Pieces of Aloha

The documentary, Pieces of Aloha, is part of several evolving stories and projects, which rewrite World War II history for all people involved.

Currently, the ONLY place to see the original bracelet is at the Pacific Islands Ethnic Art Museum, in Long Beach, CA.

“Our hope is that we can create a symbol of true aloha that is beyond all borders and restrictions, something that any man or woman, father, mother, daughter, or son can relate to, understand, and value. When we talk about Heroes’ Hearts, that’s what we mean… When my dad handed me the bracelet, at my mother’s memorial and said, ‘Do something good with this,’ he knew exactly what he was doing.”

The Pieces of Aloha documentary opens as the original bracelet returns to Pearl Harbor during the 75th anniversary of the battle (December 7, 2016). Through first person narrative, rare photographs and archival film, we are transported back in time to relive this history as told to Corporal Richiusa’s son. Not only is Corporal Richiusa’s story preserved, but descendants of real characters are brought together, and replica bracelets are disseminated for the benefit of battle worn war survivors now living with PTSD, helping Gordon, his son, to fulfill his father’s wishes to “do something good.”