WAIPOULI — Frequent contributor James “Kimo” Rosen said he tries to go to Safeway every Friday for $5 Fridays. It’s where many items are sold at loss-leader prices to get you to come in.
Every Friday is Rosen’s sabbath, and he really enjoys sushi on the sabbath.
His means of transportation are either his bike or bus.
On a recent Friday, he rode his old, rusted bike to Safeway. When going to crowded public places he takes the old bike, as it’s less likely to get stolen than his newer, well-kept bike.
“The bike rides like a gem but looks like a homeless person’s bike,” he said.
“When I get out of the store after doing my $5 Friday bargain shopping, there is a footlong submarine sandwich and bottled water sitting in the basket” of his bicycle. “Lucky we live Kauai.”
“Some good samaritan must have wanted to do a mitzvah (a good deed), and pay it forward, and thought they’d be helping a poor houseless person. What a great gesture!
“However, the submarine is too much for me, plus I have a ton of food at home, my sushi, and many other ono grinds. I’m thinking, Lord, help me find somebody I can pay this forward to who can enjoy it,” he recalled.
“Low and behold, a dude I’ve known for many years who struggles financially and has five kids is sitting near the Safeway parking lot. I say, ‘bruddah, do you have use, and would your family like a fresh submarine sandwich?’”
He took the sandwich, said “mahalo,” and the two talked story for a while, ending with the man saying “the kids would really enjoy it.”