• Blue twinkling lights • Giving is great • Mahalo for rescue tubes • Wonderful photo on religion page • Aloha spirit Blue twinkling lights One evening, my daughter and I would do laundry at our local laundromat. In the
• Blue twinkling lights • Giving is great • Mahalo for rescue tubes • Wonderful photo on religion page • Aloha spirit
Blue twinkling lights
One evening, my daughter and I would do laundry at our local laundromat. In the complex was a beautiful display of blue twinkling icicle lights. My daughter and I would reminisce to memories around similar lights we had displayed during one particularly memorable year for my family.
I would be motivated to approach two young men who I noticed relaxing in the garage of this home displaying these lights that had caught my interest. These two young men I would come to know as Alika and A.J. I would ask where the lights were purchased — that I thought the display was beautiful.
These two young men began immediately rummaging through boxes in an attempt to find an extra set of lights having not been used so that my family could have these. I expressed I did not want to impose or inconvenience; however, Alika and A.J. forged ahead in the determination to locate these lights, but to no avail. We talked story, said our farewells, and I returned to folding laundry.
About 10 minutes later, appearing at the laundromat would be Alika and A.J. with a large box of icicle lights in hand. These two had gone to more effort to locate these lights. A. J. and Alika beamed in their delight that they were able to find these lights. Alika would say to me, “I think you’re in luck!” as he plugged in the lights to an electrical outlet. The lights lit up.
As these two young men left me, I will always remember how pleased they were that they were able to gift these lights to a perfect stranger — the two smiling to each other, all the while I stood with the box of lights in hand, and a most thoughtful smile on my own face.
‘A‘ohe lokomaika‘i nele i ke pana‘i. If I understand correctly, in Alika’s and A.J’s Hawaiian language, this translates to “No kind deed has ever lacked its reward,” and to live with aloha is to have a giving nature.
Alika and A.J., thank you so very much for your generosity. Your 500 blue twinkling lights have found a thoughtful home displayed on our lanai while swaying quietly to the trade winds, and most importantly, shining as brilliantly as that which resides in your own very kind heart. Shared will always be the story of your warm-hearted gifting of these lights to my family, and to all those who enter our home.
Deborah Morel, Kapa’a
Giving is great
I see that 40 percent have not returned their census papers. In my best pidgin, no scared.
With the feds in possession of your Social Security number, privacy is a non-existent myth. Information such as your income, marital status, prison record, etc. is readily available to anyone who pursues it.
By not submitting your census information you are costing everyone in the state a lot of money consisting of a return of federal tax dollars to the State of Hawai‘i.
Whenever I find myself dwelling on something unpleasant, I put my feel good plan into motion. I try to do something good for somebody else. Giving to the food bank makes me feel great. A bowl of canned chili is so delicious to a kid who has been brought up on saloon pilot crackers and sweetened condensed milk.
If you are unsure of where to give, check with the Salvation Army.
They are one of the best sources for that kind of information.
Harry Boranian, Lihu‘e
Mahalo for rescue tubes
I want to thank the county and make people aware of the new safety flotation devices that are popping up at various beaches. They are red perched on a black pole, ready to grab and use in case someone gets into trouble swimming at our beautiful beaches. So I encourage you to look around for them next time you go to the beach.
Todd Anderson, Lihu‘e
Wonderful photo on religion page
As a not-too-frequent reader of the religion page or the spiritual leader’s answer to topics, I was profoundly delighted to see Pam Woolway’s response (April 2), in her column.
The picture of the lone monkey pod tree behind those disgraceful black screens, contributed by Kathleen Ho, and a verse from Joni Mitchell’s song as a reply to the topic of the week, regret, was simply brilliant.
I hope the people responsible for the desecration of these gorgeous trees and those frightful plastic walls, particularly in the Koloa area, live with and nurse their regret for years to come.
Peace and love.
Bettejo Dux, Kalaheo
Aloha spirit
Many mahalos to the a.m. crew in the water at Kalapaki each day last week!
You folks were warm, friendly, and super fun to surf with. Thanks to Julio, Doc, Vick, and the rest of the Nawiliwili crew! You guys are a great representation of the aloha spirit!
Stephen Wilson, Half Moon Bay, Calif.
