I knew Anson for a very short time back when I was an undergraduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the early 2000's.
At the time, I used to write opinion articles for the school's newspaper the Ka Leo O Hawaii (people usually just called it "the Ka Leo"). Anson Hokama was an editor.
In the spring 2000, when I was new to writing articles for a school newspaper, the opinion writers would sometimes have conflicts with editors for various reasons, but mostly due to the titles given to the articles. What most people outside the newspaper industry don't understand is that the article writers DO NOT chose the title that appears on the paper.
The copy editors chose the title based on
- what would fit in the space given in the print edition of the paper
- what would be eye-catching
Of course, the writers all so defensive of our precious writing would sometimes butt heads with editors over this issue.
As I was discussing the issue with then Editor-in-Chief Allyssa LaValle, I said that some of the opinion writers feel the editors give stupid titles to opinion articles they disagree with. Anson Hokama happened to be around and said that I was said wasn't fair.
Fast-forward about a week or more, I was allowed to observe how the copy editors edit our articles and how they came up with a title. Anson Hokama happened to be the copy editor who was looking over my article. I was actually satisfied with his editing decisions.
Later, Anson Hokama rose up the ranks to the Editor-in-Chief! He was very approachable and listened attentively to whatever concerns I had.
He even apologized for a title that was given to an article I write about some ideas of making the campus atmosphere more enjoyable. The ideas included a carnival, recording studio, McDonald's, karaoke bar, and adult entertainment. Guess which idea was the only idea mentioned in the article title? The title was "Strip clubs fun, provide work for students". I was so mad that the title made it look like that was the only idea mentioned in the article. I was also mad that the title might turn away readers that might not like that idea but would agree with some of my other ideas.
The article is still online at http://www.manoanow.org/strip-clubs-fun-provide-work-for-students/article_8054b475-37d5-5050-9772-6dd0efce6d69.html
Anyways, me and Anson talked the issue out like mature adults and I had no hard feelings toward him.
On a brighter note, Anson did praise the research I put into an article about campaign finance reform.
(that article might've been before August 2001, and if it was, Ka Leo's website doesn't archive anything before that 😢)
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In the years after we graduated, I haven't heard much from Anson Hokama. I did find him on Facebook and we were on each other's friends list, but he didn't really say much on Facebook. I think he's one of those who is more comfortable being behind the scenes than being in the public eye.
Then sometime in May of this year, I found out the sad news. Anson Hokama passed away due to pancreatic cancer.
One of his relatives posted a recent picture of him. He was on a hospital bed. He suffered extreme weight loss to the point it was him just skin & bones. It was a very heartbreaking photo to see. I cried the first time I saw the photo.
Many of the comments from friends & family focused on how much of a nice person he was and all the good times they shared.
Though I only knew Anson for a very short time, I will always appreciate getting to know him, even if it was from our times in the ever controversial Ka Leo!
I miss you Anson Hokama, and I wish we got to meet a few more times in our lifetime. Thanks for the memories!
