#johnfink

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think about it…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think about it…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think about it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think about it…

There are plenty of choices locally to choose from when deciding where/when/how to give of your time or money. Some non-profits are large and well-known, while others fly under the radar while also providing invaluable services throughout our community.

One such unheralded entity is The Pantry on Rose Street in Kalihi. This free, food distribution location is a wonder to behold. On a May field trip with Aloha United Way (my employer), I had the pleasure of visiting during peak hours. The Pantry’s operation is phenomenal for numerous reasons. 

#1- The Pantry provides much needed food to thousands of local residents. Sadly (as you’ve been reminded recently) local food demands continue soaring. May was the largest distribution month in The Pantry’s history; it served 46% more families than in May, 2023!

#2- the Pantry has just three full-time employees. Three. On average, The Pantry welcomes 45 volunteers during its limited hours of food distribution; a well-oiled, service machine. Needy people anonymously (first-name only) order on-line (limit of 10 items per person in a household per visit) and then either walk in or drive-thru, as volunteers select boxes that were custom-packed the day prior and place them into fast-moving shopping carts for quick, parking lot delivery. 

Employees and volunteers recognize multiple clients- 19% of weekly clients are regulars; 20% are kupuna; 29% are under age 18 or keiki; 39% reside in Aloha United Way’s ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) households, with household income levels above the federal poverty line, but they’re barely getting by. 

#3- volunteers possess boundless energy, working happily and harmoniously within cramped, but coordinated, Pantry confines. Neighbors helping neighbors. CEOs, active and retired military, and community members volunteering alongside one another, for a cause, for the people.

A major issue (deserving more discussion) is how to provide more fresh and nutritious food while also growing the supply chain and providing quality food, when possible. More access and coordination with local farms; more awareness of The Pantry, religious sites that offer food, and other food distribution locations. Call AUW’s 211 for additional food-availability information. The Pantry has room to warehouse more food to serve more people more often, if provided with necessary funding. This is just one example of the great social work that often goes unnoticed locally. Volunteer, donate, provide expertise, help coordinate more food distribution opportunities. Fill your soul as you help fill people’s bellies. A win-win.

Think about it…