Posted on: Friday, August 10, 2001

'77 victim's family prefers low profile

By Adrienne Ancheta
Advertiser Staff Writer

For the family of Toshio Kawano that gave up hope his slaying would be resolved, the disclosure this week by Honolulu police that the case has been broken brought subdued joy.

Kawano was fatally shot in a robbery attempt at his Mo'ili'ili liquor store Sept. 26, 1977. Police believed Kawano had injured one robber in an exchange of gunfire before being shot.

Police Lt. Bill Kato this week said a witness last year provided information bolstering the case against two suspects. He said the case has been given to the city prosecutor's office. Both suspects are in prison, one in Hawai'i and the other on the Mainland.

A family member, who wished to remain anonymous to preserve the family's privacy, said they do not look forward to the publicity that will be generated by a trial. But, he said, the family finds solace in the fact that the two suspects are in custody and may face prosecution.

"It's good to get confirmation that that's happening," he said.

He said the family prefers to recall a 1977 article by Advertiser columnist Bob Krauss titled "Toshio Kawano 'last samurai.' " He said the family believes the article captured who Kawano was.

"He was willing to defend his property like a samurai and willing to go beyond what other people would have done," he said.

Kawano was survived by two sons, a daughter and wife.

Kawano was 58 when he was shot to death and was regularly forced to defend his store. After a robbery in 1975, he got a gun permit and kept a handgun in his waistband. He was able to thwart robbers several times, including one attempt to steal his car battery. He held those suspects until police arrived.

Kawano lived how he wanted to live, his family said, noting his bravery, honesty and work ethic.

The family heard that something might be breaking in Kawano's case earlier, so information about the case was not news to them.

"It's been so long already," the family member said. "It's good to know justice does prevail after so long."