"The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha" Film Sponsors Screening and Fundraising Concert Celebrate Legacy of the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd RCT

On Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, in the 250th year of America’s independence, Steve Sue’s nonprofit ID8 held a sponsors’ screening of its educational documentary film, The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha, at the Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center. The film tells the story of the vanguard unit of Americans of Japanese ancestry (AJA) — the Hawaiʻi-born 100th Infantry Battalion. Together with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT) that followed, the 100th would become one of the most highly decorated units in U.S. military history.

"The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha" Sponsors Screening opens with a musical performance by the cast and crew of the film. (Photo courtesy: Shane Kaneshiro)

100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (Club 100) President Kathi Hayashi opened the event by thanking Director and Producer Steve Sue, the sponsors, and everyone involved in making the film possible. In recognition of Memorial Day, she honored those who took a stand to fight for the birth of America leading to the Declaration of Independence, as well as every individual throughout our nation’s 250-year history who gave their life to preserve the rights of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

In her welcome, Kathi noted the documentary focuses on healing, empathy, high performance attitudes and values while encouraging people to “give back” to make the world a better place. 

Reverend David Turner, grandson of LTC Farrant L. Turner, the first commanding officer of the 100th Infantry Battalion, delivered the blessing.

100th/442nd WWII veteran Dr. Takashi Manago (Co. A) and family (left photo) and family and friends of the 100th's first commanding officer, LTC Farrant L. Turner (HQ), including grandsons COL (Ret.) Albert Farrant Turner Jr. and Rev. David Turner (right photo), attend "The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha" Sponsors Screening. (Photos courtesy: Clyde Sugimoto [nephew of Nolan Miyazaki (Co. B)])

As noted on Steve’s website for The 100TH film (https://100thfilm.com/), "…this isn’t just a tale of war – it’s a testament to soldiers who raised the bars on heroism and valor through applying the Spirit of Aloha, both during the war and for 80 years after. “

Prior to the screening, the audience was also treated to live music from the film performed by Harold Payne, Dave Kopatz, Frances Quinlan, Kristle Backe, and the band The Kicking Giants.

Family and friends of the men who served in the 100th Infantry Battalion attend the Sponsors screening in support of "The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha" film. (Photos courtesy: Clyde Sugimoto and Ann Kabasawa [daughter of Raymond Nosaka (Co. B)])

After viewing the film, the audience of approximately 550 people was overwhelmingly enthusiastic and eager to learn more about the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd RCT. Many wanted to know when the documentary would be available so they could encourage their friends and family to watch it, and were interested in purchasing merchandise to support and promote the film. The reaction most commonly heard throughout the theater afterward was “awesome.” We agree.

100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (Club 100) members attend the Sponsors screening in support of "The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha" film, with family and friends. (Photos courtesy: Clyde Sugimoto and Ann Kabasawa)

The screening marked a powerful culmination of months of community support and momentum leading up to the event — including a memorable evening just days earlier that helped set the tone for the film’s release.

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, an unforgettable fundraising concert, Music of the 100th – Live in Concert, was presented at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans (Club 100) Clubhouse in Honolulu. Held in support of the film prior to the sponsors screening, the event brought together family, friends, and community supporters for a vibrant night of music, connection, and aloha spirit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcY5vyAdNRM

Music of the 100th - Live in Concert at the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans Clubhouse.

Audiences enjoyed performances by Harold Payne, Dave Kopatz, Brian Yamamoto, and The Kicking Giants, who performed original music from the The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha’s soundtrack. The evening created an inspiring atmosphere that blended historical storytelling, community connection, and live music in support of the film’s completion and distribution.

Please consider donating to ID8 to help complete and distribute this powerful, moving, and inspirational film. Donate to: The 100th, Seeds of Aloha.

For more on the music from The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha, please visit their website: https://100thfilm.com/songs/

♪ They Gave Their All (David Kopatz / Harold Payne)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDOJ4IebsruLc&v=OJ4IebsruLc

They Gave Their All (David Kopatz / Harold Payne) (Video courtesy: Rick Tabor)

♪ Seeds of Aloha (David Kopatz / Harold Payne)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrSPgzR25B0

Seeds of Aloha (David Kopatz / Harold Payne) (Video courtesy: Rick Tabor)

For more on The 100TH, Seeds of Aloha or to support the film, please visit their website: https://100thfilm.com/