[dropcap]T[/dropcap]onight’s episode of “Drunk History” features three stories about Hawaii. Not only did we learn about Captain Cook “discovering” Hawaii, but we were also told about the bravery of Daniel Inouye and the death of Eddie Aikau.
The story of Captain Cook finding Hawaii is in a lot of ways a lot like how Christopher Columbus “discovered” America. Both are often given credit for something they didn’t actually do. Captain Cook stumbled upon Hawaii on a ship from England. Confused with their customs and traditions, he eventually overstayed his welcome on the island.
After departing, he eventually had his ship wrecked and demanded the Hawaiians to fix it for him. When they refused, he kidnapped their King and a fight ended breaking out which ended up killing the Captain. Being the loving people they are, the Hawaiians gave him a traditional burial at sea before telling his shipmates to head on their way.
Daniel Inouye was a young man living in Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Feeling patriotic, Inouye was the first person to sign up to be enlisted. However due to the fact he was of Japanese decent, he was initially turned away from serving in the army. It wasn’t until several years later when Inouye would be allowed to fight for his country.
A battle ended up costing him his arm, but gained him immense popularity and plenty of respect. Inouye would go on to have an impressive political career, eventually being named President pro tempore of the United States Senate, making him the highest-ranking Asian American in the history of the United States.
Eddie Aikau might not be a household name for most people in the United States, but his legacy is well known throughout Hawaii. Aikau was a legendary surfer who ended up saving hundreds of lives as a lifeguard. There was no wave that Eddie wasn’t willing to surf and no life he wasn’t willing to save.
While aboard a wrecked ship in a storm, Eddie attempted to get help for those aboard. Although all who were on board with Eddie were eventually rescued, he was never seen or heard from again. He is remembered to this day by a surfing contest and countless merchandise with the phrase ‘Eddie would go.’
Next week’s episode will feature three stories about the history of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. As always, you can watch “Drunk History” on Comedy Central every Tuesday night at 10:00 p.m. EST.
