Rightful Identity, the newest fiction by Jackie Pias Carlin is a story of three island families, spanning from the 60s to present day Maui. They are hanai, meaning 'extended family' supporting each other in ways they know how-from the heart. As inexperienced teenagers, they cope with infidelity and teen pregnancies. As adults and parents, they struggle with loss of memory and transgender issues.

Far out on the horizon but beyond reach, the bombing practices on Kahoolawe distracts Asa Kukini as he sadfully watches his culture demeaned by the U.S. Navy. From a different viewpoint, Midge Tanner, a young girl from California, thinks she's seeing UFOs.

Iwalani Martin can't decide between two brothers, Asa or Kane, but sides with Asa when she realizes she is pregnant. Nani Anela conceives three children by two husbands, and Sophie Correa buries her young husband. At the funeral, their offsprings, Sonny, Lilian, Momi, Kaipo and Honey Girl meet and begin their lifelong relationship.

Sonny's transgender decision affects the family's dynamics. Rightful Identity gives the reader a glimpse into their private thoughts, and how they cope with their own and each other's maturity. They bond together with unconditional love and island moxie as secrets unfold, and modern ideals affect their island ways.

In Rightful Identity, walk through Kihei in the mid 20th century, attend a wedding luau, and sit in on a local funeral. Wonder about the spirits that materialize, and experience the storm that rips their home apart.