Morita, Victor Yoshikazu

Victor Morita was born in Yokohama, Japan, and arrived in Hawaii as a child. In 1911, his father opened a small hotel in Honokaa on the northeast coast of Hawaii, catering to around-the-island visitors. When Morita's father died in 1928, he took over operation of the business. By the 1940s, Morita was a well known community figure, his hotel a popular spot among islanders. 

In October 1942, Victor Morita was charged with the illegal possession of a camera by an enemy alien. A year later, he would find himself incarcerated at the military prison at Waiakea.