The Best player from Hawaii...

[jungledude]

Howard Ikeda

Howard Ikeda managed my pool room in New Orleans for several years
and he beat most road players coming through town. Strange as it may sound Howard rarely practiced and claimed refelting tables got him in dead stroke faster than practicing. Howard is a great person and was a much feared player in the 70s and 80s and actually gave several big names the 7 ball back then which was unheard of during that time period.

 

[yobagua]

There was a guy in the 60s named Black. He was a very strong player. Some guys from the Phillipines came to play him and he beat them all.
When I was a kid Hawaiian Brian was called Gage (sp?). He had a heart like a lion and knew no fear. When he came to the Mainland (Hawaii is part of the US) they started calling him Hawaiian Brian. In Hawaii unless you were Polynesian you didnt call yourself a Hawaiian.
He was very quiet but never rude or obnoxious. He was just tough and not very social after years of being on the road.
Hawaii people are a special breed. They have their culture and their likes and dislikes. True they view outsiders wearily but once youre in there is nothing they wouldnt do for you. I got the same feeling when I met guys from the deep south.