Think About It Hawaii

The next time someone suggests that they don’t vote because it really doesn’t matter, refer back to the great Hawai`i primary election of August, 2026, where TWO Republican primary battles ended up tied. Not just close, not tiny margins determining a victor, but actual ties. Thus, any one person who did not to fill-in his/her mail-in ballot but might have voted in either of these races turned out (unintentionally) to be an absolute decision maker. 

Some people don’t vote because they dislike both major parties and/or many candidates. The August underwhelming local tally (just 33% of eligible voters did their duty) and these results remind us that if people do a wee bit of research online about candidate positions and histories, and simply send in a ballot via the pre-addressed and stamped envelope, they can be an integral part of democracy rather than consciously ignoring the system while still (perhaps) whining about it. Can voting get any simpler? Hundreds of thousands here register, and then don’t bother voting.  

As for some lackluster choices, especially in the cesspool- or reflecting pool- known as Washington, D.C., some people who might capably lead this country or state opt to pass on pursuing politics. Nowadays, you’re hounded by asocial media, rumors, innuendos, and anonymous yet direct personal threats from disgruntled people who don’t get what they want or don’t like what they see (or read). And then constant compromising required- oh wait, that doesn’t exist anymore; we simply draw lines (walls?) in the sand and stay on our side, no matter what. Nanny nanny boo-boo!

While non-candidates might never admit it as a rationale for not running, there’s undoubtedly quite a pay cut at stake for some private sector individuals who might otherwise be cajoled into entering the political fray. Remember when Chrysler’s Lee Iacocca was possibly going to be drafted to run for president? That came as the government had bailed out his floundering U.S. car company. But Iacocca, like General Colin Powell and other well-known authority figures, opted not to wade into shark-infested waters.

George Washington was a reluctant choice for president; twice. But he did it upon repeated requests from his fellow nation builders. They told him that he alone was the only one who could bring the original, fragile 13 states together. He put his sense of duty above his personal desires. You’re duty/responsibility? Just vote. Freedom needs you.

Think about it…

A few items to ponder and gaze at in dull wonderment…

Myriad, massive, upscale projects loom large in Kaka`ako, and the vital electric grid is overburdened. While multi-million dollar condos keep popping up, promised affordable housing units somehow get pushed aside, delayed, or hung up in reliable obfuscation. How could that happen; bad planning or canny planning?…

We sometimes see senseless property destruction- a sink smashed in a local beach park bathroom, a statue destroyed at a Buddhist temple, classrooms trashed. But vandalizing artwork and tiles at ‘Aikahi Elementary School last month? A useless act of what- frustration, a lax childhood upbringing; bad hair day?! Why would anyone destroy elementary school kids’ artwork, which included a section dedicated to Maile Gilbert, whose 1985 murder led to our vital, local Maile Amber Alert network? Sad, inexcusable, lame, wanton destruction. As of this writing, no leads, clues, or rationale. Let’s hope someone(s) comes forward to begin his/her road to personal redemption and rehabilitation…

While increased federal funding for local Medicare reimbursements of $17 million annually will provide help for beneficiaries, a quick calculation provides a bit of perspective. Medical costs (no matter who you blame) are going through the roof. With 300,000 local Medicare recipients here, if everyone got an equal share of this additional annual “windfall” reimbursement, it would come to $56.66 per person; chump change. Not everyone needs additional funding yearly, but this somewhat pyrrhic “victory” reminds us that a thorough overhaul of our healthcare system, insurance labyrinth, and Kafkaesque administration is badly needed as perplexed patients lose patience while struggling to pay. And, U.S. healthcare is rarely ranked in the top 10 of world health rankings… 

Schools reopened, and so did that can of worms regarding neglected repairs and major reconstruction projects statewide. We expect upward trends in test scores while far too many kids have to overcome heat exhaustion (still), and band aid fixes on systemic, dilapidated physical plants. The DOE does what it can, apparently, but projects get delayed, ignored, or lost in the layered bureaucratic bouillabaisse. Hard to train developing minds to comprehend responsibility when orange cones, unusable facilities, and yellow tape remind them daily that adults in charge aren’t necessarily fulfilling their obligations and promises. And the age old O`ahu vs. Neighbor Island favoritism-treatment accusation rears its ugly head as problems fester while repair requests vaporize slowly like stagnant rainwater in students’ soaked shoes…

Think about it…

A pair of labor economists found that 84% of people who work remotely spend their work time alone. And since three times as many people worked remotely in 2024 compared to (pre-COVID) 2019, that’s a lot of potentially lonesome souls. Not surprisingly, over half of remote workers felt less connected to colleagues. Some who didn’t feel estranged probably don’t care much about the job to begin with. “It’s a paycheck”, a means to an end. How sad. When you spend 50% of your waking hours involved with something or someone, shouldn’t it provide a sense of fulfillment and even joy?

While remote work provides many potential benefits, it also has enhanced people’s sense of isolation and distress. The labor economist authors went on to state that “The office is the No.1 place adults form friendships, outranking houses of worship, children’s schools, neighborhoods, and sports teams.” Quiet time and contemplation are great; just not forever. 

If you’re motivated by upward mobility at work, consider that if three people with similar jobs at a big company work remotely, and three others work at the office daily, who do you think has a better chance of promotion if/when the time comes? The people who the bosses see and interact with daily, or the Zoom-only participants?

Our brains are wired to communication better when in the presence of others (the social baseline theory), not while on regular Brady Bunch calls, where some users quietly multi-task (poorly) with emails, Kalshi, cell phones, or Door Dash.

We know that the mental health of the elderly is directly correlated to regular activities with in-person connections. Even a small circle of friends is better for us than any bots, avatars, social media “friends”, influencers, and/or A.I. interlopers. Interacting might be intimidating for the shy and natural introverts, but everyone needs a modicum of human connection.

While most workers indicate they’d often love to leave office/work politics, micromanaging, and drama behind, the half million work-from-home people who participated in labor economists’ Harrington/Emmanuel/Pallais study profiled in Science magazine led to the following conclusion: “…remote work explains a third of the deterioration in mental health between 2011 and 2024.” 

Phone company AT&T told us to “reach out and touch someone” in 1979; that concept rings truer today in a post-modern, post-truth, post-connection world that encourages disconnection, digital dopamine/endorphin lures, and self-absorption. Strive to stay involved, engaged, interested, connected, and optimistic.

Think about it… 

Hawai’i’s Department of Labor and Industrial Relations published an economic report last month suggesting an upcoming “…decade of slow, cautious expansion”. Wow. A decade of blah. That sounds ominous- especially if you’re seeking your way professionally, looking at local long-term opportunities for personal and earnings growth, and seeking a path toward retirement. 

With an annual projected job market growth rate locally of just 0.4% for the foreseeable (and unforeseeable) future, how will Gen X, Y, Z, and Alpha sustain or enhance a lifestyle that provides what they want, much less need? 

The DLIR report speculates that growth will be found in categories such as general management, nursing, repair work, maintenance, food and service industries, carpentry and bartending, as well as health care and social assistance areas. 

Vocational shifts and needs are occurring already (in part) due to increased digital and A.I. workplace components. Business and government leaders must seek out ways to encourage and/or develop growth industries here- beyond tourism and construction. Remote working, though it has downsides, appeals to many working families and those who simply desire more life balance, a concept that differs for everyone.

The 2026 state legislature added an extra 5% tax credit to Hawaiʻi’s Motion Picture, Digital Media and Film Production. That made headlines, but 5% is no alluring game-changer nor a major inducement as productions opt for greener pastures elsewhere to film shows/movies that might “look like” Hawai`i. Raising the total available annual cap on production credits for TV/movies from $50 to $60 million, while a 20% increase, remains too small a base for big-time productions; we should offer at least double that amount. 

The average price tag to make a Hollywood movie is $60-million, while episodic mini-series cost at least $6-million per episode. If we’re serious about luring more (non-polluting, well-paying, eco-friendly-ish, scenic promotion) productions and if we want newer, unexplored businesses to consider Hawai`i, we gotta have more to offer. 

Case in point- Delaware became America’s “corporation capital” 127 years ago by offering good deals, updating legal services, and providing better business incentives. Corporate franchise taxes and fees now make up about $2 billion (or 25%) of Delaware’s general fund. Yes, Delaware.

With DLIR’s report and Hawai’i`s annual out-migration pattern, we need to do more than wait and hope; we need pro-active concepts as has been suggested repeatedly for over 30 years. Tourism and construction need viable economic siblings… quickly.

Think about it…

I had the pleasure last month to go blueberry picking with my wife not once, but twice on a rural farm in Marion County, Oregon. The family-run farm head hands you a bucket and says, “good luck”. 

You pay $2 per pound (astounding) and you get time to converse with… well, no one, if you choose. It’s just you, the vines and your bucket, as the summer breeze keeps it cool(er); you watch as bees do their thing; meadowland bliss. A veritable garden of eatin’.

I don’t often spend leisure time in fields; this pastime was somewhat revelatory for me. Just nature and me, getting to know one another. The chore at hand (literally)? Blueberries (now that I’m a pro) should be picked based on how they look on the outside, unlike how we should choose friends. And no need to pull too hard- the ripe ones are easily accessible and agreeable.

Good-looking blueberries can be sour- just like people. But even sour blueberries can serve a purpose- they can be transformed into bountiful baked goods, sauces, or jams. Yes even the “off” ones have value. Proper care can release their sweetness. Like people.

I learned that it helps to go beyond the tried and true paths traversing the vines. Some people picked only near the main barn. By venturing out further, you can find what you’re looking for. A life lesson via fruit? Sometimes you have to go out of your way to find what you want/need. And sometimes, yes, you do come across low-hanging fruit.

Sometimes you’re focused on just one side of the vine, when simply crossing over to the other side bears fruit.  Don’t just look at things one way. Step back a bit; try a different perspective. 

When seeking your goals (like a full basket of succulent blueberries) you may have to search longer, further away from your normal comfort zone. Good things are not always in plain sight. No seek, no find.

We had a glorious time picking these amazing berries (which, as George Carlin profoundly noted, are purple… not blue). Filled with antioxidants, fiber, Vitamins C and K, and manganese, these low-calorie pearls of the vine rank up there with walnuts and broccoli as healthy, tasty treats when far too many enjoyable foods nowadays seem to have dubious ramifications (or recalls).  Pickin’ and pluckin’ made for a berry good day indeed.

Think about it…

Like many others, I just want to know- how did we get here?! I am writing this while the uncertainty remains, but how do we find ourselves in a situation where we literally beg people to vote, and then we tell them their vote doesn’t count.

It’s like the renowned Abbott & Costello routine, “Who’s On First?” As they banter about confusing baseball nicknames, Costello laments “I don’t know!”, and Abbott simply says “Oh, he’s at third base!” So how did this suffrage snafu occur? Questions surrounding eligibility issues in the East Honolulu District 4 City Council race arose months ago… and yet officials mailed out ballots which led to a too-late ruling that basically means votes for incumbent Tommy Waters will not be counted. Wary voters who learned of the court ruling but hadn’t yet voted then possibly opted not to vote for Waters; or didn’t vote at all. 

While there are accusations and obfuscation flying around over this dismal display of democracy delayed or derided, East Honolulu voters- those who actually performed their civic duties by voting- have been informed that a vote for Waters simply drifts off into the netherworld and shall remain uncounted. 

So much for best practices! Way to encourage “ainokea” voters to believe that “every vote counts”?! And then (as of this editorial submission) there’s the question- could Waters be back on the ballot in the November 3 general election? Oh, joy. More confusion, contestation, voter alienation and undoubtedly more arbitration!

Hawai`i voter turnout peaked with statehood 67 years ago at about 84% of registered voters participating. In this century, we barely get half that amount of turnout. Even mail-in balloting has barely moved the needle upwards. In the August, 2026, primary, about 33% of registered voters participated… keep in mind that many eligible voters never even bother to register. 

At the end of the day, voters (and non-voters) wonder why this wasn’t resolved weeks (if not months) earlier. Impassioned arguments and media speeches continue to be made. For relief, watch any Marx Brothers skit or refer back to Abbott & Costello. It beats this Moe/Larry/Curly debacle. 

The difference is- those characters were comedic on purpose. Some may now ask- should I bother to vote come November? And is this truly Waters under the bridge, or will this saga continue?

Think about it…

Historically, when November general election results are tabulated locally, over 90% of incumbents are re-elected.

While that might seem like a staggering weighting in favor of current electees, it’s really the norm around the nation. State level incumbent re-election numbers were as follows during the latest election periods: 2025 (89%), 2024 (97%), 2023 (94%), 2022 (96%), according to Ballotpedia.

23 candidates ran unopposed in Hawai`i’s August primary. Whether that means upstart, possible contenders are getting put-off by the incredible odds against winning against an incumbent or that semi-interested people just don’t see politics as a means to an end- that’s a discussion for social scientists, political pundits, and some barstool debating.

But a concern about accountability appears repeatedly when incumbents have no challenges or challengers. This isn’t the way our political system was intended to function. Original plans called for average citizens to work in politics for a few years and then return to their regular jobs. With our part-time legislature, winners stay in office and have an off season “day job” to spend time at (with annual looming conflicts of interest).

The feeling 250 years ago was that citizens would see running for office and working for their constituents as a call to duty, a civic virtue. Originators did not include term limits in their plans; they assumed involved voters would toss out bad eggs.

When no one chooses to compete, when there’s really no pressure for incumbents to take strong stances or possibly rock the boat for often-discussed, rarely-enacted changes, do local citizens get what they need as a community? Something vital is missing when we bury our heads in the sand as over 55% of eligible voters never bother to vote here. We accept status quo, or stasis quo, while lamenting that (often) nothing seems to be getting done. 

We do have empathetic, engaged elected officials. We have some who are not so good. But no one elected to serve the people deserves a free pass come election time.

This is not about one party or the other. It’s about a habitual lack of influencing our own fates. We suffer from a lack of bona fide challengers encouraging a lack of voting (even with our simple mail-in voting). “Be the change you want to see” might be an oft-used (Mahatma Gandhi) expression, but it needs to mean more here; unless same old, same old works.

Think about it…

I love dogs, as do many. Since we’re now in the waning moments of the so-called “dog days of summer”, I thought maybe you’d like to know where some of our catchy canine concepts came from:

“Dog days of summer”– comes from ancient times when gazers realized that Sirius, the Dog Star, was brightest in the sky. It’s really bright at this time of year. Sirius-ly…

“Three dog night”– one of the great singing acts of the late-1960s “(Joy To The World”, “Celebrate”, “Liar”, “Mama Told Me”, et al.) chose a name that stand out and reflected its three lead singers. But the original concept sprung from Australian Aboriginals, who cuddled with their pup pets when it was freezing; apparently three did the trick. Of course, when temperatures dip, I’d choose three Newfoundlands over three chihuahuas, dog gone it! Especially if I’m “Out In The Country” (for you Three Dog Night fans).

“Dog eat dog”– rather an ironic story… The concept comes from a Latin proverb which extols how dogs, being good-natured, do not eat one another. Yet, English-speaking pundits began using the expression to indicate the exact opposite- that we, as a species, will do whatever it takes (sometimes) in our lust for for power and control. Hmmm… so apparently it’s our species that’s “going to the dogs”.

“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”– this one is over 500 years old and simply wrong, according to dog (and people) experts. We (and dogs) can learn as long as we’re still on the right side of the grass (i.e.- alive). Suggesting that someone is simply stuck in their ways might be more appropriate, which leaves dogs out of stubborn human intransigence.

“Sick as a dog”– how could we possibly know what it feels like to be sick as a four-legged creature who doesn’t speak our language?? This one comes from the early 1700s, when dogs lived outside, ate whatever they could find, often then got sick, and harbored diseases. I guess if you got in trouble back then, you couldn’t be shown the doghouse… because there was none.

Every dog has his day, let sleeping dogs lie, dog tired, work like a dog– wow! For a group collectively considered to be “man’s best friend”, we bipeds certainly have filled our vocabulary with a list of really unfriendly dog vernacular. OK, time to call off the dogs.

Think about it…  

We’re in the midst of hurricane season, and while it’s been a breeze thus far, it’s vital to remember just how close we’ve come to experiencing windy disasters numerous times over the last 75 years. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has been tracking our region since 1950 and to date, we have had 67 events (tropical storms or hurricanes) that have come within about 200 miles of our homes.

Take a bunch of pebbles (to represent our island chain) and strew some wet ramen noodles all around them. That’s what NOAA’s Hawai`i hurricane map of near misses looks like over the past 75-years. About 30 of those wet and wild systems have been full blown hurricanes. Many remember the devastation and destruction of Iniki (1992) and Iwa (1982). And we all know what flooding can do.

Experts postulate, with historical precedent, that our cooler ocean water, volcanic slopes, subtropical high-pressure systems, and vertical wind shear tendencies push the wildest winds away from our island chain, but that doesn’t eliminate the possibility that gargantuan gales might one day huff and puff throughout our archipelago.

NOAA’s 2026 crystal ball suggests a 70% chance of increased hurricane activity in the Central/Eastern Pacific area, exacerbated by warmer waters and reduced wind shear, thanks to the so-called El Niño effect. 

Our local focus shouldn’t be on what we cannot control; it’s about preparedness beyond the basics (water, food, toilet paper). How vibrant is our current emergency communication framework, including redundant/back-up systems? How will the populace know what’s going on if the lights go out for days? Ever thought your car radio might be an information savior? It could be.

If emergency cargo ships take up to a week to arrive, and port operations are kapakahi, what’s Plan B? Shelters will be available statewide, but will visitors need to bring their own supplies? On October 15, 2006, our state lost power (in some areas) for up to 24-hours due to an earthquake. Top local officials had their means of communicating, but a million-plus residents and visitors had a hard time getting information. 

Sessions were held post-mortem with vital emergency response personnel including media, the military, non-profits, the government, HPD, and notable utility entities. Are we truly ready in 2026 to provide comprehensive, regular messaging? Cell phones? Good luck. COVID reminded us of our isolation. It’s 2026; are the tools in place if weather woes arise?

Think about it…

I recently watched an intriguing, five-part series, “The American Experiment”, which provides historical perspectives on our nation’s birth and how close that evolving plan came to falling apart 250 years ago. Noted historians, politicians, and pundits pontificated on what happened then, and why. And also- what that means today.

I also happened upon a TV concert special, “Paul Simon: The Quiet Celebration Concert”. Simon, one of America’s greatest living singer-songwriters, lost 96% hearing in his left ear, exacerbated by a botched surgical procedure targeted to correct his initial, sudden hearing loss. Fellow band members created the necessary acoustics on stage and thus he began performing again, albeit quietly.

My father lost over 85% of his hearing due to an enemy concussion shell while fighting on an Italian hillside during World War II and dealt with it for 60-years. I have empathy for Simon’s plight, plus his resolve and pluckiness to not allow this ailment to define him at age 84. Much like my father.

In his special, Simon sang his Simon & Garfunkel 1969 song, “The Boxer”, which lyrically reflects his personal state of mind as he withstood critical barbs and wicked music critiques. He sang “…And wishing I was gone, going home”. But he never quit playing. Not back then, not now. He persevered.

Maybe that’s what we can take from our country’s 250^th birthday. This USA experiment goes on, flawed in many respects, still morphing, agonizing, discovering, and yet still the benchmark of freedom and possibility for so many. Witness the just-completed World Cup Soccer event; a bouillabaisse of disparate humans had a literal ball here. 

“The Boxer” also suggests: “Still a man hears what he wants to hear/ And disregards the rest”.  How true is that 1969 thought from “The Boxer” in 2026? Nowadays, many nestle in friendly media echo chambers and comfort zones with their tribes “…and disregard the rest”. 

I learned in “The American Experiment” just how humble and strong George Washington was. He didn’t really crave the presidency, but was emphatically reminded that he was the lone man who could bring this nascent nation together- long before asocial media, egotists, trolls, and wannabes try to separate this nation, whose very name begins with that vital concept- United. 

We’ve been through a lot in 250+ years. Our laws, innate decency and common vision have bonded us amid excessive disruptions. Here’s to the next 250 years.

Think about it…