MidWeek Column

Personal finance company, WalletHub, recently ranked Hawai`i as the “happiest state in America”. Again. Survey factors include work-life balance, emotional and physical well-being, community and environment, and work environment. Research and metrics from various U.S. agencies plus other assorted studies rounded out the ranking’s data pool. 

This accolade might be but a snapshot, as we all have our own definition of what determines happiness, and where/how we fit in. But the survey parallels an inherent belief system, which includes local concepts like ‘ohana and aloha, that allows many in Hawai`i to still feel happy amid tough life issues, from affordable housing scarcity to eking out a living while facing constant economic decisions that affect far too many, far too often.

Hawai`i ranks #1 in “emotional and well-being” and #31 in “work environment”. What clinched our overall #1 happiness ranking is coming in at #3 in “community and environment”. A further breakdown (no pun intended) shows Hawai`i has the lowest share of adult depression of any state, yet also has the lowest share of adults who say they get adequate sleep nightly. Those seemingly polar opposite notions might portend bigger problems in our emotional states, yet we somehow smile and still feel OK amid our grogginess. 

While these surveys often provide simple dinner table fodder, there is something to be said about how, in spite of high local costs, increased traffic and crumbling infrastructure, our melting pot of humanity still considers itself fortunate and happy.

Keola & Kapono Beamer, in the final line of their whimsical, 1975 classic, “Mr. Sun Cho Lee”, sang that “It’s amazing we can live in the same place”. Indeed. We persevere; we celebrate one another and with one another. We feel pride whenever someone local shines on the national/international stage. We’re OK being underdogs, isolated, fending (oft times) for ourselves. The bouillabaisse of cultures, our intricate mélange of styles, food, customs, habits, and even eccentricities is a big draw that apparently keeps most people here (relatively) happy.

Maryland, New Jersey, Utah, and Delaware round out WalletHub’s top five happiest states. Happiness is a state of mind. Unlike many outside factors that impact you, you can control your own happiness to a large degree through your mindset, goals, friends, and expectations. So maybe we can feel some small kine pride in being ranked #1. Maybe we’ve felt that way all along, but stayed humble, yeh?

Think about it… 

While local tourism numbers continue to lag, a hopeful sign for economic well-being in the coming years here is construction. Myriad government projects of note are in play, and there are plans to expedite (as we all know) more housing development throughout the islands. A big question is: where are all of the workers going to come from, at what cost, and where are they all going to reside (as we have that dang housing shortage)?

The rail project is approaching the congested Kalihi/downtown corridor. The most expensive building project in U.S. Navy history is the Pearl Harbor dry dock project ($3.4 billion), which may provide 2,500 new jobs. Yet more condos are on the rise in Kaka`ako, forthcoming housing projects provide hope, and (theoretically) the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) project breaks ground next summer. There’s an Ewa Beach Hyatt planned, plus North Shore development. Lots of work announced, but how will it all get done in a “timely” manner? Already there are issues related to finding local housing for guest building industry workers. Maybe the excess, available hotel rooms could be an answer… for now?

Add in the reality that working age people (in general) are emigrating annually from Hawai`i, and optimism about construction as an economic driver must wrestle with the numbers game that could put the brakes on various projects. Industry training to educate more workers locally is ramping up. But originally estimated project costs will have to consider premiums that will be paid to fly in (and house) qualified workers from the mainland.

Months ago, University of Hawai`i Economic Research Organization’s Executive Director Carl Bonham suggested that government construction locally might double to $3- or even $4-billion annually in coming years. But even then, some of the typical tax benefits associated with construction fly away when out-of-state workers go home with their earnings.

Putting this logistics/cost puzzle together will be a primary job for many confirmed projects in order to ensure that they’re completed within expected timeframes. The Pearl Harbor project plans to begin submarine maintenance testing in January, 2028. The UH football team has an August 26, 2028, game scheduled against the University of Kansas- at the new Aloha Stadium. More truly affordable housing has been needed for 40 years- an on-going quest statewide. Sharp minds + sharp pencils must construct a way to make this all work in the years ahead.

Think about it…

As you might have heard, last month’s turnout for Hawai`i’s primary election was the lowest turnout in the history of our state. The 32% turnout rate includes only registered voters, so if you take into account that we have eligible voters who don’t even bother to sign up, the tally is even more tepid.

Nowadays, you simply have to open your mail, fill out the ballot and mail it in. Easy-peasy. Or not. “Ainokea” paired with the lack of a robust slate in many races surely contributed to the record low turnout. One would expect that the presidential race itself will cause higher numbers of voters to take the time to vote in November… maybe.

Perhaps if we offered a grand prize or two in the form of a lottery (currently illegal), that would encourage more people to vote, which might encourage more (qualified, astute) people to run. Now I know we should never try to “buy” people’s votes, but isn’t that a big chunk of what our political system is really all about (PACs, political ads, cronyism, political favors, online fake news to sway our opinions, etc.)? 

Yes, I’m kidding, of course. But since we have an insatiable urge to gamble here (or in Lost Wages), maybe the concept of winning some bucks for doing your civic duty would incentivize thousands of residents who’ve currently/historically checked out of the system. Hawai`i loves some machines (slots) but apparently not others (political). 

A robust, democratic political system where people make choices based on what’s best for the state, their plights, and their families requires vigorous competition between parties, rather than within parties. We simply don’t have that locally in about 90% of bi-annual ballot options. 

In 1994, the primary turnout was more than double what was last month. Ironically, decisions about our future as a state have arguably never been more important, while a grand majority of potential voters choose to sit on the sidelines. Could this  be more an indictment on where we’ve devolved as a political arena than it does on people’s utter frustration and disinterest? 

Just as far too many are not using the power of the pen to make choices, far too many are making choices- by leaving. Eight years in a row we’ve lost population. Change may take time, but 2026 would be an ideal moment to begin stimulating interest through more ballot options.

Think about it… 

A few weeks back it was announced that camping at Sand Island Recreation Area was being suspended due to bad behavior at night. The Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR) cited partying, large groups of people hanging around, and excessive littering as factors that necessitated the timeout.

How sad. People cannot figure out how to have a good time without ruining it for everyone else, and the park itself? Have we become so self-centered that we simply don’t think about or care about the repercussions? Sure, you’ve had a tough week, as had hundreds of thousands of others. 

Deal with it, life’s tough, but don’t make it miserable for other campers, families, and the people paid to clean up after you. DLNR workers there are park caretakers, not babysitters. People without permits or hanging around after their permit expires (thus making it tough to get ready for the next group), illegal fires (do we need more of those?), litter tossed wherevah, leaving used gear behind, drinking alcohol, partying all night, entering after the gates close, allowing 30 people in your hui when the limit per site is 10… the list of unethical and/or illegal conduct goes on and on.

While DLNR doesn’t know (or doesn’t comment) on exactly where the miscreants come from that forced this closure action, the sense that it’s a mix of locals and visitors. Which could create even more problems.

The Boy Scouts have a concept: “Leave No Trace is an awareness and an attitude rather than a set of rules. It applies in your backyard or local park as much as in the backcountry.” If a bunch of 12-year olds can figure that out, can the so-called adults in the park crowd act accordingly?

While civility and ethics have taken a nosedive in recent years, perhaps a small (tiny) sense of guilt will cause those responsible for this unnecessary camping hiatus to think about their actions and act more responsibly going forward. When the park re-opens, DLNR promises on-the-spot enforcement whereby state officers will hand out monetary citations as a fiscal and physical reminder- it’s not your park, it’s our park. Love it or leave it.

I wonder if any of these same trashy individuals that caused the Sand Island Recreation Area problems are hypocritical, “protect our āina” aficionados? You know, the do-as-I-say, not-as-I-do crowd. Only when it’s convenient, apparently.

Think about it…

I recently returned from a glorious cruise in Alaska, and while we often comment about our islands being unique (often rightfully so), there are many similarities between Alaska and Hawai`i. We really are connected, yet so far apart in many ways.

The whales they wanted me to see on an excursion up there (if the whales opted to show up)? Same whale pods come get down here, so I passed on this, and said I’d wave “hi” (from ashore) when they visit here next winter.

The small towns of Sitka (population 8,400) and Skagway (pop. 1,200) have vibrant histories, including the (brief) Alaska gold mining rush (1890s). They are pristine locations on gorgeous inlets, which allow access for cruise ships to come for half-day visits during summer, allowing visitors enough time to shop and say “aloha”, or rather “Q’u, q’u yet dahdi nuntghesht’ih yida” (“see you later”). A resident in Skagway told me that locals there spend winter months simply- relaxing, enjoying peace and quiet, nature neighbors, and solitude. The last frontier.

Hawai’i is this country’s #1 SPAM-consuming state per capita, as we all know… and Alaska is #2. Makes for some good eating when you’re out in the frigid backwoods hunting or fishing.

Like Hawai`i, Alaska imports over 90% of its food. Honolulu and Juneau, Alaska, are the only two U.S. state capitals which are inaccessible by road. 13,000 Pacific Islanders call Anchorage, Alaska, home. On his third and final voyage of note, Captain James Cook “happened” upon Hawai`i on his way up to Alaska. And we know of the plight of indigenous people both here and in the 49^th state. 

Both states depend greatly on tourism. Alaska, of course, does have oil as an extra “bumper crop”. Both states are home to volcanoes, dubious roads, multiple micro-climates, a history of whaling, immigrants in multiple industries, and a large dependance upon outsiders for far too many things. The Copper River Country Journal and Northcountry noted that: “In both Hawai`i and Alaska, the gathering of food from the land has been considered a virtue, an affirmation of faith in nature and in culture”. And culture is king in both places.

So while it might be more expansive with land (vs. the sea that surrounds us) and the temperature ranges might be extremely different, we proudly share a lot with our northern neighbors, including (apparently) a newly-merged airline.

Think about it…

Kudos to the DOE, HHSAA, ILH, OIA, private-side entrepreneurs/donors, politicos, general enthusiasts, and others who have not only constructed the template for high school girls’ flag football leagues locally, but who already have plans to hold the first state championship in 2025!

No additional meetings, studies, committees, panels, or surveys are necessary (aside from working out the details), because this pigskin has cleared the uprights and will officially kick off in spring, 2025. As many as 50 local high schools might field a team in year one- including most, if not all, of the O`ahu OIA- that represents more than half of the high schools in the entire state!

And why not! Flag football mandates minimal contact besides yanking flags to bring a player “down”, promotes agility, speed, strategic and analytical thinking, teamwork and communication. As with other team sports, players must get along to get things done. Hmmm, Congress should be forced to play this game… daily.

The NFL, a possible benefactor here, formally committed to flag football 30-years ago and now has 700,000 boys and girls in its programs. Future NFL fans? Of course… Over seven million are now estimated to be playing the game, either competitively or recreationally, throughout the U.S. By the time Hawaii’s first high school teams kick off, at least 13 states will have sanctioned high school girls programs, while 16 other states plan to soon in the fun, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

And heads up parents and interested kids- some Division II and III colleges are offering college aid for flag football players. And… men and women will be playing for flag football gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

As each high school game will last about an hour, schedulers can stack multiple games on one field. Equipment needs are minimal (a suggestion: have referees bring standardized flags to ensure uniformity… and no “substance abuse” controversies with the Velcro or pop socket flags).

ESPN recently inked a five-year deal to televise the NFL Flag league, and over 30 games were aired/streamed last month on ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channels. The seven vs. seven contests feature no blocking, and every player can receive a pass, pitch, or hand off. A great game (started overseas by U.S. servicemen during WWII 80 years ago)  will now showcase Hawai`i’s female student-athletes; that’s a touchdown.

Think about it…

Pickleball is all the rage as you’ve probably heard. Turf wars have sprung up in neighborhoods far and wide between the tennis/paddle tennis crowd and pickleballers. Jurisdictions have added or reconfigured pickleball courts all over Hawai`i. But the racquet racket is driving some people crazy. Just last month, a friend I was dining with asked that we move to a different table due to the adjacent pinging pain from the ball-meets-racquet activity just 50-yards away.

So for the innovators and entrepreneurs out there- how about figuring out a way to mitigate the (sometimes considered obnoxious) clack when the pickleball gets whacked. Invent a semi-silencer for the paddles and/or the balls that doesn’t alter the game. A fortune would be made by the creators, and peace will be restored in neighborhoods throughout Hawai`i and the rest of the world. 

Suggestions include EV foam racquets, deflated tennis balls (used in padel tennis- yes, yet another court game), or maybe even community earplugs (just kidding). Orthopods are enjoying the surge in the game, because some players simply aren’t ready for the torque on their bodies, which leads to more ACL and Achilles’ tendon tears. Oh joy!

What began back in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, WA., grew mightily during the COVID pandemic and now occasionally pits pithy players vs. serenity-seekers. There are an about 400 pickleball courts in Hawai`i spread out over 100 locations. While the sport initially appealed to an older (i.e.- less mobile) crowd, the game is seeing huge growth among all ages.

What would be great would be to dull the pickleball (not dill it) through advanced science and technology. Though the game has been around for 60-years, it appears that recently it has not-so-quietly become a noted nuisance, perhaps a human version of incessant, clucking, feral chickens? 

However, any sport that features a “kitchen” can’t be all bad, can it? Well, except that pickleball players may not volley while in the kitchen (that’s up by the net); we had a no-volley rule in my home kitchen eons ago. Let’s hope an audio solution can be found to help mitigate the constant ping, pong, pop, whack, and smack created by this burgeoning ballgame. It’s not just about the volume, but also the pitch and frequency that raises blood pressure in quiescent neighbors. 

We’ve got a perplexing, persistent pickle here; let’s hope brilliant minds can rally for a smashing winner.

Think about it.

Far too often we are reminded of the sluggish nature in which things needing action taken locally don’t see that action taken for extended periods of time, if at all. Where to begin? H-3, HART, Aloha Stadium, the Waikiki Natatorium, the Falls of Clyde, the Koolau Stairway to Heaven, the TMT project, an east Kapolei high school, roadway repaving and slope stabilization projects in many areas, housing projects… the list goes on and on, as you know.

So there should be a sense of excitement and relief that an alternative roadway is not only in the works for the leeward side, but optimistic politicos said it could be in place in less than a year. Hopefully, that’s a “calendar” year (365 days), and not a “local” year, which is normally about 3-15 years when it comes to well-known projects. Kudos to decision-makers at the State and City of Honolulu, the Department of Transportation, long-time, leeward-side citizen proponents, the military, HPD, HFD, and everyone else associated with this long-awaited/debated project.

Not only will there by a bypass road, but plans include lighting improvements and additional safety features- from the get-go! Paakea Road ran through areas that were privately- and federal government-owned, so this was not an easy process, but the City & County of Honolulu will assume ownership when it’s retrofitted.

You can be sure that wary, leeward-side residents will be watching and commenting every step of the way to ensure that the promised project does get done expeditiously, with gentle, but necessary, prodding and poking. From Paakea to Hakimo and Lualualei Naval Road, the Department of Transportation will upgrade the roadway to ensure that it meets safety standards… within the next year.

For far too long, gridlock has been the norm whenever there’s been a vehicular problem or worse along Farrington Highway. And while talk has been going on for years, there have been logistical problems (including ownership rights) that curtailed solutions. It now appears there’ll be smooth sailing/paving, providing an option for thousands of commuters on the leeward coast.

The accessible roadway will require vigilance for speed scofflaws, traffic incidents, and other safety concerns for those living in the area, but the fact that this project will be finalized in under a year shows what can happen when many disparate parties come together with a sense of urgency; a solution can be found and acted upon.

Think about it…