Think About It Hawaii

While there are innumerous issues to be addressed locally, some of which are gladly getting discussed in earnest at this year’s legislature, one of the items that stood out recently when it was reported was the lack of retention in our teacher ranks… still.

 The Star-Advertiser reported two weeks ago that the five year retention rate among public school teachers remains at just 50%. The goal was to get the retention rate to 60% by 2020, but that obviously never happened with COVID and other factors in play.

We should obviously be striving for quality along with quantity with the goal of keeping good teachers motivated as we hope to keep their students inspired. An enlightened student population can only help in the goal of a better future for all locally. And while the quest undoubtedly starts at home with involved, interested, pro-active parents, having to reinvent the wheel annually with new teachers makes for a cumbersome business model.

Whether it’s the convoluted education system or the high cost of living that butts up against salaries offered, the issue of retention must be re-addressed now and post-pandemic if we truly believe that “the keiki are our future”, which we hear year after year (and, of course, it’s true!).

While paying “shortage differentials” in certain areas (geographic and specialties) helps to mitigate even more shortfall in retention, work remains to be done, including seeking outside success stories in cities where retention has also been historically difficult. Hawai`i is not alone in its seemingly weak retention rate; the national public school teacher five-year retention rate average hovers around 50%.

One position proffered for years is that teacher salaries are so low to begin with that the entry rate, even with subsequent negotiated increases, is a non-starter for many who might look to the teaching profession while in college. The increasing demands, paperwork, expectations, morale issues, lack of materials, and enhanced accountability (i.e. meeting test score mandates) make teaching a true labor of love. Add to that the perceived babysitting/behavior factors and lack of motivation that is unfortunately seen in many students, and the picture becomes clear, though not pretty. 

Large companies losing 50% of staff within five years often struggle to survive, let alone thrive. We (locally and nationally) need to do better in keeping quality teachers to help ensure that students are encouraged in schools for their future success.

Think about it…

The time has come. This must be the year for immediate action. The state legislature is now in high gear for the next 90-days, so we all need to see real action on items which traditionally get discussed, lip-serviced, or tabled. 

Programs and funding need to be enacted this year. The pandemic has put more people on the edge of economic despair and we’re now beyond most of the federal funding, unemployment assistance, and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) checks. We have a state surplus of funds due to greater tax collections than were expected. And we have more funds available through the state and counties via ARPA, the America Rescue Plan Act.

We have kids who’ve been out of school dealing with remote, then on site, learning and teachers stretched thin at work and at home. We have front line responders triaging on a daily basis- from early 2020 through delta and omicron. And those hospital figures don’t include the uptick in non-COVID physical ailments that simply festered over the past 2+ years.

We need money smartly and quickly given to the professionals in the nonprofit world who make sure it impacts those most in need, with built-in accountability. A disclaimer here… I run Aloha United Way, so I know the need for assistance has rarely been more urgent. Before COVID hit, the AUW survey counted about 595,000 people in Hawai`i’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. Hard-working people, perhaps one or two missed paychecks away from experiencing major economic burdens. Ask an economist, the ripple effect of any additional duress would surely impact everyone here. Today, the ALICE number is presumed to be 700,000 people- almost half the state is living on the edge. Many haven’t been able to move ahead since the 2009 recession. 

Due to redistricting mandates, every state legislator is up for election this year. Leaving Hawaii’s vulnerable and possibly soon-to-be-vulnerable population- from keiki to kūpuna- in limbo this legislative session would be unwise- many of these people vote- and unethical. Follow the proceedings and comment to your elected officials (they work for you) on early childhood education and care, truly affordable housing, mental health assistance, and other annually-discussed social issues that shouldn’t need yet another study, committee, caucus, or report. No more obfuscation. The 2022 mission must be to resolve or mitigate items in play right now, not in five years.

Think about it… 

With so many modern conveniences and amazing technological feats appearing frequently, there are still some things we still have trouble providing, and I preface this by saying others have surely talked, joked, or written about some of these…

Like the fact that we can see zit marks on people’s faces with modern day technology from outer space or read the tattoo on their forearms from special government cameras at malls and airports, but when some scofflaw robs a bank, the nightly news shows us a picture that looks like a baby ultrasound or a shaky Polaroid shot from 1968, with the perfunctory blurred guy in a hoodie and sunglasses.

And while I can jam 5,000 songs onto my iPhone and carry on amazing video chats and get instantaneous location updates, I simply can’t get through that short distance known as the Pali Tunnel(s) without losing reception- cell phone, radio, you name it. It is 2022, so can we install the technology which will enable us to get through that challenging transition from town side to windward side? I mean if we can chat on a phone (please, no) at 30,000 feet, can’t we get through one one-tenth of a semi-enclosed mile without losing connection (hands-free, of course)?

And speaking of the Pali Highway, we’ve heard of neighbors complaining that speed bumps are causing their houses to literally crack as some free wheelers go flying over the bumps, but now that growing potholes before and after the speed bumps are causing motorists to slow down (or zigzag) even more. No problem, we hear that Pali repairs will be done by year end… we just don’t know what year.

Kepler-452B is a cool (we think) exoplanet that we can apparently see, and it’s 8.2 quadrillion miles away. If we rode on our fastest current space probe there, it would take 26 million years to arrive on Kepler. Yet while we rejoice seeing that dot well, I still can’t get a decent pair of eyeglasses that don’t smudge every single day?!

These are the types of things that used to keep us up at night, or at least were weird wonders we pondered. But they were mere somewhat existential curiosities. Now we obsess over mask microfibers, whether we’ll need a fourth vaccination this spring, and why is that guy coughing who just got on the elevator?! Ah, the good old days.

Think about it… 

It’s not just we humans who are trying to find a safe corner to stay in during on-going, bizarre times. A mongoose was captured on Kauai a few weeks back, and for those uninitiated in our audience, the Garden Island is one local garden spot where these vermin have not gotten a foothold. 

Introduced to Hawai`i over 120 years ago, mongoose were brought in to help eradicate the growing rat problem in the sugar fields. Well, sugar may be gone from our fields, but mongoose (diurnal creatures) and rats (nocturnal creatures) never hit it off or got together as planned, and both have found their mutually exclusive local niches. For the mongoose, Kauai remains on a list of places to occasionally visit, but not live. 

The Department of Land And Natural Resources here estimates that mongooses cause $50 million in damage annually, not to mention the unfathomable loss of musubi and other food items left in golf carts. While mongooses have been found on Kauai, they are not entrenched there, which is good, because that’s one egg/bird-eating guest no one needs.

And just before 2022 rolled in, a wayward (actually leeward, since it was off Kaena Point) wild pig took a bite out of surfer’s surfboard well out in the ocean! Wild bores often appear at Christmas holiday and New Year’s parties, but perhaps due to the fact that everything is once again being (smartly) curtailed, this wild boar was hightailing it (or perhaps low-tailing it, being a feral pig) in the ocean, perhaps to escape hunters and/or dogs.  Luckily, the experienced surfer placed her board in between herself and the paddling porker and was not harmed.

Pigs, mongooses, coqui frogs, centipedes, termites, Jackson chameleons, the ubiquitous cockroaches, etc.- we do have our fair share of generally unwelcome animal guests here. Even guests of the human variety that we personally invite here sometimes lose their sense of “welcome” after a while, but that’s another story. We share the land (and water), we accept boundaries, and we understand (hopefully) our place in the grand scheme of things in these islands.

But it still becomes newsworthy (and almost folksy) when we hear about strange animal incidents. Plus, an occasional offbeat story about our fauna friends can help us to put or keep things in perspective, which is still a great relief these days.

Think about it…

Take nothing for granted… after all, life is a gift, as are relationships, and you don’t want relationships and your time to drift into that prophetic Joni Mitchell line: “don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone…” I said goodbye to a few more friends in 2021. But I really didn’t, because there were still few formal services, few final tributes allowed. I did get to say aloha (with 100 others) pre-omicron at a beautiful December life celebration to a friend that included vintage pictures, video, songs, speeches, laughter, love, and tears. I even got to perform an air guitar tribute. And while this get-together came a year late, it still allowed many a calming sense of completion and peace. Mahalo and amen, Jerry.

If it’s to be, it’s up to me… I first heard this expression here 20-years ago at Delorese Gregoire’s invigorating “Winner’s Camp” for teens. It rings true every day- be the change you want to see, don’t wait for others or make excuses, figure out how to get it done. Be a leader in your own way- even if just for a day- rather than play the pawn. I hear people say “I don’t have time” for… whatever. But that’s all you do have- time. No matter how busy you are, it’s your time- take charge; don’t forfeit time. I understand the trials of dealing with kids, jobs and life’s necessities, but strive to make small strides to gain some control. Never more so than during a pandemic we must live, love, learn, laugh, and not let it all weigh too heavy- yes, even after two trying years!

Change is good, as long as it’s good change… ponder that concept as we approach the 2022 elections, or possible recalibrations of your work/life choices, including where to live, and other decisions you may face. It’s often fair to hear the cry for change from the dissatisfied, but formulate what that change might look like. If you believe we should simply toss ‘em all out and elect newbies, well that only works well if the new people are actually “better”. The “grass is always greener” fallacy might be smart to consider before making a headlong, under-developed leap into a new job/career, yet analysis paralysis will literally get you nowhere.

It’s now 2022… and time to think about it… 

One of the things parents hopefully do is to teach their kids accountability. You make a mistake, you own up to it, and you either fix it, move on, and/or presumably learn from it. So why can’t adults here do the same?

We see errors being made, or we see issues kicked down the road like rusty cans, and no one seems to say “my bad”. It’s always “the system”, or things just manage to occur, as if human decisions (or often- indecision) have nothing to do with it. Come on, even Michael Jordan missed over half the shots he took. You missed, admit it. And while the pandemic surely complicates everything, the list of issues unresolved here pre-dates pandemic-onia 2020/2021. 

Where to start? TMT, economic diversification efforts, upgrading public education, the Falls of Clyde, Lanikai and Laniakea parking issues, Stairway to Heaven, Red Hill, the Waikiki Natatorium, the HART project, homelessness, the brain drain, an alternative leeward O`ahu access road, truly affordable housing, sustainable living wages, plus 20 other issues you know of that pop up and disappear like the Whack-A-Mole game… the issue/project/conundrum fades from the headlines, then crops up again, with a new pledge to form a committee, review board, provide an environmental impact assessment, open up neighborhood hearings or… well, you know the drill. Just too much humbug to act on things that have been nagging us for years. Accountability? Repercussions? Consequences to inaction? Perhaps entropy will ensue.

We witness vapid biennial campaign promises or pseudo-efforts to tackle issues over and over. Decision-making can be tough and even unpopular in many cases. But at the end of the day, year, or decade, some action is surely better than none. A local consumer base grows numb, weary, and, and apathetic while leaders, er… managers- those hired or elected to make difficult choices- simply move on, sans movement.

Perhaps it’ll change in 2022. Maybe people will take decisive action needed on myriad issues locally, will truly lead versus simply maintain. Not making decisions on an item is actually a form of decision-making, albeit not a very exemplary way to do things. How refreshing when someone takes over a project, and says “here’s what we’ll do… now” and then does it, or says, “my bad, but here’s how we’ll solve this moving forward.” What a great lesson for kids- and adults- that would be in 2022.

Think about it… 

While Christmas travel might not be on your agenda this year, we all feel like that day is coming, once we get past omicron, or whatever might be next. And with that thought- traveling- comes an eternal question so often asked by our mainland friends- “which island should I visit?”

Wow, what a quandary?! Even for locals. For each island has its own innate charms and special features, so it comes down to: “what are you looking for”? And while we might find ourselves befuddled trying to answer the question if we opt for a staycation, it’s not that different than if someone traveled to New York- New York City, Niagara Falls, West Point, Lake Placid, the Catskills… Same thing with most other states that have disparate sites within. California? LA, SF, the desert, Lake Tahoe?  So many choices and so little time.

Having just returned from a glorious trip to Hawai`i Island, I was reminded of just how unique a place the Big Island is. From Hilo through Honoka`a and Parker Ranch to Waikoloa. Hawi, Kawaihae, Na`alehu, Pahoa, Puako, Volcano (the town), an active volcano, black sand beaches, snow, paniolo, unique wildlife, vibrant agriculture… the list goes on and on. While there, I visualized in real time that age-old question from non-akamai malahini: “why do you folks even bother having a daily weather report in Hawai`i?” Yes, ignorance rules. I saw fresh snow on Mauna Kea while it poured in Kailua-Kona yet ‘twas tranquil and sunny in Waikoloa. Micro-climates galore rule on all of our islands.

We have so much great diversity here- in people, places, cultures, et al.- that perhaps we take it for granted too often. Living local allows you the opportunity to go on a lifelong quest exploring myriad customs, histories, foodstuffs, flora, fauna, and off-shore treats that can simply amaze. So that’s my resolution for the next year (or 10). Explore more, embrace the unknown, avoid same old, same old-ism; experience things I’ve not yet made a sincere effort or spent the time to explore, eat, play, learn, or meet. 

While many consider Hawai`i a relatively “small” place, its contrasts and richness make it huge. There’s simply not much homogeneity here, just look further and wider. The melting pot that is Hawai`i goes way beyond its bouillabaisse population base, if you just give it a try. So seek!

And Merry Christmas!

Think about it…  

It’s that holly, jolly time of year, so let’s take classic Christmas song titles and inaptly apply them with tongue firmly planted in cheek to the world we live in today, as we nosh on cinnamon babka and eggnog!

“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”    Well, they were actually standing six feet apart… with masks on… and it was just an air kiss… but whatevah!

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”   Ding, dong, the witch is (relatively) dead! We finally beat the evil virus. Oh wait, a phone call. Hello… oh, my goodness… omicron!!

“Do You Hear What I Hear?”       Hear? Maybe, but millions don’t really listen any more.

“All I Want For Christmas Is You”    You see, I just want you! I’m not materialistic or status-conscious for something to showcase on Facebook… but what did you get me?

“It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”    It is, indeed; and it’s also the end of yet another year that Energizer Bunnied- it just went on and on and on.

“Last Christmas”      Please, don’t even remind me… but, hey, we made the best of it.

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town”      Have you been naughty? Nice? Tough to tell these days in the minds of far too many.

“Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer”     Great news, Rudolph finally checked into that rehab after far too long, so all’s well.

“Santa Shark”      Please, parents, make it go away… It’s had over 33-million hits on YouTube.

“Joy To The World”      Well, if we all try really, really hard, this one might actually come true.

“Silent Night”    Congress is in recess! Hosanna, Heysanna, sanna sanna ho!! (lyrics courtesy “Jesus Christ Superstar”)

“O Come, All Ye Faithful”    For that’s what we’ll need to attain a renewed sense of sanity, calm, and empathy in the years ahead.

“12 Days Of Christmas”    Or the long version- if you prefer: “Retail’s 60 Days of Christmas”.

“Christmastime Is Here”   The heartwarming sight of Charlie Brown’s diminutive, but decorated, Christmas tree reminds even the cynics among us of the true spirit of the season. You rock, Linus!

“Feliz Navididad” A Rorschach test to see if you’re still human after the past two years- if this one doesn’t make you smile… audition to play the role of Scrooge. Próspero año y felicidad!

“Winter Wonderland”     You’re living in it, or on it! So celebrate the season here… year round.

Ho ho, oh.

Think about it…

90 years ago, Mahatma Gandhi, a purveyor of nonviolence in resistance movements (among his many attributes) said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

If so, the soul of a community can perhaps be reflected by how it reports on the treatment of its animal friends, as well as its people. When a Hawaiian monk seal died recently after a battle with a parasitic disease spread by cat feces, it made for local headline news. When two nēnē geese were killed by a car near Kahului Airport a few days later, it was a front page story. The mere fact that such unfortunate incidents still make news in Hawai`i is, depending on your vantage point, either an indication of our humanity and caring, or the reality of a slow news day.

Ramping things up a bit, when there is a murder or other criminal act of violence toward a human, it is usually the lead story on local newscasts and a front page newspaper story the next day. The Census Department lists the following cities as having populations similar to Honolulu in 2021- Anaheim, Cleveland, New Orleans, Anaheim, Tulsa, and Cincinnati. Ever watched local news or read a newspaper in those cities? Violent crime incidents are often relegated to page six, or buried in the second half of the newscasts. Sometimes, they just don’t see these to be a big deal.

Again, make your own assumptions as to why that might be, but perhaps it’s reassuring that we still largely pay attention to these things locally- whether it’s human suffering or sad sagas about animals. While this doesn’t necessarily make us more humane than other areas, the day that we lose perspective on the value of life is the day we become more numb, unaffected, and perhaps even less human. Empathy and truly valuing life can be revealing traits in deciphering what separates one place’s ethos from another. Certain cities are sometimes defined as “tough” or “hard”. What does that do to the populace over time? How does that change perspectives, outlooks, and daily demeanor?

Thus, while it might seem like overkill, no pun intended, to see “major” stories about losing a seal or a goose, these beloved entities help to make our islands special; heartfelt sadness and lack of indifference should be acknowledged, not chided.

Think about it…   

‘Twas Wednesday, three days before graduating from college, and I had no clue. Most of my friends were bound for graduate schools. I was headed to be a freshman in the real world while living at my aunt’s apartment on East 69^th in Manhattan; jobless, with a fantasy pipedream to someday take over hosting “The Tonight Show” post-Johnny Carson.

My dad called me that evening from Honolulu to tell me he’d bumped into Dennis Minga, VP of Team Hawai`i of the North American Soccer league (NASL) at the Team Hawai`i office downtown at the Amfac Center (now the Topa Financial Center). Dad was there to purchase a team tee shirt for his nephew- my cousin. Dennis had interviewed me at Christmastime six months earlier during holiday break and, upon spying my dad, told him that I should call Dennis ASAP about a possible job (pro soccer team- public relations director!). 

I called Dennis on Thursday. Sunday, I flew home to my first, post-college job, bypassing my scheduled Manhattan college graduation party. The point to this saga? Serendipity… when good things happen by chance, changed and helped shape my life. If Mr. Minga was at lunch, a meeting, or in the bathroom when my tee-shirt-shopping dad went downtown that day, I wouldn’t have come home to Hawai`i. Maybe not a true miracle in this season of miracles, but certainly a fortuitous moment.

Who knows what the future would’ve held had I ventured to the Big Apple many decades ago. I do know that serendipity brought me here, and it can foretell great things- like how you meet your significant other or get a job- through its sheer happenstance. One way to possibly luck into serendipity is to put oneself out there, go places, meet people, or venture outside of your comfort zone. Because you never know…

As we start head into 2022, resuming interactions with humans outside of our isolation bubbles, who knows what serendipity might mean for you? The intricate networks found locally via connections can be rewarding. They can be frustrating, too, as everyone seems inter-connected in some way, where conflicts of interest occur far too often, but that’s another story.

The bottom line- if you want personal growth, opportunity, new experiences, change, or an expansion of your social/work circle- and perhaps your mind- put yourself out there, now that we can. Serendipity, how sweet it is.

Think about it…