Six Kilos

[RoyalHawaiian]

Does anyone have an opinion as to why that word was misspelled?

[Bobbi]

Does anyone have an opinion as to why that word was misspelled?

If I had to take a guess, I think they were still trying to figure their way around. I don't think anyone with the production knew the Hawaiian alphabet super well, except for the locals who were cast. I also have the feeling none of the locals were really consulted on wording or spelling.

Other than that, I don't have any idea.

[ringfire211]

Does anyone have an opinion as to why that word was misspelled?

If I had to take a guess, I think they were still trying to figure their way around. I don't think anyone with the production knew the Hawaiian alphabet super well, except for the locals who were cast. I also have the feeling none of the locals were really consulted on wording or spelling.

Other than that, I don't have any idea.

Yep and if you look at how they pronounced some of the Hawaiian words or street names in the early seasons (especially the first season) it’s pretty bad. Street names and words that are pretty common to us now (thanks to visiting the islands and years of watching the show as well as Magnum PI) back then were something brand new. It was all very new, uncharted territory. The production crew probably never stepped foot on the islands before that. And yes I doubt they had local consultants on the show, especially during season 1. Maybe down the line as the show became more popular and the budget grew they got some consultants onboard. But more than likely the crew became more familiarized with the islands so they started getting things more accurate. Plus keep in mind this is a TV show which doesn’t have the luxury of long shooting schedules like a movie. Things move quickly on a TV show. They need to get the finished product in the can ASAP so that it can be aired on schedule. That’s why we find so many continuity errors (like suit colors that keep changing) and other lapses when we watch the show. With season 1 they were just struggling to stay on the air and make it to season 2. It was a rough season. On-location shooting 3,000 miles away from Hollyweird, crappy mongoose-infested soundstage in Pearl City, it was all a real learning experience for everyone involved. It’s a surprise that season 1 is as strong as it is (some stellar stories and performances!!) all things considered. Things definitely settled into a comfortable groove and it became a well-oiled machine as the seasons progressed, but season 1 was definitely uncharted territory. I’m sure misspellings on a uniform were the least of their concerns. As long as they could tell a compelling story and shoot it effectively and within some kind of budget and get it on the air they were happy.

[Bobbi]

Remember they also hired locally too so a lot of the crew was local. But as you said Ringfire, things move fast and I'm sure the number one priority was to get the job done. I give them kudos for getting it as accurate as they did. If they faked it, I would think that would come through immediately and no one would have given them a second glance. The way it was, they were *trying* to be authentic and it showed.

[ringfire211]

Remember they also hired locally too so a lot of the crew was local. But as you said Ringfire, things move fast and I'm sure the number one priority was to get the job done. I give them kudos for getting it as accurate as they did. If they faked it, I would think that would come through immediately and no one would have given them a second glance. The way it was, they were *trying* to be authentic and it showed.

Well, the Hawaiian islands and its culture certainly came through loud and clear, including the casting of locals. That was there from the get-go and a major selling point of the series! That’s what ultimately convinced the suits at CBS that the high expenses of shooting on location was worth it. Any misspellings or mispronunciations didn’t matter to the folks watching on the mainland. They were just happy to be transported to the islands every week.