Tay Ninh Province when his platoon came under enemy fire. Over a 15-minute period, Kauhaihao launched more than 30 grenades at enemy bunkers, drawing fire on himself so his men could sight enemy gunners. Kauhaihao was fatally injured in the exchange.

Kauhaihao is survived by his widow and Konawaena High School sweetheart Shirley and their four children.

“Our ohana is so grateful to Congresswoman Tokuda for introducing this bill to honor John’s memory and legacy of service to our country,” Shirley Kauhaihao said. “It is our sincere hope that naming the post office after John will bring recognition to the service and sacrifice of all Vietnam War veterans who served and died, as well as those who came home and continue to serve their communities and country, especially those from Hawaii. John was an excellent husband, father, and man, and he loved his role as a soldier because he loved his country. He truly was the greatest.” 

Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, adjutant general of the State of Hawaii, said Kauhaihao’s bravery and sacrifice embodied the highest ideals of the U.S. military.

"Naming this post office in his honor ensures that his legacy of heroism and dedication to Hawaii and our nation will be remembered and will serve as an inspiration for all,” Hara said.

The bill, cosponsored by U.S. Representative Ed Case, D-Hawaii, was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.