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Hilo Students Compile
Memories of September 11
On the first anniversary
of the horrific events of September 11, UH Hilo assistant sociology professor
Thomas Curtis explores how the tragedy affected
the Islands in Hawai‘i Remembers September 11.
Curtis is a licensed marriage and family counselor who has researched sociological
and psychological responses to disaster. He was called to New York City by the
American Red Cross to help with the counseling of the survivors of the September
11 disaster. After his return to UH Hilo, he came up with a novel project for
his senior seminar class on family violence. The class would interview prominent
people from around the state to get their takes on September 11, its aftermath
and effect on Hawai‘i.
Those interviewed for Hawai‘i Remembers September 11 include U.S.
Senator Daniel Inouye, U.S. Representatives Patsy Mink and Neil Abercrombie,
Governor Ben Cayetano, First Lady Vicky Cayetano, UH President Evan S. Dobelle
and his wife Kit Dobelle, UH Hilo Chancellor Rose Tseng, State Senators David
Matsuura and Fred Hemmings, Big Island Mayor Harry Kim, Maui Mayor Kimo Apana,
Hawai‘i County Councilman Aaron Chung, Chef Sam Choy and former Los Angeles
Dodgers pitcher Onan Masaoka, as well as others.
The interviews revolved around three basic questions, "where were you,
what were you doing and what was your initial reaction." The students compiled
the interviews and wrote the stories, with Curtis as editor.
Curtis credits his students with the creation of this book. "They worked
hard to make this book happen," he said. "Many will go on to graduate
school and this research and publishing experience will serve them well. It’s
also something that I believe will be a good thing for UH Hilo."
Hawai'i Remembers September 11 will be available at the bookstore after
September 11.
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