Famous Honolulu ProstituteWorld War II had a great impact on Hawaii. From economics to sex to race relations, Hawaii would never be the same. Chinatown was full of men in white uniforms queuing for tattoo parlors and brothels. A famous prostitute at that time was none other than Jean O'Hara. The publication of her book My Life as a Honolulu Prostitute led to the immediate closure of Honolulu's brothels. Through this lively and hot-tempered woman, we are able to see into the lives of women in 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 light skin and dark eyes and hair. Dazzled by the jewels and splendid clothes, O'Hara devoted himself to the oldest profession. Getting used to fast money, he left home and went to San Francisco. A few years later, in mid-1938, he took what he had learned and moved to Hawaii to make money. Upon her arrival she was treated like cattle. She was taken from the dock to the Blaisdell Hotel receiving station. The Vice Squad was there and explained the rules and regulations enforced by the Police Department and emphasized the fact that they have all the authority. These rules and restrictions were spelled out in O'Hara's book, Honolulu Harlot: I could not visit Waikiki Beach at any time. I couldn't have frequented any better classy bar or cafe. I couldn't own property. I couldn't own a car. I couldn't have a steady "boyfriend". I couldn't be seen on the street with any man. I couldn't attend any dances. I could not visit any Army or Navy post. I could never visit a friend's apartment. I couldn't be out of the brothel after half past ten at...... middle of paper ......urer later in the photo. The life and work of Jean O'Hara allows many to see into a world they would otherwise never have been exposed to. O'Hara was one of the very few prostitutes of the time who was actually educated. She stood up for herself and fought for the rights denied by the Honolulu Police Department. Unfortunately, it is difficult to verify many of his accounts due to lack of documentation. 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 sign of anyone taking money from the brothels. Kennedy and Gabrielson were never found guilty of their horrific acts. His writings should be taken with a grain of salt, but not discredited. If someone practices illegal acts, I doubt they lack common sense in trying to hide it.