HILO, Hawai‘i — Hawai‘i’s congressional representatives recently sponsored a bill in the House to rename the Captain Cook Post Office after 1st Lt. John Kuulei Kauhaihao of Honaunau, who was killed in action in Vietnam and posthumously awarded the U.S. Army’s second-highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.
“First Lieutenant Kauhaihao exhibited extraordinary courage and heroism as he led and protected his soldiers in Vietnam,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda (D, Hawaii), who introduced the bill. “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.
“Our veterans are heroes and role models for the next generation, and we must honor and always remember the sacrifices they have made for our country,” added Tokuda, a member of the House Armed Services Committee.
On Sept. 5, 1969, at the age of 27, Kauhaihao was fatally injured during a reconnaissance-in-force operation in Tay Ninh province. When his platoon came under enemy fire, Kauhaihao launched over 30 grenades in 15 minutes at enemy bunkers while simultaneously drawing fire on himself so that his men could sight enemy gunners.
He 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 Hawai‘i.
“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.”
U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D, Hawai‘i) is a co-sponsor of the bill.
If it becomes law, it would be the first time a post office has been named on Hawai‘i Island. The last time a post office was named in the state was in 2011.
