We also honored the late Dr. Franklin Odo (1939-2022) whose son, David Ono, will be accepting the award on his father’s behalf, was a renowned scholar, teacher, mentor, and activist who advanced ethnic studies and social justice throughout his career. A Kaimuki High School alum, Dr. Odo received his academic degrees from Princeton University and Harvard University. He served as the Director of the University of Hawai’i Ethnic Studies Program and was the first Director of Asian Pacific American Programs at the Smithsonian Institution.

Dr. Odo was a founding member of the JACL Honolulu Chapter and led a delegation to testify before the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians memorializing the Hawai’i Japanese American internment experience during World War II.