Think About It Hawaii

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…  

It was interesting to note… no, actually it was heartwarming and even re-affirming to note that late last month, four astronauts from different countries joined hands and joined forces as they reached orbit and inevitably docked with the International Space Station on August 27. 

There’s no joke about “four astronauts walked into a bar…” here, but it is smile-worthy and intriguing to read various quotes as this mission was launched at Cape Canaveral in Florida, featuring astronauts from Russia, Denmark, Japan, and the U.S. “We’re a united team with a common mission,” said U.S. astronaut, marine pilot Jasmin Moghbeli. 

And this gem: “’To explore space, we need to do it together,’ the European Space Agency’s director general, Josef Aschbacher, said before liftoff. ‘Space is really global, and international cooperation is key.’” Imagine that, cooperation is vital and space is for everyone! The cynic in me thinks “Let’s see how long this lasts,” but I am hopeful.

Lots of folks are looking skyward at moon missions- the U.S.A., Russia, India, Israel, China, Japan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Italy, and Luxembourg- plus many private entities. So while we’ve failed so badly in so many ways for so long on Earth to get along and work together, maybe the stars will align as nations forge partnerships to work together on the moon.

One stated goal (from Luxembourg, no less) “…is to promote peaceful exploration and sustainable use of space resources.” Now wouldn’t that be cool, unique, and even restorative? 

With the horror of Maui’s fires still fresh in our hearts and minds, with mind-numbing mass shootings sadly the norm, with the 2024 national election season already shaping up to be a bad sitcom… maybe we can gaze skyward for relief and ponder “what if?” Heck, maybe Hawai`i can get in on this retro rocket launching mania (it’s been proposed before…) gripping so many disparate countries and entrepreneurial, private entities.

The Apollo program launched many products and scientific firsts which evolved into real applications seen now in everyday lives. Perhaps this lucrative lunar lusting will provide more valuable ideas and items for usage on this mortal coil, plus spur more young people to head into science, medicine, engineering, and unknown vocational fields. 

Right now, if only for escapism, if only to dream a bit, if only because we could all use a break, perhaps we can stare skyward… and espy a moonbeam.

Think about it…

Cars and trucks have gotten bigger- increased demand for roominess, fitting in more people, safety regulations, etc. It becomes apparent when you just look at cars/trucks today vs. 10+ years ago. What hasn’t gotten biggerare most local parking spaces throughout our parking-challenged state. Have ya tried wedging yourself out of your car recently, even when both you and your adjacently parked neighbor are well within the lines? Good luck not dinging your door or theirs.

The attempt to extricate and contort oneself from a tight parking slot now qualifies as an Olympic sport, and (of course) it’s always worse trying this move after dining out. Space is at a premium in many congested areas of Hawai`i; we understand… the price of land and all that. But perhaps land owners/leasing gurus can empathize as today’s vehicles (and, it appears, humans, too) have gotten bigger, and parking slot size should adjust accordingly. Come on malls, hotels, parking garages, beach stalls, school lots- you can do it!

And for those who persist in obnoxiously parking over well-marked demarcation lines (whether due to cluelessness or a simple lack of caring), may soaring birds leave a telling gift on your hood as a simple, karmic response. For truck enthusiasts who persist in parking in “compact only” stalls just “because”… may your dashboard “warning” light appear long before your next service checkup is due. 

Also, driving is not meant to be a contact sport, but here it’s mid-2023 and our vehicular accident numbers keep climbing. Pedestrians and bicyclists always lose, but cars rear-ending other vehicles or crossing the center line seem to be occurring with greater frequency. Could it be distraction from digital devices, colorful and over-stimulating dashboard monitors, or even french fries? What’s up with that guy weaving in and out, only to end up a mere two cars ahead of you at the next stop light? Or the Indy 500 wannabes going 85+ MPH on H-3 who’ve enjoyed far too many testosterone supplements or caffeinated drinks?

Driving is a licensed privilege, not a right. But in a world where “me first” predominates and individual wants far exceed community needs far too often, it’s no surprise that we see more of this “collateral damage” when autos and trucks become weapons.

How ‘bout everyone takes a deep breath, parks nicely, drives responsibly, and saves their pent up whatever for inane video games at home.

Think about it…

At the intersection of Vineyard Boulevard (heading ewa) and Aala Street stands a stoplight. Thisparticular stoplight sees heavy foot traffic due to social service agencies and apartments in the area, but a change there has occurred recently that few drivers seem to notice.

A sign was recently added to a sidewalk post that prominently reads, “No right turn on red”. Apparently, safety concerns of pedestrians amid cars turning right on to Aala Street attracted traffic officials’ attention. I admit, I didn’t notice the sign at first, and I turn at this intersection every workday. 

Now, since my sign enlightenment, I watch other cars in front of me creep up to the Vineyard red light… and turn, in ignorance, up Aala toward School Street. It dawned on me: isn’t this an example of what ratchets up far too many issues far too often? We see what we want to see; we’re pre-conditioned; we often refuse to see what’s right in front of us (or in this case- what’s right next to us) because of our innate sense of what is, based on beliefs, prejudice, intuition, learned experiences, or steadfast convictions.

There’s an interesting book on this very subject, “The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics And Religion”, by Jonathan Haidt. The book was published a decade ago, before the widening American social fractures were so prevalent. One 2013 book review suggested: “… if you’re ready to trade in anger for understanding, read The Righteous Mind”. 

I’m not a shill for Mr. Haidt; I haven’t even finished this weighty tome. But the premise that our perspectives will invariably taint even our most mundane tête-à-têtes is a human reality. We might better understand others by allowing their perspectives into our weltanschauung, and not simply rely on our personal, deeply ingrained “moral intuition” (as Haidt calls it).

I’m not suggesting that we become wishy-washy, apolitical, or lower moral barricades (for those who ascribe to moral codes). But discussing/debating while really listening and perhaps learning beats where we’ve gone as a nation (and as a state, on some issues) as we cling to preconceived tenets, pooh poohing anything the “opposition” even suggests, assuming that their underlying motives are to divide, conquer or stake some (a)moral ground. 

Bottom line: when you approach a stoplight, look beyond, look around, learn, listen. You may be surprised to find something revealing and/or logical.

Think about it…

When he was one-year old, his dad, a retiring, career Army man, put his two-year old brother and him in the sidecar of a motorcycle as Mom wrapped her arms around Dad, and they drove… all the way from New York to San Francisco on myriad dirt roads and side trails… in 1924.

Warren Stone, now 99.75 years old, has no idea what possessed his father to perform such a crazy feat in uprooting his family and going west. He swears he never saw his dad ride a motorcycle again! Stoney, as he’s called by everyone, celebrates his 100^th birthday here on November 16, 2023. 

What’s perhaps most remarkable about this understated, kind, even-tempered gentleman, is that he still plays FOUR full rounds of golf weekly! He’s done so every week for the past 25+ years (since he retired from the local print industry). Do the math… Stoney has played over 5,000 rounds of golf… since he was in his mid-70s! Currently sporting a 35-handicap, this nonchalant nonagenarian humbly claims that while he’s never really been very good at the game (but he had a 6-handicap at age 70), he simply loves to compete ($2 bets are the norm).

He only took up golf at age 50 because a dang tennis elbow forced him to stop playing that repetitive sport. He didn’t play competitive team sports in school (“too slow” he says), and he’s had no major injuries precluding him from playing every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday- mostly at O`ahu Country Club in Nu`uanu, but also weekly at Navy-Marine Golf Course off Nimitz Highway (nice and flat, unlike undulating O`ahu CC). 

Stoney first arrived here via military duty in 1942, moved full-time to O`ahu in 1956, and has played regularly at O`ahu CC for 50-years. His life philosophy? “It’s really day to day when you’re 99…”, he chortles. He eats eggs with sausage or bacon every morning and loves his prime rib confirms wife, Karen. Through a Portland, Oregon, business contact in the mid-1980s, he helped bring MidWeek newspaper to O’ahu. He reminisces about a Honolulu with no traffic, no high-rises, and fewer people: “…a nice, little town”.

And golf? “It keeps your mind working, even if it’s how badly I hit the ball!” Now that’s a Stone-cold fact. Life may be too short, but less so if you enjoy every day.  And Stoney’s only looking fore-ward.

Think about it…

It’s mid-summer! So now for something completely different…

Tough job for Anglo-philologists as they explain spelling, pronunciation, and usage of our American version of the English language? English may not be the toughest language to conquer (some say that’s Mandarin Chinese), but it sure has its nuances, inconsistencies, and idiosyncrasies…

Why do we get in the car, yet we get on the bus, train, or plane. As comedian Geroge Carlin once opined on this topic, “YOU go ahead and get on the plane… I’m getting in the plane.”

If something is neither overwhelming nor underwhelming, why don’t we refer to it as simply “whelming”?  Writers write, players play, actors act, and painters certainly paint, so how come barbers don’t barb, butchers don’t butch, and carpenters don’t carpent (or carpet)? And why do people yell “heads up” instead of “heads down”? If you put your head up, it’s often then too late to put your head down, as would be more appropriate.

Why do certain words that look like they should rhyme not rhyme? Tough, rough… OK. But what about though, cough, and through? If we have womb and tomb, then “bomb” should sound like “boom”; it absolutely leaves that impression (yuk, yuk)?

What about contranyms?! Like fast: move quickly or don’t move. Bolt: fasten down or hele on. Sanction: to penalize or to permit. Dust: add sugar… or wipe away sugar. Madness, I say!

And jumbo shrimp. Aren’t they just “shrimp”? We don’t refer to the small ones as mini-shrimp; that would be redundant, like pre-planning, new innovations, fiction novels, unexpected surprises, and advance warnings. Come on, a warning after the fact is of little use, especially if it comes after “heads up”! These morsels aren’t from morons; they’re oxymorons.

And what’s up with grow smaller, alone together, climb down, civil war, uncontested divorce, found missing, original copy, small crowd, negative growth, a working vacation, or those eerie living dead?

The brilliant Mr. Carlin once queried why is there no blue food?! Blueberries, blue corn, blue potatoes? Sorry, all purple. Cool Blue Gatorade doesn’t count. There’s a scientific explanation related to how plants handle sunlight and filter energy wavelengths, but wrapping one’s brain around this concept might actually give you the blues. 

Pondering or feeling perplexed persistently about this stuff might keep you up at night, or bore you to sleep, but that’s only if you even choose to think about it…