A Chinese-American detective with the Honolulu Police Department who became the inspiration for Asian detective character, Charlie Chan.
Living in China from the age of 3 to 10, he grew up speaking Chinese and Hawaiian, with some pidgin English; he also worked as a Hawaiian Cowboy, carrying with him a bullwhip.
The author Earl Derr Biggers was inspired to create his famous Charlie Chan character after reading about Apana's exploits in the local paper.
He was born in Waipio, Oahu, Hawaii.
Charlie Chan became the second most popular Hawaiian policeman after the series Hawaii Five-O, starring Kam Fong Chun, appeared on screens.
