A stereotypical dictator of an unnamed Central/South American country is en route to do whatever it is evil dictators do when his plane reportedly has engine trouble and is re-routed to Hawaii. However, the viewers can see that the pilot faked the engine trouble--someone wants to get this guy to Hawaii.
For McGarrett, this is a headache, as security would be a serious problem--everyone hates this guy and want him dead. On one hand, you've got a militant group of students and on the other you know SOME conspiracy is afoot and you have no idea what is going on and who is behind it.
Overall, an interesting episode but also a rather familiar one. Similar themes were explored in episode 21 of the first season ("Not That Much Different") and you can see that McGarrett is sympathetic towards the opposition but he must do his job as the head of the police. So, despite many assuming that this is a very conservative show, the writers obviously had some sympathy for those opposing ultra far-right dictatorships. As for the dictator in this one, Jakhal, he is a typical blustering and strong-fisted jerk--and the viewer most likely is pulling for him to take a bullet! Because of the show's familiarity and bizarre resolution to the plot, this is not a great episode but still decent enough to recommend.
By the way, though not credited, isn't that Tony Dow as the boyfriend of the hot-headed young protester? It sure looks like him though he's not listed in the credits--probably because the role was awfully small. My how the mighty have fallen.
UPDATE--Another IMDb user informed me that the boyfriend is Tim Donnelly. Thanks dav3id-2 for the information.
