MidWeek Column

Hawai`i is the most expensive state to live in the United States. We all know that. Discussions are held regularly on how to address the issue, with lots of current legislative rightfully focused right now on how to help local people most in need.

So knowing that we have an on-going dilemma here based on numerous factors that are discussed incessantly, wouldn’t it make sense to do a better job educating students about economic realities, opportunities, potential pitfalls, and necessities?

According to the Council for Economic Education, 25 states in this country “… require students to take a course in economics to graduate”. Ohio and Nebraska became the most recent states to see the light, as bi-partisan efforts there helped to ensure that students moving on to college or into the real (working) world will now learn the how to help get one’s financial house in order at an early age.

Some of us might reminisce and say about a bevy of topics: “…if I only knew that when I was 18…”; being taught how to utilize one’s earnings, enhance one’s retirement nest egg, avoid overspending and capitalize on proven economic principles at an early age might really have been helpful.

Our overworked state Department of Education provides some direction, standards, and resources, and local banks, credit unions, and financial analysts have wonderful tools to help anyone understand the ABCs of personal economics, but mandating a high school course would go a long way toward relieving some of the angst and future money issues encountered by almost everyone, including ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) families and those in poverty locally.

It’ll take a concerted, public-private effort to help fund this education and the educators needed to pull it off, but we are long past merely considering such a concept. Again, we are the most expensive place to live in America, and that’s not likely to change soon. So being better prepared and economically aware such that you might make smarter fiscal choices early in your working years seems like a bipartisan concept everyone can get behind.

We teach kids about personal hygiene and other vital issues yet, perhaps ironically, the lack of any school-mandated, personal finance education could lead to future personal ailments- physical, fiscal, and mental. Perhaps 2023 will be the year we move forward, because we literally can’t afford to continue ignoring our economic illiteracy.

Think about it…

So how cool was that?! You know, the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational on January 22? Tens of thousands on hand to watch a select group of men and women give it up in the spirit of Eddie. An awe-inspiring moment for surfers, event organizers, visitors, and locals alike. What a great sense of pride must have been felt by everyone involved. Watching incredible footage on a national network newscast that night reiterated to me what a special event (in a special place) “the Eddie” truly is.

My nephew, an intrepid North Shore lifeguard, was on the alternate list, but his opportunity never came. Maybe next time… So, he simply and quietly headed out into the “foaming, merciless sea” (to quote Rap Reiplinger) on a jet ski to help make sure that everyone was safe, including land-based newcomers who ignore basic physics of large waves- yes, they sometimes come ashore.

Local newspaper quotes about the event said it all: surfers who felt “honored” to be invited; a visitor from Europe who called it a “religious ritual”; even the event winner, a Waimea lifeguard, who claimed, “I’m tripping… I’m still on duty”. Only in Hawai`i, eh?

My father, a solid swimmer in his day, took swimming lessons on Maui from legendary instructor, Soichi Sakamoto, during World War II, and insightfully told me when we first visited Oahu’s North Shore a half century ago, “Never fear the ocean, but always respect it…” True that, Dad.

This event is so revered that big-time surfers drop everything and scurry to get here in time. A number of years back, when measurements of the rolling waves at Waimea Bay were assessed, organizers called off the event right before it was about to begin, much to the chagrin of thousands waiting, and sponsorship moneys went unspent. Integrity, respect, honor, forthrightness, even bravery in the face of a marketing opportunity. Stunning qualities in an era leaning towards immediate gratification, selfies, influencers, tell-all tales, trolls, fake news, and, well… I digress.

The Eddie was a no go that day and for many years it’s been a non-event, occurring only 10 times in four decades. It’s for invitees only; a special group. Eddie would go– a simple phrase and simple praise for a humble, local legend who did go many times to save many people on Oahu’s North Shore. And this year, the Eddie did go.

Think about it… 

Decisions, decisions… As the lettered, numeric license plate sequences run out next year, Hawai`i will change its license plate design… or will it? According to a recent Q & A in the Star-Advertiser’s “Kokua Line”, the previous plates (featuring King Kamehameha) lasted nine years (1981-1990), while our current rainbow-themed license plates will have been around for 32 years by the time they’re (possibly) retired in 2024.

If a new design is forthcoming, it will first require state, counties, law enforcement, and general public input. Seems like 2035 should be about when that’ll happen, based on how “major” decisions often come down locally. For now, here are some possibilities:

The humuhumunukunukuāpua’a is widely revered by school kids and others as our state fish. If we spelled it out, it could wrap around car/truck bumpers, giving us an exclusive license plate concept.

How about the (construction) crane? Many consider that our state bird, since it’s invasive tendencies can occasionally be seen far and wide (see: Kaka`ako).

Diamondhead- the volcanic cone is well-known, so maybe something more subtle and parochial for locals- like the Ko`olau Stairway to Heaven? Whereas cars represent going somewhere, this illegal staircase represents an issue that annually goes nowhere– an intriguing and cerebral juxtaposition perhaps?

A monk seal would be a cute, unique, and appropriate- after all, we know the rules about not getting too close, just like we’re supposed to be doing through our own safe driving habits.

The mongoose, unique to Hawai`i (in the U.S.A.) is a diurnal animal brought here 140-years ago to handle the growing (plantation) rat population… buts rats are nocturnal, partying all night, whilst mongooses sleep. Poor planning, indeed. A story with a moral told via license plates could be heart-warming, just like mongooses and rats… oh, never mind.

And what then of the nēnē? Before you say no no, consider that after a half-million years here, this gregarious goose should be given some serious consideration. Honk if you agree.

Maybe a surfboard design? After all, surfboards and cars both experience unwanted dings. A mai tai motif seems inappropriate, what with that whole drinking and driving thing. A ukulele? That’s a thought, knowing how much music means locally. Poke or shave ice conjure up positive thoughts unique to Hawai`i, but good luck on a readable design. So many options sure to be debated. Ultimately, this decision will be a mixed plate.

Think about it…

Every year we hear about the number of legal fireworks permits sold here. And every year we invariably hear anecdotal tales about loud (illegal) booms that go on for hours (or days). Asking neighbors to narc on one another simply isn’t working well enough. The idea of plainclothes cops helps, but the reality of more injuries annually apparently isn’t enough to keep scofflaws from blowing up their wares and possibly their loved ones. Current law says using under 25 pounds of illegal fireworks could lead to a fine of $200 to $2,500. How about adding a zero or two to these fines? Tough as it is for neighborhood advocates who pray for a more peaceful and legal transition from one year to the next, they must step up anonymously…

Wanna know a bad week? How about Southwest Airlines relying on an admittedly antiquated technology for its reservation system, using a point-to-point scheduling system (vs. the more readily accepted “hub and spoke” method competitors use), and having thousands of flight and tens of thousands of bags and customers inconvenienced…  and then having a Honolulu to Oakland flight turn around mid-flight on December 26 due to customer behavior issues! And you thought whiny relatives was a big deal at holiday time…

Visitor spending here through November, 2022, was up 9% vs. the same time period in (pre-COVID) 2019 while the visitor count was down 11%. Oh boy! That’s what many hoped for- get the spending up, but with fewer bodies in town. Which works, as long as pent up demand, hotel pricing, the actual experience, airfare convenience (see: Southwest), weather, economic factors, and other determinants all work in tandem. If this trend keeps up, you might not see those great kama`aina rates you’re always looking for when you want to travel interisland…

On Christmas Day, the Navy suggested it might take six to18 months to fix some of its malfunctioning cameras at Red Hill. Hmmm… couldn’t we ask four, techie 10^th graders to get a reliable surveillance system wired up with iPhone 6s… in about 45-minutes? Fuel spills sans surveillance, fire suppressant gushing from a pipeline, more talks, conferences, meetings, discussions, suggestions, timetables, reversals, excuses, denials, obfuscation, etc. I’m not sure who’s in charge this week- Moe, Larry, or Curly- but the people living in this area (and many outside) are once again left wondering what, why, and when…

Think About It… 

He came, he saw, he conquered, he scored four here, and now he’s left. Pelé was the greatest soccer (a/k/a futebol) player ever. You might quibble about Messi, Ronaldo, Maradona, Cruyff, or others, but no one did more for the sport and bringing the world together than did Brazil’s Edson Arantes do Nascimento, who passed away on December 29. Many 1960s kids wanted to like Pelé long before anyone wanted to be like Mike (Jordan)… or LeBron.

He played at a level that no one had ever seen before… literally. His contests with home squad Santos were available only via radio, thus his larger-than-life legend grew, as did his goal-tallying sheet. The only man to ever play on three World Cup winning teams (for native Brazil), Pelé was revered as he simply displayed his not-so-simple gifts with grace and purpose. Allegedly, a Nigerian civil war cease-fire was declared for 48-hours when Pelé came to play there in 1969. Back in 1961, Brazil’s military government brazenly declared him a “national treasure” so he wouldn’t ever leave Santos to play overseas in his prime.

And… he played here twice. In April, 1976, 21,705 fans witnessed the Aloha Soccer Festival, and Pelé didn’t disappoint- scoring four times as his New York Cosmos (of the nascent North American Soccer League) rolled over Japan’s Team Honda, 5-0. He returned to Aloha Stadium in mid-1977, during the lone, local season of Hawai`i’s NASL squad. 12,877 watched as his Cosmos squeaked by Team Hawai`i, 2-1. 

Pelé’s global humanitarian efforts against racism, for UNICEF and other noteworthy causes were acknowledged by everyone from Hawai`i Governor George Ariyoshi (who presented him with an award preceding that 1976 tournament here) to Nelson Mandela and the Queen of England. He won the International Peace Prize in 1978, and while not as outspoken as his contemporary sports icon, Muhammed Ali, Pelé was never shy when asked about the rampant racism he encountered as a youth and into his playing days as a global ambassador. Like Ali, he provided a new hope and brought pride to tens of millions worldwide, including disadvantaged, dark-skinned youth… all with a smile.

We’re lucky that Pelé showcased his joyous demeanor, aloha, and unmatched soccer skills here twice. Soccer (in his book, it’s called the “beautiful game”) is the earth’s most popular sport (not pickleball) and Pelé evolved it in so many ways. Obrigado!

Think about it…

What’s the true cost of doing nothing? What’s the real bottom line on delaying decisions, holding yet more meetings, adding discussions, committee analyses, legal hearings, red herrings, and community input?

Often, even when a decision is rendered, action is not taken as someone forgot to inform someone, egos conflict, or something came up that wasn’t considered, or…

Such is the case locally ad nauseum. But maybe 2023 with some re-direction at various government levels might alter that. Delays or redundant decisions followed by after-the-fact contradictions followed by more talk and little action is legendary locally. Maybe 2023 will be different.

What was the price of delaying habitable temperatures in far too many classrooms statewide for 40+ years? Conditions so inhumane that the SPCA would have been called in if you left a dog in a 95-degree leeward or windward classroom. Finally, we witnessed upgrades, retrofits, and who knows- maybe better teaching and learning will result from negating stultifying air.

What’s been the price of doing virtually nothing on the TMT project for years now? Legitimate questions, long-standing cultural issues unresolved, and real discussion is just now occurring. Maybe 2023 will be different.

What’s the cost of the can-kicking down the political road with the Waikiki Natatorium, a rotting relic built to honor men and women who fought for this territory and the United States during World War I. Is 40 years not enough time to remove rebar and re-make this dilapidated entity something invoking pride?

What’s the real price tag for delaying and then finally doing something about the windward Stairway To Heaven? Again, 40+ years might be a blip along the space-time continuum, yet seems a an absurdly long window in which to avoid responsible decision-making.

A new landfill, prison, and stadium district; beach erosion options, North Shore parking, an alternative driving route for leeward commuters, truly affordable housing- all discussed, planned, dissected, needed, and invariably stalled or ignored.

It’s now 2023; with a new year comes renewed optimism. People rarely “simply” lose 50-pounds… yet they can strive to lose five pounds at a time, showing progress, gaining confidence, making the difficult (if not impossible) more plausible via small wins. Kaizen. Let us cheer as ever-present, dangling particulars reach resolution and see action this year. Yes, sometimes doing nothing really is doing something- just not what we’d hoped for. Maybe 2023 will be different. Please…

Think About it…

I took a day trip recently. A semi-leisurely trio of flights to Neighbor Islands (at great rates) to ensure I’d keep my “special” airline status in 2023. Seemed simple enough- HNL to OGG (Kahului) to KOA (Kona) and back home. Leave enough room in between trips to be safe- perhaps a meal here or there within the airport confines (not willing to tempt TSA lines); home in time for 3:15pm Sunday Night Football.

You’ve heard of having a bad hair day? Well, I had a bad air day. Unfortunately, I picked that turbulent Sunday (November 18) when torrential rain, wind, and lightning ruled. The flight to Maui had just a wee bit of turbulence. And then the fun began. Airport closures, incessant delays, and wind-aided downpours flustered frenzied fliers, some trying to get to Honolulu to catch the only available flight home that afternoon.

Maui to Kona’s flight was uneventful, but we landed 100-minutes late, at 1:40pm, and my flight from Kona back to HNL left at 1:30pm. I’m in Kona, relatively unprepared, and suddenly that quaint indoor/outdoor holding area became my prison. Can’t venture outside, you might miss the airline announcement about your make-up flight. Can’t saunter into the sole, on-site restaurant- no loudspeaker inside. So calmly, I simply waited… and waited… for five hours.

Finally, after unsuccessfully circumnavigating plentiful puddles, sideways rain, and 350+ travelers anxiously boxed in and awaiting news about missed connections or lightning delays (can’t board/deboard aircraft at an outdoor airport when lightning’s spotted; can’t re-fuel either), I gleefully got onto a much-delayed flight, landing back at HNL Airport at 8m- a 13-hour day spent in the not-so-friendly skies simply to get back to where I started. 

As a lifetime impatient (not inpatient), I rationalized the realities of Mother Nature’s whims that Sunday; no point being upset. I remembered a favorite saying- “don’t worry about things over which you have no control”. OK, I missed (arguably) the greatest World Cup soccer final ever… Yup, I missed three NFL games decided on the final play. But I did witness quality airport/airline employees making the best of a bad situation well out of their control, and (most importantly) earned those necessary miles to ensure that 2023 should be an enjoyable year of travel through tradeoffs; for life surely is about tradeoffs. Inconvenience today- more convenience tomorrow; my final 2022 trade off. Happy New Year.

Think about it…

Growing up can be overrated. As kids become cognizant, they often wish they could do more grown-up things- especially the seemingly fun things- like driving and perhaps even drinking or smoking. Ironically, as people grow older, they often look back with great fondness on their hanabata days, when a sense of naivete and innocence ruled  amid the confusion of youth; the world began to unfold before their very eyes.

Two weeks back while leaving a function at Ala Moana Beach Park, I spotted an elderly gentleman rinsing off in an outdoor shower, smiling, with his cherished boogie board and fins in one hand as he washed his face and body with his unencumbered hand. I imagined that he’d probably repeated this scenario hundreds, if not thousands, of times in his 70+ years. 

While some might consider him “old”, I smiled as I pondered his probable feelings as he caught just one more wave before calling it a day, like he undoubtedly did as a kid, 60 years ago… perhaps in the same location, maybe even de-sanding in the very same shower. Age might become a troubling number, but we can control our inner child’s spirit, no matter how many years or miles we’ve logged.

Christmas is nigh upon us, affording us a chance to reminisce, reflect, give thanks, feel nostalgic, or simply appreciate more. Maybe you reflect back to when you were little and relished- with great anticipation- the “big day”. Maybe it was that annual family feast which took hours for tutu to prepare but mere minutes to scarf down (see Thanksgiving). Maybe it was that backyard BBQ or touch football game that nowadays brings you a sense of warmth, calmness, or a holiday smile.

I remember getting a James Bond (Sean Connery, of course) spy briefcase, where (safe) darts shot out and a “Battling Betsy” model tank; time stood still on Christmas Eve… “go to bed!” they said. Yeah, right. The excitement was palpable. 

We all need to decompress, relax, and relive that joie de vivre we felt when we were young, but perhaps too naïve to really appreciate the moments. At Christmas time, those warm feelings grow stronger as we age… and remember when. 

Christmas is a special time for many; here’s hoping you celebrate with those you love, celebrate those you miss, and breathe in pleasant thoughts of Christmases past, present, and future.

Think about it…

‘Tis the season. So in the spirit of wishes, here are a few for Hawai`i in 2023…

After far too much obfuscation, deflection, denial, and everything else besides straight answers, how about we get some straight talk about Red Hill, its future, and a realistic timetable? Toxic chemicals? Par for the course after months (years) of toxic behavior.

And speaking of resolution, how about real resolution followed by real action on the Haiku Stairway to Heaven, the Waikiki World War I Natatorium, and whatever other items of interest you might have pondered for years… or decades. As that grand philosopher, Yoda, once said, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Or as philosophy giant, Larry the Cable Guy, once said, “Git-r-done!” C’mon… decades of intransigence, kicking cans/issues down the road, and no solutions, just rotting railroad ties and neighbor fatigue in Kaneohe and a crumbling beachfront façade with rebar sticking up like a middle finger- welcome to paradise. 

And while we’re at it (remember, this is a holiday wish list), how about some movement on that TMT movement. Absolutely, tough discussions and a sense of trust must come into play, but if not in 2023, then when? At some point, the patient possible partners (Canada, Japan) will simply take their ball (i.e. funds) and go home. The optics on this optics monolith need not be light years away; it just seems like it. The system is meant to measure (among other things) atmospheric turbulence… I think we already have that. I’m not suggesting a specific resolution- just asking for one. 

And here’s a nuanced wish- great followership. We often rightfully seek great leadership from those in charge, but superb leadership quite often requires great subordinates, advisors, helpers, and followers. When athletes are interviewed after a big win, they most often talk about “the team”, believing in one another, etc. No coach (nor QB) wins a game alone. And leaders rarely get action taken without others joining the party, putting aside petty disagreements, egocentrism, NIMBY-ism, jealousy, minor personality squabbles which are superfluous to the common good, and all of those other things that prevent far too many items from getting resolved here. Kudos to the back-up players, the nuts and bolts people, the doers; no more passive-aggressiveness, let’s support worthy leaders- for the people.

Not a very long wish list here, but surely a hefty holiday one.

Think about it…

Back by popular demand (all right, one guy asked me for it), here is an all-new version of vaunted Christmas song titles deftly (or tone-deaf-ly) applied to the surreal reality we call our everyday existence in December, 2022:

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”- yes, but this year, it’s my choice, not COVID-related!

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”- He sure is, along with millions of visitors.

“Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy”- Hey, if Bing Crosby and David Bowie could get together for this gem (1977), can we please find a little empathy in this world to help resolve rifts?!

“You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch”- to all those Grinch-like among us who apparently can’t/won’t find their inner souls the other 364 days a year.

“It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas”- usually that starts about October 20 in the retail world.

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”- “little” is just fine, because it’s really OK to celebrate Christmas small, sans fanfare, but sincerely, on this special day of days.

“It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”- that would be some direction from officialdom on the future of Red Hill, which would be a miracle indeed.

“We Wish You A Merry Christmas”- great concept, but do we really need that figgy pudding?!

“Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer”- thankfully, thoughtfully placed speed bumps are popping up around O`ahu to preclude this possibility.

“Do They Know It’s Christmas?”- a pop hit, all-star “end famine” classic from 1984, its pleas still resonate today as over 820-million people worldwide go to bed hungry every night.

“O Holy Night”- Gone, but surely not forgotten, Willie K. provided us with this chicken skin classic rendition to behold forever more. Thanks, Uncle Willie.

“Little Saint Nick”- He used to be Big Saint Nick, but in this digital/computer chip/AI world we now wholeheartedly embrace, anything can be shrunk. Ho Ho Ho.

“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”- And those front line gentle ladies, too, for the incredible work you’ve done over the past 1,000 days, providing constant aid and comfort during the pandemic. 

“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”- Yes, you can actually hear that said among people here when it hits (heaven forbid) 67-degrees!

“The Mongoose Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”- Well…“The Chipmunk Song” local style…

Good tidings to you and yours, and let’s stretch this season of joy into an annual sentiment.

Think about it…