http://starbulletin.com/2004/09/27/features/story1.htmlHawaii’ star proves she can hold her ownMonday September 27. 2004
By: Tim Ryan
Aya Sumika seems to glide across the floor of the cluttered Mapunapuna warehouse where NBC has created the Honolulu Municipal Police precinct for its cop drama "Hawaii."
She hops onto a high chair with her name painted on its back. The Juilliard graduate -- she's been dancing for 17 years -- smiles, lost in a Cinderella moment, remembering that in her first screen role she's one of the stars in a network prime-time TV series.
It's difficult to imagine that the 24-year-old actress, the only female among seven main cast members, has any enemies. Sumika plays the strong-willed but flawed cop Lihn Tamiya.
"She's a delight to be around," says Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, who plays her boss, Capt. Terry Tagawa. "
There's no pretense, no ego, just energy, enthusiasm and natural talent."
"You want to help her, protect her," says co-star Eric Balfour, who already has given Sumika surfing lessons. "
She's a real professional, great work ethic, always observing."SUMIKA, a Seattle native, had an early love for both the dramatic and performing arts. She focused primarily on dance and, after years of study in high school, was accepted into the Juilliard School, where she honed her skills in ballet. Dancing has kept her in excellent condition, so she was ready for "Hawaii's" action scenes.
"I weigh 120, baby, all muscle weight," she says, raising her arm to show a taut biceps.
"I love being physical. I swim, go to the gym and pump weights, walk, dance, and now I'm learning hula. It's so much harder than it looks -- and I've been dancing my whole life".Like other cast members, Sumika went on a ride-along with a police officer -- a 23-year-old woman nicknamed Jack -- in researching her role.
"We had a lot of scares during that ride, and my gut dropped several times. I learned that you never know what to expect."Sumika also learned how to handcuff and tackle a suspect, then spent part of a day at the Koko Head gun range firing a police-issue 9 mm revolver. She'd never fired a weapon before.
"I'm a really good aim, especially when the object was flying toward me," she said, smiling.
"What really surprised me, though, is how police consider their weapon to be like a best friend. I hear some cops talk about their guns like they're talking about a woman."Being the only female among the stars allows Sumika to get into her character more easily.
"Lihn has to hold her own in a man's field, constantly having to prove herself. She's beautiful, talented, smart, independent and flawed. She has a pained history but gets up every morning and puts on her Superman, uh Superwoman, suit. That's a wall, a guard, that says, 'I'm here for business.'"ART IS IMITATING
A bit of Sumika's real life, which has included working as a cocktail waitress in Manhattan.
"Oh yes, I know what it's like to be surrounded by men. Drunk men spitting on you or asking the most insane questions like 'What's a pretty lady like you working in a place like this?'
"'How about trying to earn a living?' I would tell them."Sumika's father, a classical guitar player, lives in Upcountry Maui with her brother, so she's been a frequent Hawaii visitor over the years. Hawaii has reminded her of her Japanese heritage.
"I want to pay respect to Hawaii by learning as much as I can about the culture. And I do play a local girl."Sumika does pass for local; even her pidgin is acceptable, although she hasn't used it on the series.
"I tried to sneak it in one scene, and they stopped shooting to remind me that the writers haven't established that part of Lihn's character," she said.
The writers also have tried to play down Sumika's beauty, keeping her wrapped in police blues and her hair tied up under a cap. But in the first episode, Sumika is found by other officers in her Jacuzzi with Sharif Atkins' character.
"First off, Mom and Dad, I was wearing a body stocking! The scene wasn't difficult for me because I'm very comfortable with my body."Sumika received notice that she had gotten the part the same day she auditioned for the role.
"I feel like I'm Cinderella and 'Hawaii' is my glass slipper," she said.
As Sumika's star rises, Lihn will likely get a promotion as well.
"Oh yes, I'm getting out of those navy blues, which were fun for about two weeks. Now it's in my trailer, and I scowl at it every day."One fantasy that hasn't yet come true is getting recognized.
"Boo hoo for me," Sumika says, laughing.
"I've been waiting for the attention my whole life, so bring it on!"
