Myles Fukunaga: A Murder Story
As one of the only two nisei attorneys in Hawaii in 1928, I have the responsibility to both
exercise the power of the laws and be the voice for my community. Fred Makino, a leader in my
community, had recently asked me to represent Myles Fukunaga in filing an appeal of his recent
murder conviction. At the same time, I also have received an offer of a position as an attorney in
the territorial government, which is a position I have long desired. Taking on this case would
mean the end of any hopes for me to work in the government because the Haole community
strongly supports Fukunaga’s murder conviction and execution. Eventually, I hope hold a
position in the territorial legislature in order to work to create employment, educational and other
opportunities for Japanese Americans. Ultimately, after a lot of careful considerations, I have
decided to take on the case to represent Myles Fukunaga and this decision is supported by the
