Famed Honolulu Harlot

Famed Honolulu Harlot

World War II impacted Hawaii greatly. From economics to sex to race relations, Hawaii would never be the same. Chinatown was filled a sea of white uniformed men filing into lines for tattoo parlors and brothels. A famed prostitute at this time was none other than Jean O’Hara. The publication of her book My Life as a Honolulu Prostitute, led to the immediate shutting down of the brothels in Honolulu. Through this spirited hot-tempered woman, we are able to see into the lives of the women in the brothels.

O’Hara was born in Chicago Illinois in 1913. There, she initially lived a happy life as the daughter of strict Catholic parents. She was a beautiful Irish woman with fair skin and dark eyes and hair. Dazzled by jewels and gorgeous clothing, O’Hara fell into the oldest profession. Becoming accustomed to fast money, she left home and went to San Francisco. A few years later in mid-1938 she took what she learned and moved to Hawaii to make money.

Upon her arrival, she was treated like cattle. She was taken from the dock to the receiving station at the Blaisdell Hotel. The Vice Squad was there and explained the rules and regulations enforced by the Police Department and emphasized the fact that they had all authority. These rules and restrictions were spelled out in O’Hara’s book, Honolulu Harlot:

Could not visit Waikiki Beach at any time.

Could not patronize any bars, or the better class cafes.

Could not own property.

Could not own an automobile.

Could not have a steady “boy friend.”

Could not be seen on the streets with any man.

Could not attend any dances.

Could not visit any Army or Navy post.

Could not visit a friend’s apartment at any time.

Could not be out of the brothel after ten-thirty at...

... middle of paper ...

...urers further in the picture.

The life and work of Jean O’Hara allow for many to see into a world they otherwise would have never been exposed to. O’Hara was one of very few prostitutes at the time who was actually educated. She stood up for herself and fought for the rights denied her by the Honolulu Police Department. Unfortunately, it is hard to verify many of her accounts due to lack of records. There are no other written accounts of the conversations between O’Hara and the Madames. No one had ever been formally charged, no one had been convicted, and there was no record of anyone taking money from the brothels. Kennedy and Gabrielson were never found guilty of their horrific acts. Her writings should be taken with a grain of salt, but not discredited. If someone is practicing illegal acts I doubt they would lack the common sense of trying to hide it.