‘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…