MidWeek Column

I went to a play two weeks back, and it was just beautiful. No, seriously, it was just “Beautiful”, the Broadway-in-Hawai`i version of the Carole King story. Attendees surely knew of King’s artistry through her multi-million selling “Tapestry” album (1971), but many were no doubt stunned to learn of the lengthy list of monster hits that King and her Brill Building cohorts wrote for others. King is considered the most successful pop female songwriter of the 20^th century with 118 written or co-written songs that charted, and “Beautiful” provided two-plus hours of pure joy at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

But this story gets even more beautiful. 2,000 people sitting side by side without anybody getting in anybody’s face about what they were or were not wearing on their face. It was like fantasyland, or at least 2019. Most concertgoers were respectful of the “request” to keep one’s mask on, leading one to perhaps sense that we’ve entered a calmer, gentler moment.

BA.2 Omicron subvariant cases cause concern (“BA” must stand for “Bad Attitude”, as this stealth stinker proliferates), but many people still smartly appreciate sensible safety measures learned and practiced over the past 750 days; so maybe now we can look forward to things finally staying stable, and maybe even getting beautiful.

Sure, there remain many post-pandemic issues and items to deal with, but perhaps we can now focus on fixing things without having to worry so much about fixing one another. This is not to suggest that PTSD and other post-COVID realities will just drift away, but should cooler heads prevail, maybe we can rationalize that working together with empathy to resolve issues beats going into self-serving bubbles, playing tribal games, or resorting to “gotcha” at the expense of making things better for all.

While expecting little of value from the self-focused flotsam and jetsam working (not) in our nation’s capital, we can now pro-actively get back to putting our (big picture) island home in order as we put our personal island homes in order. The willpower appears to be there; the funds are certainly there (for now). How about a couple of years of transition, breakthroughs and small wins, followed by bigger celebrations?

How about we all start singing from a songbook of accomplishments and successes; great things can happen when no one cares who gets the credit? Doing that would really be beautiful.

Think about it…

I was used to my weekend routine- shower after golf, and that was it for the day. By 2p, my live Saturday/Sunday contact with outside humans often ceased to exist for two years. But last weekend a strange sensation overcame me post-golf. I realized that we actually had “plans” for Saturday night, plans involving other mortals. No books, crosswords, Zoom calls, binge/cringe-watching, numbing news numbers, or constructing my 453^rd Spotify music playlist.

We’d actually made dinner plans to see people we hadn’t seen for over two years. Yeh, the world is still frazzled, the country is still polarized, but some things are getting back to recognizable, positive normalcy. As I also attended my first large-scale group event last week, it almost feels like the parties Prince told us about in “1999”!

Streets full of cars and a lack of parking spaces everywhere mixed in with recurring sagas that simply never get handled locally- Laniakea parking, the Stairway To Heaven dilemma, UH autonomy, illegal short-term rentals, the lack of truly affordable housing, sovereignty, planned economic diversity, North Shore sand berms brunting nature’s ways- it all feels so normal again. We may have a plethora of local problems, but at least they’re our problems. We see ‘em, we own ‘em, and I guess we love ‘em, since we never seem to resolve ‘em with final actions and solutions, not just words or edicts. So who needs COVID?! 

Add in indecision on the TMT debacle, Waikiki Natatorium stasis, rapid (or vapid) transit, wayward feral chickens, Ala Wai Canal clean-up/flood mitigation, Red Hill water woes (who knew?), homes for a new Oahu prison and a new Oahu landfill, and yes, you can see things really are getting back to normal. No runs, no hits, just errors. While we were bubbled, almost nothing changed as little of the big stuff was fixed. But move over omicron, because the boyz and girlz are back in town and ready to (safely) party hardy! 

Our outdoor Saturday dinner was great as we caught up on life, family, work, and included the occasional whine (that comes with wine) about things never getting done locally- all edified live and in person!

I’ll soon seek my first post-bubble concert venture to aid in restoring order to my personal universe. I’ll keep a mask handy for safety, and perhaps to avoid “Ainokea” anarchists in our midst. Party on!

Think about it…

If you live on Oahu and have been looking askance at the debacle known now as the Red Hill water crisis, look again. An anticipated dry summer might necessitate mandatory water restrictions, according to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. The Red Hill water crisis meanders forward with obfuscation and some red faces, but resolutions (and time frames) are not yet in clear sight. But we can lessen our own water usage via simple solutions that’ll add up when repeated by hundreds of thousands of Oahu residents. We’ve been here before, but here are easily implementable ideas to obviate the looming concern about pending water usage restrictions…

Brush your teeth and/or shave with the sink water off. If you… um, “go” often, don’t flush every time. As we say, “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” (easier to do when living alone or with an empathetic, significant other). Shorten lawn watering times, manually or remotely; water less frequently- in the early AM; shut ‘em down if it’s wet out; make sure automatic sprinklers are aimed accurately. 

And those vital, stress relieving, daily showers? Put on your favorite five-minute song as you begin. When it ends, you end. No more 10-minute masterpieces under the shining Moen in your near future, please. The neighbors will thank you, too, as your singing will be truncated. Oh, and sorry, but baths tend to be water hogs (vs. short showers). Check for household leaks (toilets, sinks, pipes, et al.). Run full loads only in the washing machine and dishwasher. Smartly rinse dishes without running the faucet ad nauseum. Clean vegetables and fruits thoroughly, but quickly.

You can take an active role in water conservation, as we all lend a hand now. I’ve pondered whether water, an essential and scarce survival resource, will become the oil of the 21sy century. In some places, it is already used as a weapon or a bargaining chit, and its handling has caused great consternation and sometimes great cost. Ask your friends living in the mainland southwestern what the future of potable water portends- it’s not rosy, it’s not fiction, and it’s not a fear-mongering plot. Heck, ask your friends in Moanalua!

Chicken Little exasperated her friends when she insisted that the “sky is falling”. With current groundwater issues here, a sizzling summer might provide us with a grim reminder of what happens when the rain is not falling.

Think about it… 

Three weeks ago, right here, I commented on proposed legislation that would help to mitigate the growing problem of feral chickens rambling around these islands. I certainly had some fun writing the column, with some obvious double entendres and wordplay, but I also thought that the suggested solution of using birth control feed to render hen eggs infertile was interesting.

But here come vocal ova-omitting opponents, shedding some new feathers on this chicken tale with testimony given during the early-April legislative session. “Save Hawai`i Chickens” spoke about how chickens eat centipedes, provide fertilizer via their droppings, and provide eggs for food; they say that feral chickens could provide a sustainable food source, and there’s a contamination risk to other birds and animals with specially-formulated pellets. There might be risk to our groundwater as uneaten chicken feed leaches into the soil. Who knew? Well, certainly not me.

Wow; civic-minded individuals coming forward to defend feral fowls. The chickens, who speak loudly (that’s part of the problem) but were too chicken to gather forces at the legislature, surely wished their human advocators good cluck…  

Unlike some of the bewildered bird brains who disagree with one another ad nauseum on myriad issues befuddling our nation, this was all done via common sense arguments based on facts, not half-truths, alternate facts, social media chicken feed or omnipresent, digital bird poop rantings so rampant in our tribalistic nation nowadays.

National squabbles today evolve around ego, power, control, fear, and not getting egg on one’s face. But this local poultry powwow revives my sense of hope for humanity because, yes, political discourse can actually be presented reasonably, civilly, and can ultimately be decided upon by focused leaders elected to decide great debates, whether locally or nationally.

In days of yore, reaching across the Congressional aisle might mean accommodating, actively listening, compromising, and/or keeping in mind the bigger picture. Nowadays, reaching across that same aisle is likely to be met with a virtual viral slap, condescending comments, grandiose accusations, or we witness tired, redundant retreats to predictable sectarianism. Voters grow weary, remain wary, and too often, we witness nothing productive getting accomplished.  

But this well-presented, local debate about the fate of foraging ferals can be celebrated as an example of how “the system” works when cooler heads prevail. So, why did the chicken really cross the road? Perhaps to actually listen to the other side.

Think about it…

Ray Kinsella heard the call: “If you build it, they will come”. That was 33-years ago in the movie, “Field of Dreams”. Ray, of course, was a fictional character. But the concept lives on. The question in Hawai`i has always been- what is “it”? Because we’ve been talking about building something economically viable here to help keep our keiki home, to retain our incredible culture and character without relying so much on the tourism industry alone.

We’ve heard a lot of talk, but little investment or capital put forth in realizing our field of dreams. Cyber-security? Alternative, clean, or renewable energy? Defense initiatives? A mini-Silicon Valley or a tech hub with remote work encouraged? Medical research? Eco-tourism? Rocket farm? Innovative kapuna care? Perhaps dozens of smaller but potentially lucrative and alluring opportunities that add up, rather than pegging our hopes on just a few ideas.

The Census Bureau reminds us of our ongoing streak of losing residents annually- down 12,337 from July, 2020, to July, 2021. That makes five straight years of population decline. Hunches suggest that in-migration includes wealthier second home owners and immigrant service industry workers, while out-migration includes those who want a starter home and a sustainable career, or older folks who’ve simply decided that the price of paradise is too tough to handle in their waning years.

Post-COVID, economic recovery here may quicken as visitor floodgates re-open and tourism numbers increase. Suggested, sensible usage restrictions and user fees may help the state/city coffers without seeing visitor numbers rebound to new records.

But even with an expected, long overdue minimum wage increase, how to thrive here and plan one’s future realistically makes our now-annual population decreases a relevant concern. We need the best and the brightest, from within and without, to hui. We need local stakeholders, passionate empaths, and interested investors to get actively involved in realistic, yet far-reaching, pro-active, economic planning.

If we extrapolate this annual trickle of people leaving Hawai`i out over the next 20 years, it portends a diminished labor force not offset by a retiring, elderly population with age-related needs. It’s time to get serious; this conundrum has been tossed around like a barbeque burger for decades, with little emphasis given to solutions. Entrepreneurs, realists, problem-solvers, culture advocates, philanthropists, educators, gerontologists, astronomers… we’ll need a big room, big thinking, and big action plans. Who’s ready to dream and build?

Think about it…

I’ve suggested before that change is good… as long as it’s good change. You know, if the change works for me, my family, team, bank account, interests, tribe, community, species… yeh, then it’s worth it. 

According to Gallup pollsters, Congress currently has a 20% approval rating. Odd, since the same people asked if they approve of the job Congress is doing annually are often the very same people who vote bi-annually. The Congressional approval rating was 9% in November, 2013, so one could argue that Congress is now over twice as popular! But good luck changing the “system”, which has been befuddling people for years as voting numbers sag. Intransigence, tribalism, self-preservation, false bravado, you name it, we see it regularly.

It’s a bit of a different situation at the state level, as our local legislators are part-time legislators- right or wrong. While most of them do work year round, the annual legislative session lasts for just 60 working days, and in that window, some 2,500-3,000 bills are proffered, but only about 10% pass into law. There must be a smarter way, and a better use of limited time. Yet, 46 of 50 states have part-time legislatures, and some meet for only 30 days a year!

Then there’s the fact that many0 of our local legislators have “outside” jobs. While understandable from a financial standpoint, this would seem to create potential conflicts of interest among other concerns. Having outside jobs arguably keeps legislators grounded and in touch. Being in touch is a good thing; having your fingers in the pie? Not so good. Outside skills and knowledge absolutely come in handy when discussing and deciding upon major issues where inside expertise can be helpful. But how often do legislators recuse themselves when issues being voted on strike too close to home?

We do have some rules and an ethics commission, so this is not to suggest anything other than perhaps it’s time to revisit “the system”. Maybe we should pay higher salaries to full-time legislators? Might that relieve some angst about a constant crossing of a moving line as bills evolve? Maybe it’s time to revisit oft-suggested legislative term limits, though that would remove historical perspective and innate knowledge, plus limit the people’s right to choose. Many questions… perhaps it’s time to look at addressing a confounding, unwieldy, archaic, and sometimes stifling system of democracy here and elsewhere.

Think about it…

This may not be the feel good story of the year, but it’s surely a contender… It stars an under-achiever, or at least the appearance of one. At age 17, he was stoked to get his driver’s license… until his loving mom stunned him with the news that he was an undocumented immigrant. High school and living abroad are tough enough, but with his defiant attitude and 1.3 grade point average, he was on a fast track to nowhere- he couldn’t drive, get a job without a social security number, or open a bank account.

But that’s when this saga becomes movie territory… After failing to get into college through multiple applications over three years, he got accepted at Kapi’olani Community College. With assistance from empathetic teachers and counsellors, he got a campus job and became a participant in the wonderful Lunalilo Scholars Program, a program that provides funding, peer mentorship, and an amazing support network to help those who might not traditionally see college as an option. 

Through initial funding from the Kaneta Foundation, this program is now celebrating its 10^th anniversary at KCC, providing hope and help where perhaps none previously existed. Over 600 students have gone through this program. Graduates have become program mentors, advisors, peers, leaders, and allies, helping others trying to get through life’s myriad complexities.

31% of the Lunalilo Scholars since 2012 have been the first in their families to attend college. While college may not be for everyone, it can be a lifeline for those willing to strive and sacrifice; it can put people on a road that enhances career and life options.

Our aforementioned wandering, wondering youngster didn’t just get through KCC… he became class valedictorian, finished at UH Mānoa, and is now prepared for the daunting challenge of law school! Through KCC’s initiative, he stayed in Hawai`i via DACA- the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. He thrived, overcoming issues like his mom having to move back to their native home. “Sometimes”, he says, “all you need is a hug and a few kind words from your second mom to get you through it.” 

He didn’t just get through it, he busted through. So big mahalo to KCC on the 10^th anniversary of its Lunalilo Scholars Program, our unnamed protagonist, and visionaries Marian and Lester Kaneta and other sponsors. Sometimes special people take real action, and don’t just think about it… 

You sit, ponder, fume, wait, merge… you inch along. As the Rolling Stones once sang, “time waits for no one, and it won’t wait for me”. Yes, it’s traffic congestion redux, with serene, pandemic-vacated roadways fading in the headlights of yesterday. You got the left lane closed, you got the right lane closed- sing it to the tune of “The Hokey Pokey”, and yes, some people actually do turn themselves around.

Town-side Pali Highway, for one, has been under construction, or destruction, for four years now. Four years. It’s not that long (I mean the road)! Ever-informative Hawai`i Department of Transportations’ Deputy Director for Highways, Ed Sniffen, said that this multi-phase project should to be done by January, 2023. I appreciate the honesty… but I’ll believe it when I can drive it. Potholes, flying debris (cost me a windshield), speed bumps, metal grates (not great), uneven roadway, orange signs and cones, et al. But 10-months from now, electrical work, sewer and water pipe upgrades, curb repairs, gutter fixes, smoothing of roads will be done, pau, finito!

And after five years, the most satisfying part is that the stone matrix asphalt open graded mix (SMA) being used (the top two inches of the roadway) is soooo strong, it should last for 30-years! While SMA costs 50% more than traditional Hawaii mix IV modified asphalt, that material needed repairs about every seven years (actually, on the Pali Highway, three good/bad rainstorms in a month often necessitated reparations).

Pali Highway’s upkeep has been delayed by COVID, supply line and sewer conduit issues, and upgrading of curbs and gutters, which are completed first to ensure that subsequent road repairs can be level and symmetrical.

Check up on road projects in your area at the DOT’s Construction Projects website: https://highways.hidot.hawaii.gov/stories/s/9rg9-kd8i. Wondering about Wahiawa? Care about Kuakini Highway drainage? Mumbling about Mamalahoa Highway improvements? Weary about Waiawa? They’re all there, with “estimated” end dates plus further details. One important observation- polymer modified asphalt (PMA) road mix is now used on roads lying above utilities (it lasts 20-years) that may need to be torn up for aging conduit repairs. SMA and PMA are now required for all road repairs here going forward. Yeah!

The DOT report might not end road angst or your plans to read “The Iliad” while idling away, but hopefully you’ll see a light at the end of the roadwork tunnel.

Think about it… 

If you’ve been to a store recently, you might have noticed the phenomenon known as    “empty shelf syndrome”. That’s where one section is completely bare, and not necessarily because the missing items are popular. The supply chain issues we know about due to numerous reasons is just one more vestige of the coronavirus era, which ain’t over yet.

Shipping, trucking, production, personnel, and microchip issues continue to wreak havoc with local middlemen and retailers. A produce-supplying friend of mine said he normally gets kiwi fruit (the gold ones are great, have more folate, vitamin C… and sugar) shipped from New Zealand to Honolulu in two weeks, and plans accordingly. But during this shipping/supply crisis, the fruit takes six weeks to get here. Good luck timing ripeness, delivery, and stocking issues.

With fewer cars than ever on most showroom floors, I queried a local senior automotive executive about when local car dealers would start planning/selling 2023 models, since the 2022s might not be en route here until this summer, right about when the new 2023s will start being promoted. Not a lot of historical precedent for some of these lingering problems.

With our isolation, these situations become even more difficult, exacerbated by the fact that so many retailers are having trouble finding employees at their locations. Again, there are many reasons for this, but the bottom line is, well… their bottom line, and it’s tough to make ends meet if there’s no one working the register, cooking the food, or answering the phone.

So while we all look forward to a return to retail normalcy, the human element and product scarcity issues remain a bona fide concern. When you notice your favorite products missing from store shelves, the next time when you do see ‘em, should you hoard, just to be safe? I mean, there are things that make each of our worlds go ‘round… besides toilet paper.

Last summer, food website Grocery Dive provided info from research proclaiming that 46% of consumers “…have built a stockpile of supplies” as the delta variant took control. But even today, stores can’t afford to over-purchase items and then get stuck, especially with food items with expiration dates.

So we start to open up, thankfully, as the new normal surely presents additional unique realities and post-pandemic ripples that will remind us what we’ve just gone through even as we seek to forget.

Think about it…