Ref: https://www.honolulumagazine.com/iconic-transformation/

I came across this article per chance about the famed Wo Fat building in Chinatown, HI (former home of Hawaii Steve--current residence of Blackie the cat) and thought I'd share. Most of you will recognize the name from the old Hawaii 5-O television series.

YES, the building was named after Steve McGarret's arch enemy. Wo Fat, the criminal, was portrayed from the pilot episode through the series finale by Khigh Dhiegh. He was born Kenneth Dickerson in Spring Lake, New Jersey, on August 25, 1910. He appeared in The Manchurian Candidate with Frank Sinatra, How to Murder Your Wife with Jack Lemmon, and Seconds with Rock Hudson, among many other productions during a forty-year career. He passed away in Mesa, Arizona, on October 25, 1991.

Apparently, after being vacant for years, it is finally being opened up this year as a restaurant and boutique hotel with 23 rooms starting around $300. Hopefully, this will begin a revitalization of Chinatown, Hawaii.

Lou

Dear Lou,

Thank you for sharing this information on a piece of Honolulu history! Here is a vintage postcard image of the building (circa 1940?).



Sincerely,
Rush

Rush, WO...that is one FAT building! :laughing: T.Y.S.M. Lou