MidWeek Column

When I got to the top of my subdivision, up the winding road, it was a cool 69 degrees. The traffic light (as always) was red. I calmly accepted my plight and started staring at the gorgeous, Koolau mountain range facing me. Chiseled, pure, picturesque, majestic, and framed by a cloudless sky. I thought: “when was the last time I just stared, simply appreciated what unfolded in front of me, transfixed on a 3D picture postcard for the ages?”

Feral chickens clucked off to the side, perhaps commenting amongst one another about the zombie-like voyeur in the purring car. I marveled at the prominent, no… perfect, peaks projecting upward. A cool autumn morning, how cool; a mere moment to just reflect on how fortunate we are to have views such as this. Be it a park, a beach, a hill; find serenity. Seek it out as we all wait for life’s lights to change.

I needed no directional sign nor overlook nor hidden trail or famous beach nook; just a red light and 90-seconds of conscious free time. And I actually took advantage of it. No cell phone gazing; no flipping through the worldly misdeeds of the day. Just O’ahu’s spacious beauty laid out in front of me. Of course, my music choice du moment enhanced the whole experience. It was the brand new Beatles’ song, “Now And Then” (yes, a new Beatles’ song… look it up- great Peter Jackson video, too). 

Anyway, do we ever realize what we miss if we don’t look up and focus on what’s in plain sight, a/k/a not seeing the forest for the trees? There’s so much pervasive adversity right now that one might opt to sometimes just not see, hear, or read about it any more. But co-exist and persist we shall. And this all comes on the heels of three-years of angst, contradictions, polarizations, and rewiring. “Now what?”, we shrug. We can all use a break and must give ourselves one, even if it’s minor or momentary. Because it’s right in front of us, if we only look.

I came upon my mini-break by chance. I’ve driven this same route daily for 40 years, and I usually don’t look up, or out. But that day, in just 90-seconds (the light always turns green), a manini piece of heaviness lifted; a great way to begin yet another day in paradise. Happy Thanksgiving.

Think about it…  

If you’ve been following the steady trend of more people moving out of Hawai`i than into Hawai`i annually (seven years straight now), you’ve probably heard some who suggest “…good, we could use fewer people here”. Really? Let’s look what this now-annual net emigration trend portends for Hawai`i. Keep in mind, this resident departure syndrome  involves tax payers moving, not fewer tourists (as some dream about regularly).

Many who leave are retired (or retiring) and most have discretionary funds available, so when they leave, that’s a negative for our economy. When still-active workers leave, not only might that break up family units (eliciting emotional repercussions), but it also suggests a brain and brawn drain, a reduction in our day-in, day-out workforce. Who will handle vacated, vital jobs? We’re already short of teachers, doctors, nurses, retail clerks, hospitality industry workers, law enforcement personnel, etc.

If we continue to see net population losses, those who opt (or are forced to) ply their trade on the continent will take resources, kids, and wisdom with them. Our pool of future leaders, innovators, and even cultural ambassadors will dwindle, and it’s hard to put a positive spin on that likelihood.

Most of us enjoyed quieter beaches, shopping experience and less traffic during the dog years of COVID-19, but it’s not realistic to expect that solitude going forward without gaping economic pitfalls; and besides, some of that quiet was due to lack of visitors. 

As we increase the affordability and availability of housing, we also need to assess what jobs/industries will keep people engaged locally at wages allowing them to be happily housed while not restricting them financially as prisoners of their living units without great hope of saving for their inevitable golden years here.

Beyond housing, when people talk about reducing the cost of living here, which retailer or manufacturers locally would you suggest cut prices? Everybody? Island living ensures limited options for products and services; you simply can’t drive a couple of hours to the next state to get what you need cheaper. Competition (and thus options) are limited and local costs are much higher in just about every area of business.

Based on the reality of local lifestyles, circa 2023, suggesting that simply having fewer people living here would be a good idea is a bit naïve, plus economically (and socially) a formula for future woes we don’t want or can’t handle.

Think about it…

With this column, I begin my fifth year of writing commentaries in MidWeek. I’m not sure of any major significance of having now completed four years of sharing thoughts weekly, but I found some interesting concepts around the number (and age) of four.

A child care program primer suggests that four-year olds begin to understand about other people’s feelings, a concept apparently lost once one walks through the formerly hallowed doors of Congress, thus becoming an entitled, elected separatist. The child care commentary indicates that children, upon reaching age four (or thereabouts) become more in tune with the concept of cooperation. Again, this seems to have been lost completely in Washington, D.C.; they’re often acting like three-year olds… which sadly doesn’t shock us anymore.

Empathy is another term used to describe human evolution as we reach our 4^th birthdays. And empathy is a value sadly missing far too often in far too many day-to-day discussions, as too many have devolved into a cocoon where it’s often “me” over “we” or even “whee!”; many things just don’t seem to elicit a sense of fun anymore. Perhaps this is a vestige of a post-COVID world, further exemplified by alleged leaders who religiously take themselves far too seriously as they ignore their responsibilities to lead.

Extreme distress is an emotional red flag that might appear in four-year olds… this distress may describe 2023 reality for those dealing with weighty economic, emotional, mental, physical, tribal, (add your own “____al” here) issues.

And not to get biblical here, but on the fourth day of creation, we apparently received the sun, the moon, and the stars (see Genesis 1:14-19). Not a bad workday; I wonder if time off was taken for lunch on that busy day? Childish adults in the political world should take time off to gaze out- maybe on a starlit night- and reflect on their (in)actions, agitation, attitudes, arrogance, and angst.

A lot has happened over the past four years since I began to “think about it” here. In human years, we might opt to discount part of that COVID quarantine window; so the past four years might equate to two “real” years in human- or even dog- terms. Perhaps you wish that my four-year “Think About It” MidWeek editorial sojourn had been reduced by MidWeek’s print hierarchy to just one week. Sorry, but we shall press onwards, as we continue to think about it…

The modern state of business in a digitized, impersonal world that sometimes portends a post-truth reality and an influx of artificial intelligence (or stupidity)… it sometimes gets to be too much for our frail, human minds to adapt to. So let’s visit some possibly antiquated, overused, generic office terms (in part courtesy of C2FO,a capital funding firm) in an effort to de-clutter (an overused buzzword) our crania.

“Think outside the box”… what box? If you’re not thinking in circles, rhomboids and triangles these days to solve conundrums at work, then perhaps you’re not being challenged or enjoying your job. “Trying something new” or “innovative approaches” should be an expected job expectation quite often. The box was recycled a long time ago, so let’s “86” it… and don’t even begin to ask where the idea of “86’ing” something came from…

“Results-driven”… as opposed to what: failure-intended? Even if you don’t get the result(s) you want, your normal modus operandi in a workplace is results-driven. At some point in a process or post-planning, it would seems results are necessary. We can bag this expression in presentations, too.

“The whole nine yards”… this one allegedly started out as a fabric/garment measurement, so why it symbolizes “everything” in idiomatic expression seems idiotic, or quaint. “All” or “everything” work well, and then our minds won’t wander during the discussion, distracted by this archaic concept that still breathes far too often.

“Giving 110%”… quite the popular term for sports genericists. Let’s be clear, 100% is the absolute max, so you simply can’t “give more”, but we get the gist of this one. If asked to work or try harder, and you said, “I can’t, I’m already giving 107%”, you might be fired for insubordination, but surely not because you’re not giving your mathematical best…

“At the end of the day…”… well, this one doesn’t work great in a world in which we remain connected about 17 hours daily now- does it? Frankly, ending the day at a specific time might allow for more work/life balance which is (thankfully) in vogue in this post-COVID, hybrid era (lifestyles, not cars), so perhaps shorten to “finally…” or “in the end…”

Vapid, outdated, overused expressions that lose context and power. We have the power to change this!  Are we on the same page with this low hanging fruit in our ecosystem? Are our ducks in a row?

Good; think about it…

Kermit the Frog sang “it’s not easy being green”, which was undoubtedly true for him, but for a dedicated musician in 2023, it’s not easy making green. While there has never been more music so readily available through so many sources, the non-superstars are struggling mightily in this digital age.

In the “old” days, artists could depend on music sales (CDs, LPs, EPs, 45s, greatest hits, catalog sales, et al.) along with concert dates to (possibly) make a decent living. Talk to just about any well-known, local artist in 2023, and they’ll tell you about the side jobs required to make ends meet. I recently dined with an extremely well-known local singer/songwriter and heard the sad saga- gigs in Japan have dried up, ticket prices have plummeted, the costs to travel have gone up, and no one is buying CDs or even resurgent vinyl albums in numbers large enough to sustain a music career.

How bad is it? This artist has over 15,000 monthly listeners on one major streaming service, has won numerous Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, and gets quarterly royalty checks from an agent for the songs streamed via multiple services… the quarterly checks total about $100, or just $400 per year. Yikes! Streaming pay rates have caused outrage for years, and there are now lawsuits and new pressure being applied to change the formula. To top it off, this performer, first because of COVID quarantining and now due to a lack of quality sites to play at on the West Coast and in Japan, expressed that the inability to see and experience new things and meet new people is stifling the all-important creative bug.  So… no new songs. Frustrating.

This is not about massively popular heritage acts or crème de la crème, current pop flavors du jour, but rather about the other 95%- those hard-working, well-liked

musicians who simply cannot figure out that formula (because there isn’t one) combining music unit royalties and concert fees to make it work in 2023. Are the glory days of music winding down for far too many local tunesmiths, our favorite Storytellers and up ‘n’ comers who simply can’t up and come? Playing at aunty’s cousin’s baby luau as a “favor” for $300 simply won’t pay the rent. Music labels and some streaming services may prosper, but the vast majority of musical artists don’t, which makes one feel a bit mu-sick.

Think about it…

Perhaps I missed the official declaration, but nine months after we were told that the Hawai`i rainbow license plate design was going to (probably) be replaced, it appears that the multicolored arc has another 15 years left. As the Star Advertiser’s “Kokua Line” recently reported, the Honolulu Customer Services Department indicated that the lifespan of the pretty plates will be prolonged utilizing a heretofore unused letter combination. A simple solution.

As it should be! I was fortunate to attend a wonderful Hawai`i Island, executive conference last month and heard well-known super chef, Mark “Gooch” Noguchi describe a special noodle dish he’d created for those assembled. He commented about how Hawai`i is sometimes called the ultimate melting pot, when in actuality, we’re just a huge “mixed plate”- with distinctions and unique flavors, but a commonality in spirit, which makes us different from just about anywhere else. 

Perhaps that uniqueness can be an instrumental driver in helping to mend the dysfunctional, constant angst we witness on so many issues around us. While the rainbow represents a beautiful mix and match of colors, all flowing across a magical arc, each color is unique, can stand by itself, yet blends with all of the other hues. A rainbow is a sign of hope, an enabler, an empath, a smile inducer.

Because at the end of the day, we are all simply connected life forms, part of a universe far greater than our individual selves or our chosen or born-into tribes. Our rainbow license plate design might seem simple, but that’s part of its beauty. Also, the HPD says its design makes it easier to read with basic black letters on a white background with the subtle colorful prism.

Who doesn’t feel a wee bit better when espying a rainbow in this land of rainbows? Who doesn’t dream a bit, envisioning that mythical pot of gold at the end of the arc? The “Kokua Line” article mentioned “…the design’s high contrast and visibility”. And isn’t that part of what makes Hawai`i so wonderful? It’s that high contrast and visibility- our islands’ diversity, customs, disparate roots, and deeply ingrained optimism and sense of `ohana.

So here’s to the continued use of rainbow plates; celebrate our mixed plate(s), revel in the differences and nuances that keep it interesting. But never forget the underlying soul and spirit that weave through everyone and everything we value locally.

Think about it…

You might have seen the recent report about the 2020 Census which showed that just 47% of the total population of Native Hawaiians or part-Hawaiians now live in Hawai`i, down from 55% who lived here in 2010. With the redundant talk (and we do a lot of talk) about the cost of living locally, the lack of affordable housing and the lack of higher-wage job opportunities necessary to provide a reasonable living and realistic opportunities for an affordable retirement here, we’ve seen worrisome net out-migration statistics become the norm every year over the past six years (and surely in 2023, too).

We also know that this affordability problem affects not only Native Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians. Plenty people are picking up and leaving. Some are retirees opting to move closer to family and/or to ensure that they have the financial wherewithal to see out their golden years without undue angst. But the loss of those departing these shores during their vibrant, working years- these potential leaders, the possible soul of our very community and what defines it- that is a redundant problem that we cannot afford to just keep talking about.

More Native or part-Hawaiian people now live in Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas’ home) than the total number of people who currently reside in Mililani Mauka, Makakilo, Wailuku, Wahiawa, Ewa Beach or Waianae. The very fabric of our community spirit is ingrained in the people, so if that mix changes (due to emigration and immigration), what then happens to Hawai`i as we know it, or knew it?

One of the reasons people move to Hawai`i is because of what these islands represent, in large part due to the cultures established here. Of course, many of those moving here can also afford to live here, which is reflected by the changing nature of our population bouillabaisse. We can sit in judgment of what this means for Hawai`i, but if we care, what we can’t do is simply talk about it.

While conversations about expanding the economy and providing affordable housing come up repeatedly, we’ve seen a dozen new high-rise, living quarters constructed in Kaka`ako, but how come we only have two Century Park Tower-like buildings in Pearl City? Oh, zoning rules were changed. As land is so expensive, we might just build upwards, not out. Re-zone some fallow ag land into urban land. Meanwhile, we slowly lose our people and identity here.

Think about it…

Two things you’re probably aware of here are that we are a proud state and we take great pride in the many unique facets of our island home- including our aloha spirit and big-time celebrating of locals who accomplish big things.

Many here are uplifted when a local person or entity shines on a bigger stage- nationally or even worldwide. Part of this has to do with our historical sense of often being the underdogs, our relative isolation from any nearby land forms or people, and our expected sense of humility, a much-prized trait locally.

I recently relished two items that simply made me smile. First was the Kahuku High School football team beating 2022 national champion, St. John Bosco, 30-23, in Laie on September 16. And two days later, I felt a sense of pride at the continuing and amazing saga of Iam Tongi, who will be singing locally in concert at (undoubtedly sold out) shows in December.

Kahuku has been an entrenched football powerhouse for many years, alongside St. Louis High, but on September 18, Kahuku made its first-ever appearance in the MaxPreps Top 10 rankings due to its exciting defeat of previously #3-ranked Bosco (from Bellflower, CA.). A last-minute quarterback draw did the trick as the Red Raiders stunned the Braves, who lost their first out-of-state game in six years. Even more impressive, Kahuku was trounced by #1-ranked Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA.), 55-8, just one week earlier. We witnessed resiliency, teamwork, pride, overcoming adversity and all of those other life lessons learned very quickly by this never-say-die Kahuku squad!

As for Mr. Tongi…a son of Kahuku who six months ago told a worldwide audience on TV’s “American Idol” that he’d left Hawai`i because he and his family had been priced out of “paradise”, as he called it. This homecoming is yet one more triumphant acknowledgment of how he’s overcome onerous odds while maintaining personal dreams, as this teen’s career plans are falling into place through perseverance, honesty, warmth, and those dulcet tones.

Perhaps Tongi will join the list of local musical artists who’ve expanded their fan bases far beyond our shores- like Don Ho, Bette Midler, Bruddah Iz, Jack Johnson, Jake Shimabukuro, and Bruno Mars, to name a few.

Ka huku means “the projection” and the Kahuku’s fabulous footballers and Iam Tongi are certainly projecting positive vibes from their North Shore roots this fall!

Think about it…

Far too many people in far too many instances have degraded social media into anti-social media. It happens through misinformation, often done with malintent (as opposed to simple, plain ignorance). It is a serious issue as it’s become pervasive, whether spread by governments, fearmongers, warped weirdos, or anyone else who foments lies online, as far too many people simply believe whatever they read/hear/watch.

Sometimes people believe because they want to believe something’s true- it fits their ingrained belief system, or makes the “other side” look bad. Spreading rumors, lies, and innuendos used to require some deviant cunning, but nowadays anyone with a website or an opportunity to chat, rat, or combat can place just about anything they regurgitate anywhere.

Thus, it comes as no surprise that we’re seeing non-friendly countries with ulterior motives suggest nefarious theories or rationale related to the recent Maui fires. And we’ve witnessed a vital state employee’s resignation due to veiled and not-so-veiled threats made against her and her family. Very classy. 

In an NPR interview, Tristan Harris, an ethicist who left Google in 2013, stated that his job there was to make sure that the “…products the company made were not harmful”. He quit when he realized that was no longer possible.

The growing existence of dubious asocial media sites where non-truth proliferates is frightening; just how far down this evil rabbit hole will we go? Ethicist Harris claims the whole purpose of many sites is “…to get basically lower and lower into what will get your attention, which means I play into your reptilian brain, your lizard brain to get the dopamine out.” Lovely… 

The goal is to get to the very base of our apparently no-longer-evolving brain stems so we can become more hooked, intrigued, and voyeuristic via lies, rumors, and come-ons. It’s known as addiction. Ka-Ching! And you thought you were simply semi-fascinated by someone’s benign lunch salad or side trip to Machu Picchu… 

Too many people have been bullied, embarrassed, and/or ostracized online. Quit, if you can. Find other forms of connection and/or entertainment. When a good person in local government doesn’t want to play any more due to this cesspool, we all lose. When purposefully misleading misinformation scrambles emotions already under duress due to the horrible fires on Maui, we all lose. Quit the antisocial angst… What then becomes of morons that no one reads, watches, or follows? Nothing.

Think about it… 

Let’s presume there’s a finite amount of local money that government can work with annually. Because that’s true- at the city, county and state levels. And let’s say there are pre-emptive projects that “could” be contracted that might preclude future incidents and accidents from occurring. Because that’s also arguably true. How then do you make prescient choices on what to fix and what to let languish? As lots of discussions about who’s to blame and what could’ve/should’ve been done in Lahaina continue, and as the lawsuits multiply, let’s explore some O`ahu issues that need fixing or addressing as we ask- how much? how vital? and when?

Like the Ala Wai Canal, which has seen work done, but not much serious talk lately about berms or repairs upstream to prevent a catastrophic, 100-year flood. Like the boulders which topple down in Nu’uanu, Mānoa, Pearl City, and other places as erosion plus time causes too many nature nightmares. Barriers are not going to be placed alongside the Ala Wai or its upstream areas- unsightly and expensive. (Most) hillside residents don’t want unsightly fencing placed throughout vertical expanses, even with potential rock slide potential above. And what about statewide coastal flooding?

In the past month alone we’ve seen water main breaks in Aiea, Kalihi (Waiakamilo) and in the Ala Moana area… where they seem like Whack-A-Mole dilemmas. Should decades old water and sewer pipes be replaced in advance of problems perhaps likely to occur “someday”? What about the upkeep of our bridges? Should infrastructure be retrofitted (arguably) prematurely to preclude possible collapse? Pinpointed repairs recommended for Aloha Stadium were not funded/handled in time; so that facility is now closed. Decisions often come down to at-the-moment priorities and available cash. 

To be clear, I am neither not second-guessing any thought processes as to what might have been done on Maui, nor am I suggesting what absolutely should be done on O`ahu. People in the know must deal with such decisions. When does pro-active maintenance become valuable enough to take precedence over other projects, and what vital municipal projects will not get done if limited funds are diverted?

Whether you care to consider these aforementioned events byproducts of climate change or prefer to deny that such a thing even exists, the tools, resources, political wherewithal, and actions to be taken for preventive, proactive, infrastructure maintenance sometimes looks clear in retrospect… when sadly it’s too late.

Think about it…