Think About It Hawaii

John Cleese in Monty Python’s Flying Circus, an incredibly witty British comedy sketch show of the early-1970s, used to sometimes announce “and now for something completely different…”. And then the bizarre would veer in a different direction. That came to mind as this tidbit of scattered eccentricity caught my attention; so ponder as you might, digest, or ignore.

Intellectual property rights lose their copyright protection after 95-years. Thus, every year, well-known (aged) pieces of work, music, or art become available for usage by regular folks- like us. Now you can’t use the actual sound recordings as you wish, just the compositions. For example, this year, songs that came out in 1929 can be used by anyone; hits like “Singin’ In The Rain”; or how about “Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller and others. “Boléro” is now in play (perhaps best remembered for its usage in the Bo Derek/Dudley Moore 1979 comedy classic movie, “10”).

Wanna make your own version of “Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue” without a penalty? Big fan of Popeye the Sailor (Man)? He debuted in a 1929 comic strip, so his likeness can now be freely used, tweaked, and/or adapted. That’s how Winnie The Pooh ended up as a horror movie star two years ago. Time’s up!

A copyright website I perused identified 157 “Hawaiian” songs that came out (on vinyl) in 1929, which makes these tunes at least 95-years old this year. In a world where far too many here-today, gone-tomorrow artistes simply sample or abuse artificial intelligence to “improvise”, it’s fun to know that many artistic works become part of the public domain annually. Thus, ancient artifacts from entities like the Hilo Hawaiian Orchestra, Roy Smeck’s Trio, Johnny Noble and His Hawaiian Music, Mert’s Hawaiian Tomboys, The Ferera Trio, and Kalama’s Quartet are now available for music aficionados, historians, and cultural artisans to re-purpose from 1929 (or earlier).

Do you read books like Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell To Arms” or William Faulkner’s “The Sound And The Fury”? Alfred Hitchcock’s “Blackmail” film turns 95 this year. Feel free to remake or incorporate classics into your next videogame creation (though I’d seek legal advice on any of these items… just to ensure indemnification)!

There are annual opportunities to conjure up new, creative possibilities with the old. “Happy Days Are Here Again” indeed! Oh yeh, that song is now listed as available for use/misuse. It’s an insane domain campaign.

Think about it…

A 1971 Led Zeppelin song title has some relevance here today, as “Going To California” befits the migration pattern of late in Hawai`i. California was the #1 state for local re-locators in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

58.078 people left Hawai’i, while 58,509 moved here in 2023. People moving here are not simply replacing those leaving. People are moving out due to the high cost of living, housing crunch, job and wage issues, and for personal/family reasons. Hard to imagine too many moving here because of a perceived “better” cost of living, pay scale, jobs, and housing opportunities. We’re probably seeing more retirees, second-home buyers, and remote workers arriving. And lest you think that 2023’s outrush was a fluke, 67,257 left Hawai`i in 2022; 56,209 moved in. The net effect was statistically manini perhaps, but the change in the make-up of our citizenry? Seismic.

Hawai`i is being not-so-subtly reshaped and must address its needs and goals in the near future- not 20 years from now. 2023 represented the eighth year in a row of net out-migration. That affects our workforce, tax base, medical needs, cultural base, plus many other societal factors.

In 2023, 8,094 Hawai`i residents said, “no mas” and moved to Cali; yup, they were “going to California”. Washington (6,548), Texas (5,273) and Nevada (4,441) were other top states for departing residents. Odds are, many (most?) won’t be coming back soon… if ever. 

The stress of local costs causes many to seek or plan for greener pastures; green… as in opportunity and perhaps peace of mind (and retirement options). California is not a cheap state in which to live, but it apparently offers an attractive alternative for the gotta go guys. I guess a radically changing population base here will change the dynamics associated with that age-old, stereotyping “where’d you go high school?” question. “Not here”… 

It’s encouraging to see an increase in (affordable) housing efforts and more than just redundant talk about tweaking short term housing rules. We need an infusion of micro-economic drivers and competitive job creation for thousands. These efforts require political will, incentives, givebacks, creativity, partnerships, and action.  As the last few years have shown, there’s a sizeable population turnover taking place here that requires more focus, including serious talk about the cultural impact. As Led Zeppelin might’ve said, Hawai`i simply isn’t providing its forlorn departees a “Whole Lotta Love” nowadays.

Think about it…    

It might not count as a miracle in this season of miracles, but the fact that Wisdom has once again laid an egg amazing, to say the least. 

Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, returns annually to Midway Atoll to hopefully hook up with her mate and perhaps give birth yet again. We know that long-distance relationships can be tough, but this one seems to bear fruit, or at least eggs, regularly. 

The most amazing thing for us non-albatrosses witnessing this breeding saga is the fact that Wisdom is a spry, 74-years old! She was first identified and banded back in 1956 after laying an egg. Ironic that we use the term “laying an egg” to often signify something not so good, a failure, when laying an egg is actually a wonderful and vital thing- for species renewal and (when unfertilized) for human’s scrambling/frying pleasure.

We can also revisit the ancient, negative connotations around albatrosses, as we sometimes hear the term an “albatross around his neck” (from a Samuel Coleridge poem) to refer to a large burden or problem-causer. The Angry Albatross Association has been quite perturbed with this aged metaphor for decades, but apparently its efforts to mitigate the negative usage associated with the term simply won’t fly. 

Almost 20-years ago, I emceed an event locally dedicating the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. I knew it was a vital symbol of efforts to protect our planet;  I knew millions of birds flocked there annually. What I didn’t know was the miraculous story of the young-at-heart Wisdom. Her previous mate appears to be gone; she and her old beau last met up three years ago. Interested observers will be keeping an eye on this egg-citing moment to see if Wisdom and her new partner produce yet one more chick (estimates are that she’s given birth to 30 or more little ones).

It’s worthwhile to constantly seek wisdom throughout life, as incessant learning helps keep us engaged, aware, self-confident, fulfilled, interesting and interested. In an age where false information is pervasive, be wary of alleged facts and data sources; double-check before you become yet another a spreader of more falsehoods. An old proverb says, “Wisdom is patiently waiting for the clouds to part and the sun to shine”. As we witness Christmas and other year-end holidays of note, celebrate the Wisdom’s wisdom. Soaring ‘neath the sun, providing hope; the circle of life, indeed.

Think about it…

While surely rewarding at times, the college coaching profession has become tougher than ever before. A team’s performance (read: wins/losses) and therefore a coach’s tenure likely depends on 17-22 year olds getting the job done- in competition, in the classroom, in the brutal, digital, asocial world that far too many must confront, and in the world at large.

A good coach mentors, provides a home away from home, even acts as a surrogate parent; but now, throw in the variable of the wild, wild west known as NIL (name, image, likeness). College athletes now make their own personal deals with outside third parties for usage of their name, image, and/or likeness, and the school is simply informed that that such a deal exists; the laws on what else must be disclosed varies from state to state. 

And if a college athlete has a great season, new transfer rules (via the “portal”) allow said athlete to simply leave for theoretically greener pastures elsewhere… anywhere- no harm, no foul. Coaches moved around easily for decades, leaving behind kids who swore allegiance to a school partially or even primarily based on that coach/mentor; now it’s student-athletes who have the leverage in deciding where they want to be.

Already we see athletes play for/attend four different schools in four or five years.

Old rules allowed a student to transfer once during his/her collegiate eligibility, and possibly sit out one year before playing at a second Division I school. Transfer penalty? Not any longer.

Why am I writing about this in mid-December? Well, for many student-athletes, the new NIL and transfer portal rules are a Christmas gift with the potential to keep on giving. But for college coaches, this new world might make them seem Grinch-like. You build up great rapport, help a kid reach new heights as the team (often) succeeds, and then watch as players opt for the transfer portal, seeking greater NIL funds and more exposure for a fledgling pro career, perhaps, while you, the coach, much seek replacements… annually… forevermore. Team uniforms should display “Hi, my name is…” stickers for fans every year. 

Surely, the interim NIL and portal rules will be tweaked and updated to reflect the insanity of what’s happening… just like the recent re-alignment in major conferences is destined to see change, once again, in the years to come. Crazy times in big-time college athletics, for sure.

Think about it…

We’re now into that “most wonderful time of the year” (I’m partial to the Andy Williams’ version myself) and I’ve opted to simply reflect this week, which we often do as the Yule season unfolds and the year comes to a close. Here are a few of my favorite moments from music or eloquent written words that just might remind us to be more thoughtful, thankful, graceful, empathetic, reflective, and humble. Why not?

“…overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life.” Bono, of U2 fame, from his autobiography, “Surrender”. Dignity and a decent life, what a clarifying concept. If you can, ‘tis the season for some true giving- of yourself, your time, and your ability to simply help others so that they can perhaps help themselves. It’s not directly about this season, but it sure feels right as we reflect.

“And so this is Christmas, and what have you done; another year over, a new one just begun.” John Lennon/Yoko Ono gave us their “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” masterpiece 53 years ago; the song and its message still resonate. So give yourself a break, celebrate small things you’ve accomplished or contributed. And strive to make a difference- even via small steps (kaizen)- in 2025.

“I wish you a hopeful Christmas, I wish you a brave new year; All anguish, pain and sadness, Leave your heart and let your road be clear. They said there’d be snow at Christmas, They said there’ll be peace on earth; Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell,
The Christmas we get we deserve.” Greg Lake (of Emerson Lake & Palmer) teamed with Peter Sinfield for “I Believe In Father Christmas”, a beautiful tune with a Prokofiev backdrop released 50 years ago. Maybe its fate, or karma, and perhaps we do invariably get what we deserve. But of course, we can surely influence those results, can’t we?

“Green is in the mistletoe and red is in the holly, Silver in the stars above that shine on everybody; Gold is in the candlelight and crimson in the embers, White is in the winter night that everyone remembers.” The magnificent Enya (2008) from “White Is In The Winter Night”. Close your eyes, yet clearly see everything she mentions. A magical time, indeed.

Think about it…

Why is it (again) that we  simply can’t or won’t get things resolved permanently far too often locally? This time, I’m wondering about the Hawai`i State Capitol surrounding moat (er… former ponds), now defunct. After decades of persistent issues, the existing tiles were finally stripped, and the area leaked during recent, torrential rains. Actually, there was flooding- walls below, ceilings, floors, equipment, records, you name it, the water came rushing into the Beretania basement. Once again. Mildew madness. The plan is to replace the ponds with user-friendly, artistic, glass tiles that perusers can walk (skate?) on. What could possibly go wrong?

Flooding/leakage has occurred repeatedly since 1969 when the State Capitol was constructed. That’s 55 years of on again/off again drippage and solution posturing. Ho hum. That’s nothing compared to the length of time we’ve waited for resolution on the Koolau Stairway to Heaven and on the Waikiki Natatorium. I know, the Stairway has been partially removed (yet another lawsuit), and the Natatorium has some practical ideas for reparations… this decade. And we’ll not nosedive into nagging no-gos of recent ilk like TMT, Aloha Stadium, or the on-going Red Hill fiasco.

And then we have the saga of the Queen Theatre in Kaimuki, a building that many see as having historical value, yet has sat vacant and deteriorating for 40-years on a very visible and valuable corner in Kaimuki. We don’t measure things dilapidating in years here, we measure them in decades. The theatre went from a grand symbol of growth in Kaimuki to a pornographic movie house (giving a whole new meaning to the Queen Theatre moniker) to an empty shell; but the City of Honolulu seems likely to act “soon”.

And hey! We’re (finally) getting that leeward bypass road, which officials say will be functional by next spring! We often witness a lack of urgency regarding public or private, well-publicized projects; not handling things often leads to frustration, apathy, and (invariably) greater costs… like the $45-million that’s now being spent to fix leaks and electrical damage in the Capitol pool area. 

Recent rainwaters permeated the allegedly waterproof basins even after the Capitol pools were drained in 2020. With the assumed no more pool rule, some are questioning why we can’t save some form of water feature that won’t leak. Perhaps after 55 years, it’s time for change, though change we abhor. Even when things stay broke.

Think about it…

If you indulge in cheddar cheese added to your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or perhaps the apple pie, here’s a story about giving thanks, with a side of cheese.

About a month ago, a scam was perpetrated on a top London cheese retailer, where an alleged French connection bought 300,000 pounds of cheddar for almost $400,000… but never paid. Three cheese-producing farms provided the wheels of cheddar; the wholesaler shipped the goods, but no further communication (nor payment) was received. That’s a lotta cheese. But good news, an arrest has finally been made- cheddar late than never, of course. The bad guys will now undoubtedly meet their feta.

I could regale you with a plethora of cheesy puns and such, but this theft got me to thinking: why do we say “cheese” when taking pictures? Sure, it’s to get our bright smiles and wide grins on camera, but couldn’t other terms have been used to shape our supple brains? How about “please”? That gets the grin going, and might help subtly teach people better manners whilst taking pictures. Or maybe the perfect picture word nowadays could be “jeez”, as in what the heck is going on?!

But reflecting back on this cheese caper in Europe, it’s apparently rare to see a cheese heist of such rotund proportions. I smiled often while perusing cheesy jokes and puns, so please parmesan me. Those stolen wheels of cheese in England/France were calm during the recent robbery… because they were simply too mature. There were some early leads on whodunit, but they turned out to be too gouda to be true. Now that’s a grate one! Needless to say, there are far too many sites to peruse to find cheese trivia and laughs. Just use your mouse.

About 10-years ago, Italian police skewered a thieving cheese ring stealing chunks of Parmigiano-Reggiano, according to London’s The Times. Yet hefty cheese thefts appear to be few and far between. Of course, the evidence is usually gone in short order. And the Italian thieves were told upon capture “…this is nacho cheese”.

So happy Thanksgiving! In the midst of everything else going on nowadays, a little levity (with bread and a spread) is always welcome. So say “cheese”, “please”, or “jeez”, for family pictures, avoid talking politics, and be thankful for what you’ve got. Hopefully, things can only get cheddar. I hope you concurd.

Think about it…

Due to our publication deadline, this “Think About It” was written before Election Day, so this column was written with no knowledge of who won any races anywhere…

But if you think our political system and democracy today are confounding, rigged, or don’t look out for the needs of the very citizens that make up our nation, look local. Two weeks ago, the Hawai`i Board of Education was close to passing an operating budget for the next two years that would have reduced funding and positions for high school Learning Center Programs.

Learning Centers (LCs) at various public schools provide focused learning in very specific areas, like agriculture, natural resources, business, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Disclaimer alert- I am fortunate to have been a member of Kalaheo High’s Academy of Media & Design for many years. I’ve seen how this program works, excites and encourages students, and helps kids ideate career and life choices. LCs enable our future work force and develop budding leaders of tomorrow.

Dismantling this program or tossing the funding back to the schools would have been problematic, at best, and self-defeating, at worst. But due to quickly-coordinated, grass roots lobbying efforts, the DOE Board listened to students, advisors, administrators, parents, and teachers, and pulled the cutbacks from the upcoming budget. The Board backed off cutting state funds to the 29 existing LCs as students got a first-hand taste of how to conduct rational, inspiring, civil activism and discourse for a cause. How invigorating, respectful, and refreshing.

Not only did numerous 16-18 year-olds keep their beloved school programs on track, they got to be active participants in the democratic process, using logic and perseverance over a very short window of time. And kudos to the Board of Education for not only listening, but also changing its plans and budget.  

This “project” was a wonderful victory, spearheaded by kids and mentors, showing that opinions matter when backed with sound reasoning, passion, facts, and logic. Great things happen, sometimes, when people react righteously. Calls went out for testimony submissions, for handcrafted placards to be displayed at the Capitol in opposition of the proposed cuts, and for students and others to rally (and testify) at the BOE meeting. It worked; the system can work. If only the kids could explain this concept to overzealous adults nationwide who must’ve missed vital lessons about civics, ethics, and empathy.

Think about it…