Susie Higgins was a recent divorcee from Pittsburgh when she visited Hawaii on vacation in December, 1941. Shortly after her arrival, the Empire of Japan attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor and began an invasion of the islands. Unable to leave, she decided to continue her vacation. She took a surfing lesson from Oscar van der Kirk. After the lesson, Susie invited van der Kirk back to her room. In the midst of coitus, the Japanese launched a bombing run on the city. Van der Kirk suggested that they leave the room, saving both of their lives as the hotel was squarely hit. Van der Kirk rashly invited Higgins to stay with him. That relationship soured rather quickly, as Higgins couldn't stand van der Kirk's obsession with surfing. She left after the New Year.