MidWeek Column

I played in a soccer tournament with Pelé at Aloha Stadium… well, let me restate that. On April 7, 1976, I was fortunate enough to play in a tripleheader soccer event- the Aloha Soccer Festival. Our Hawai’i All Star team (amateurs) was vanquished by the North American Soccer League’s San Diego Jaws, 6-0, followed by the Philippines 1-0 win over Taiwan. The final match of the day saw the incredible Pelé score four goals as his NASL New York Cosmos beat Team Honda of Japan, 5-0.

The point of this story is not about soccer or the glory days of the new Aloha Stadium. It’s about word usage; how we must carefully select our words. Living in a sometimes post-truth world nowadays, far too many people say far too many things, then deny their words or suggest they were misquoted by a malevolent mainstream media, or tricked by a manipulative editor in some backroom editing bay. Hogwash.

Business advisor Mary Lynn Ziemer once said this this about words: “They have the ability to carry us to far off, amazing places. Unfortunately, our words can also lead us to places we wish we had never visited”.

Sound bites, cell phone pick-ups, press conferences, campaign speeches. We’ve all heard ‘em and seen ‘em. And yet, we have verbiage deniers who insist we simply did not hear what they said… but we did. Or that they did not mean what they said… but they did. Or that someone in the must have edited their words… but they didn’t.

Sure, people err. But invariably, we must be held accountable for not only what we do, but for what we say; especially as it might affect others. We (sadly) tend to excuse those we adulate, like, or vote for when they say something reprehensible, false, or off-putting. We put on our moral, truth-canceling ear plugs and ignore reality because we just really don’t trust the other side, or because we don’t wanna hear when our guy blathers. Selective ethics; short-term memory recall dysfunction.

Call it what you like, but words matter. Yes, I played with Pelé in a soccer tournament. We both played, just not at the same time. The concept, as a whole, might hold up, even if the details suggest otherwise. We can all watch our words and not allow kinda sorta or outright lies define us or those we follow.

Think about it…

American democracy survived this year’s tumultuous elections, though pre-election prognostications and election result-deniers had lots of people nervous. England’s Winston Churchill stated in 1947 that “(I)t has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time;” Churchill added on by saying “but there is the broad feeling in our country that the people should rule, and that public opinion expressed by all constitutional means, should shape, guide, and control the actions of Ministers who are their servants and not their masters.” 

The people “rule” through their votes, but elections in Hawai`i tend to bring mostly intra-party squabbles, without major interparty battles of divergent philosophies. A democracy is surely strengthened when there’s healthy, multi-party, non-social media debate over issues and action plans “…if elected”. As I suggested last week, leaders gotta lead. But do they?

Some local elections are pretty much concluded with a primary election win over a same-party opponent. Some seats are walkovers- no opponent in either the primary and/or general election. In Hawai`i, the need for winners to truly act on published promises and pontificated platitudes is often unnecessary as said politicos don’t have much (or any) competition to worry about. Sure, some candidates really are that good, or the opposition that bad, and too many eligible voters don’t vote or even register, a resounding victory for “ainokea”.

In the November 8, 2022, local contests featuring two or more candidates for Governor, U.S. House and Senate, and our local State House and Senate, 51 out of those 67 contests (76%) saw the winning candidate receive at least 60% of the votes. Winning by 20% or more might be considered a relative trouncing, or anti-climactic.

How much pressure is there on those elected to lead, be bold, take risks and affect change? It’s easier, safer, and maybe smarter (job security) to simply meet, administer, and manage. Not making tough decisions on long-gestating issues apparently isn’t an issue with voters numbed by perceived minimal alternatives, at best.

I’m not pushing any particular party or stance, but rather suggesting that perceived or real pressure on candidates might encourage bolder efforts while they’re in office. And I get it; over 90% of incumbents get re-elected- name recognition, funding, et al. We simply need more quality competition to give more people more reasons to vote here.

Think about it…

The placards are gone, the ads have stopped and so have pre-election promises. It’s now time for action and integrity. While empathy is in short supply these days (don’t blame the pandemic and inflation), our now-elected officials must take responsibility and live up to their self-created platitudes by making vital decisions, changes, and course corrections where necessary.

Our world really isn’t red or blue, it’s shades of purple. Most people are not inherently evil or fully sanctimonious. We are certainly a flawed species, but we’re the best we’ve got, or something like that… so let’s be the best we can be.

It’s now time for the chosen leaders to lead. They’ve been elected to make decisions, ponder the difficult and direct us on a course toward betterment (a subjective concept). Let’s be inclusive, not exclusive. Perhaps we can turn the letter “m” upset down into a “w” more often. Huh? Many people need to think and feel more about “we” than “me”. You flip the “m” upside down and it’s a “w”, which opens to a bigger picture. See? 

We need to replace ego with “we go”. We need to stop thinking about “my” and start thinking about “why” (again, flipping that “m”)? We can care about our 401(k), but we let’s make sure that others are also OK. The cost of ignoring or pushing problems down the road is usually more expensive than intelligently acting via firm decisions. While many politicians pontificate pre-election, they too often then hunker down as their tenure unfolds to ensure re-election (i.e.- job security); but right now is a time for bold action here, though obviously will disagree with decisions. Of course, no official ever gets 100% of the public’s vote, and since majority rules, accept the fact that there’ll be dissenters when you make big decisions. 

Many local dilemmas have become annuals; it’s governmental “Groundhog Day” as far too many issues linger- sometimes in the background- but invariably come back to haunt us and taunt us. So, enough talk about annuals- universal pre-K education, homelessness, traffic, tourism, HART, TMT, affordable housing, North Shore O`ahu parking and erosion mitigation, new economic opportunities, outmigration, overcrowded prisons, land usage, tourism’s role, the Natatorium and Haiku Stairway to Heaven… feel free to insert your favorites (or least favorites).

So respectfully, leaders- please lead. Don’t just manage, administer, reiterate, ignore, or restate the obvious. Lead.

Think about it…

I first met J about 18 years ago. I’ll simply call him “J” because he’s too humble to want recognition. J was our waiter extraordinaire in a Waikiki hotel suite 12-hours a day as we presented TV advertising campaign opportunities to potential local business clients. Through 20-25 meetings, he was the best- calm, quiet, observant, thorough, polite, unobtrusive, and friendly- everything we needed to help make the meetings memorable. 

As we finished annually, we’d exchange bro hugs and goodbyes, and say “see you next year, same time, same place”. But in 2007, J told me he was soon heading to Afghanistan. I knew he’d served in the Navy and was now in the reserves, and I realized the severity of what might lie ahead for J. He was a father, a husband, and he had become my friend; his duty was to answer his country’s call.

I worried that I might not see him again- a stark reality. So when he returned from that deployment, we hugged, again. I never bothered to ask him details about what I knew he couldn’t tell me. He is the best in so many ways, and I was happy to work with him again in our now comparatively mundane marketing endeavor.

A month ago, I dined recently at that same hotel- 15-years later- and there was J! He’s grayer (who’s not?), and his son is now approaching age 30. He’s also now the service boss at the hotel; but hey, he’s been a leader in many ways for many years.

So here’s to J on Veteran’s Day, 2022. Here’s to the people who put themselves in harm’s way for you and I and a system that is sadly under fire these days… from within. Here’s to all the men and women serving in our armed forces.

And here’s to you, Dad, gone now for 15-years, for the job you did on the front lines in Italy during World War II. You sacrificed 85% of your hearing to a mortar shell that killed a half dozen soldiers in your infantry unit who were charging up that muddy hill, just yards away from you. You lived with those memories and wounds for 62 more years- you never complained, never looked back. Like others in our “greatest generation”, you did what was necessary- humbly, valiantly, without personal expectations- and for that we are eternally grateful.

Think about it…

This article marks the beginning of my fourth year writing for MidWeek readers. Adding 19+ years of writing/airing twice weekly “Think About It” editorial pieces on KHNL and  KFVE, I figure I’ve now offered up about 2,136 presentations to get you to… well, at least think about it. Some might suggest that it figures that my first article in MidWeek coincided with Halloween- what a horror. Of course, they’re probably not reading these bits any more, are they?

There are weeks when I’ve thought, “Now what?” Writing editorials is a joy, except when it’s not. For better, for worse, in sickness and in health, oh wait… those are wedding vows. Concocting weekly stories to entertain, educate, enthrall, or infuriate people requires work, but like marriage (or at least a good one) it’s hopefully worth it in the end.

Trying to write something weekly that is possibly unique, interesting, funny, touching, enlightening, or intelligent during the lengthy COVID quarantine was a challenge, to say the least. I purposely avoided writing yet one more insipid COVID commentary for many months- to spare both you and me.

Writing (or broadcasting) editorials has allowed me to more clearly focus on what’s around us in a broad sense, perhaps trying to cast a larger philosophical net over local realities and quirks, suggesting things that might encourage you to reflect, laugh, or even take positive action.

I found a new fruit- chico (sapodilla)- which I happily savor when it’s in season. I’ve learned to truly celebrate basic things we take for granted- like one’s health or purpose in the universe, or even having a place to go to and from (home and work) every day and night. I’ve come to appreciate more deeply my incredible wife and the awesome healing power of music, as well as the value of communities coming together during crises, which I witness first-hand daily through my co-workers at Aloha United Way and other amazing, community-based, partner agencies. 

I’ve been commenting now (officially) for 22-years, articulating or bloviating (your call) on local issues that too often get kicked down the road without resolution- the deteriorating Natatorium and Koolau Stairway to Heaven, reasonably-priced housing, vibrant economic options beyond tourism, the homeless conundrum, rapid transit, TMT, sovereignty, North Shore parking and erosion, a secondary leeward highway conduit… the list goes on, and so will these weekly pieces. Thanks for reading.

Think about it…  

Back in June I attended an outdoor (tented) wedding. It was great to be around other humans and feel relatively safe for the first time in years. Event hosts painstakingly placed people (as always) at appropriate tables to maximum conversation and revelry. But just as we began scarfing down the post-nuptial meal, the wedding deejay inexplicably cranked up the music like he was emceeing a Euro-rage event where everyone’s buzzed. Buzzkill!

Conversations came to a screeching halt, as did event enjoyment. Talking Heads once sang, “this ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco”… but this was a party, cut short by mis-timed, throbbing, pulsating beats.

My frustration continued at a wonderful brainstorming convention last month. Again, great efforts were made to split up 150 attendees at dinners to ensure maximum socializing, idea-sharing, and perhaps even some problem-solving creativity. And then the live musicians began to play loudly, quashing any repartee. Attempts to chat suddenly required horrid more airborne particles spewing forth than can be tolerated semi-post-pandemic. This wasn’t supposed to be a dinnertime concert, but it had the numbing and unintended effects of one.

As I’ve previously stated, nothing stimulates more parts of the brain than music. I am a lifetime music fanatic; it’s simply the best. But at times it needs to stay in the background, simply turned down. By the way, side note to headlining rock concert performers: we paid $150 per ticket so you “don’t stop believin’”; but please don’t turn your handheld mic towards the crowd at chorus time and encourage the world’s worst mass karaoke moment! We know you’ve aged, but c’mon, you sing it… please.

Finally, I attended a well-done, awards celebration breakfast, and after everyone played the awkward “…and-what-do-you-do?” game while in the buffet line, they returned to their tables only to hear the duo up front playing at decibel levels that precluded normal, small room conversation. Again, we’d been placed at tables to chat, learn, exchange business cards and ideas, but were stifled by a stultifying “American Idol” tryout unnecessarily taking place.

So, note to event organizers. Music is stimulating and vital. But at events designed for small group reverie, interaction among participants, and getting-to-know-you engagement, music should be dampened; it’s not a Woodstock/Coachella gala. Groups, soloists, or deejays should know if they’ve been hired as background, not foreground or fairground, entertainment. It’s hard to listen when you can’t hear.

Think about it…

Much like there are many variations of the colors blue and red, there are also many nuances to homelessness. To oversimplify by labeling the homeless as a single homogenous group is misinformed, and will lead to more frustration for all parties involved. So, what then to do?

If you’re going to discuss homelessness locally, you probably should look first at the actual housing availability picture. Soon, moving some short-term, illegal rentals into long-term local rentals may help those able to pay “reasonable” rents, but we need more out-of-the-box thinking so that we don’t keep kicking this can (and individuals) down the road. Some great work has been accomplished locally, but we need more.

California last year announced it would retrofit pandemic-vacated, shopping mall space and empty big box retail locations into housing units. Obviously, this involves legislative work in conjunction with builders, planners, realtors, etc., but it’s worth delving into.

On the homeless front, we have innovative villages, communities, mini-housing areas, and more in place and/or on the drawing board. A local real estate executive asked me recently- what about setting up trailer parks and importing RVs for housing? Recreational vehicles might be available at discount prices now that the pandemic has subsided (we hope) and wanderlust has diminished among those tired of being couped up on the mainland. Could a consortium of benefactors, landowners, infrastructure departments (water, sewage), shipping companies, etc., brainstorm and bring a bunch of these ready-to-inhabit homes to Hawai`i?

And finally, check out Medicine Hat, Alberta, a small Canadian town that pledged years ago to “cure” homelessness. While it’s seen some backsliding during the pandemic, it has used the “housing first” model that other large, American cities have used to give people hope as well as a home. The theory is that providing a home first gives needy ones a sense of security, pride and purpose, and then their other problems can be dealt with. And no, it’s not a freebie; tenants pay. London, Ontario apparently did great work dealing with veteran homelessness through housing first- yet one more source to contact.

RVs, shopping malls, local rentals reclaimed from visiting, short-term tenants, housing first- it’s time to continue to fully explore real-world examples of how other locations deal with homelessness and immediate housing needs. No single answer can solve all of the issues, but there is hope, opportunity, and there are real success stories.

Think about it…

A recent WalletHub website survey found Hawai`i to be the happiest state in America. Now before we all start getting snarky or sarcastic, let’s just be happy that we’re so happy. After all, 87% of Americans are now “anxious” or “very anxious”, according to an American Psychiatric Association poll. Hmmmm, wonder why?

WalletHub Ph.D. experts weighed data from various sources and created a happiness formula which some might question (like West Virginians- who came in 50^th place), but let’s just enjoy the happy news. But don’t party too hardy, as we rank 49^th in adequate sleep rate. Geez! Or should I say Zzzzzz?

We’re happy but can’t sleep. We love our backyard (mountains, beaches, and everything in between) but we’re unsure if we can keep our kids from leaving here… forever. We’re not sure (in good conscience) that we can sell our kids on the attributes (of which there are many) when nagging concerns exist about having enough opportunity to thrive (not just survive); it’s a real worry for many here, both pre- and post-retirement. No wonder people stay up all night, working a second job or worrying about things out of their control. 

Speaking of control, our O`ahu public parks have survived that recent toilet paper shortage drama. The beneficial bunwad supply wasn’t steady (welcome to 2022) and thus people were encouraged to bring their own, but it now seems that we’ve wiped this problem. Just one more reason to be happy, yeh?

OK, time to re-focus… how much longer can our isolated, island chain stay centered, reasonably focused, calm and thus happy, when the weight of it all sometimes gets oppressive? We manage via our unique culture(s), learned demeanor, empathy, sense of ‘ohana, and aloha attributes. But that just might not carry us forever if we don’t create economic and housing opportunities- major issues that are constantly reinforced, dissected, studied, and bandied about at least every two years when someone(s) wants to get elected.

At a riveting Hawai`i Island “futures” conference recently, one panelist discussed the necessity for Hawai`i to stop being a “feeder” system, whereby we train young people, raise them well, and then watch as they saunter off to seek a reasonable return on their investment (a/k/a- true happiness) over their next 50 years. We need to create opportunities, innovate, take chances, and provide a rationale here to… well, to stay happy.

Think about it…

There is some fascinating information in the 104-page report released a few weeks ago by the National Association of State Boards of Education. Locally, aided by Department of Education information, the data on Hawai`i’s public schools is enlightening. Absenteeism was up (not surprisingly) during the pandemic, more teachers are eligible for and considering retirement, more teachers and students are leaving Hawai`i, and there are many other interesting statistics in the report- some obviously COVID-related, some not.

The real question now is what do we (as a state) do with the data? How can we make informed decisions and provide opportunities going forward for kids and teachers? On a national level, “1 out of every 2 school leaders say their stress level is so high they are considering a career change or retirement”, according to the report. 49% of principals say that a better work-life balance or a higher salary would alleviate their concerns. And what are the odds of those requests actually coming to fruition via financially stressed, short-staffed school systems?

Locally, the recent trend of fewer kids attending public schools annually shows no signs of abating. The latest report showed that the attendance total was down by 3,000 students this past year with 80% of those leaving identifying these reasons: moving to another state, attending private school, or being home schooled. Fewer attendees invariably means fewer resources available for public schools. And lower birth rates portend that the enrollment decline will continue. Other public school systems are experiencing similar downward attendance trends. We cannot allow a diminishing quantity of students affect the quality of education. 

Our Board of Education will be engaging the public as it develops its new strategic plan.  That’s good. If you’re interested, read the report, attend meetings, provide input. We always hear that the “keiki are our future”. Of course they are; that’s simple logic. But what we do to give those keiki a reasonable shot at success beyond high school (however one defines “success”) is vital to this state’s future.

With 42,000 employees, our DOE is the state’s largest employer and Hawai`i is home to the 10^th largest school district in America, according to the NASBE/DOE report. Unwieldy and unyielding at times? Sure. But we must make strong efforts now to promote quality teaching and innovative strategies in the quest to keep educators, as well as students, engaged in the decade(s) ahead.

Think about it…

It might be a stunner to some, but our University of Hawai`i football team isn’t going to play in this year’s Sugar Bowl. Every summer we read articles hyping the incredible amount of work being put in during the offseason, great stories of players overcoming adversity, and an overly optimistic tone that this year will be special. Sometimes it is.

This team and its new coaching staff are still coming together (note: this article was written before the UH/New Mexico State game). The fans are also coming together, with lots of joy apparent at the refurbished Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex; food options are abundant and parking has been handled adeptly. Kudos to U.H. athletics for its ongoing efforts to tantalize us with an even more robust fan experience next year.

Under new head coach, Timmy Chang, the Warriors are going through expected growing pains following the out-migration of too many quality, disgruntled players. The new NCAA portal rules allow college athletes to defect/transfer easily as we watch ballers come and go everywhere on a whim. That very system might just be UH’s silver lining as we gaze forward. Local gridiron talent that leaves Hawai`i to play elsewhere just might find that the grass (or artificial turf) is not always greener on the continent, and these new rules allow players to return without having to sit out for a year. We giveth, we taketh.

So while we have to wait before the 2023 roster takes shape, let’s continue to support the 202 squad as we acknowledge that the current variation of U.H.’s semi-run and shoot offense sometimes looks more like a run and shoot-yourself-in-the-foot offense when quarterbacks aren’t given time to throw, are inaccurate, or their receivers aren’t on the same page as said QBs, who are often running for their lives. It’s about the process… 

Trolls, ogres and pseudo-pundits online should be ignored (always) as the players and coaching staff buckle down to fix what’s fixable and create options on both sides of the ball for the remainder of 2022. It’s been said that the only thing that’s guaranteed in football is a 100% chance of injury. Cute. But allegedly, time heals all wounds; hopefully, even the self-inflicted ones, like bruised egos. So “Go ‘Bows!” as we watch this progressing pigskin process unfold in this new era of U.H. football with Chang at the Ching.

Think about it…