Governor Lucius E. Pinkham played a central role in Hawaii’s approach to military preparedness and civil defense during the lead-up to America’s entry into World War I. Though often criticized for his cautious stance, Pinkham was deeply involved in coordinating between federal, territorial, and local agencies to balance national defense and local concerns—especially regarding the German ships interned in Honolulu harbor and labor needs in the sugar industry. He supported the expansion of the National Guard and the creation of a Naval Militia, and he regularly corresponded with Washington to ensure Hawaii’s actions aligned with national policy. His administration navigated complex legal, military, and diplomatic issues as the islands transitioned from neutrality to full involvement in the war.
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