Think About It Hawaii

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…

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…