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Mahalo, Karen

Seal of Approval

East Hawaii beach hosts mom and pup seal



By Karen Welsh

The waves pounded the shoreline, remnants of a storm system that passed through the Big Island. The tide was steadily rising, making it the perfect time for a quick retreat.
Suddenly, the snappy bark of a female Hawaiian Monk Seal was heard above the surf at a remote beach location near Papaikou, in East Hawaii.
The momma seal loudly beckoned her 10-day-old pup to higher ground.
The baby, with the froth of milk still on it’s black whiskers from a recent nursing answered back as a sassy child, unwilling to obey and make the climb up the steep shore.
After a few more commands, the pup seal finally relented, following its mom up to a safer haven.
The mom gave birth on the beach less than two weeks ago and has intensely nurtured her pup. It's in her nature and she will neither eat nor drink until the baby is weaned and can become more independent.
During that time, the seal, now weighing somewhere between 600 to 700 pounds, will lose 200 pounds, while the baby, which weighed 25 to 30 pounds at birth, quickly gains between 5 to 8 pounds per day.
Most of the time, however, the two monk seals lounge lazily about at the edge of the shore. The mother wants to sleep, while the baby remains in constant motion after it wakes up from a nap.
A yellow rope barricade keeps people at bay. Signs are posted to warn off those who might get too close.
It’s already a long, steep climb down the edge of a ravine, and an even longer climb back uphill. If that’s not enough of a deterrent, David Schofield, the regional marine mammal response coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the mammals are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act and need to be treated appropriately at all times.
An around-the-clock vigil is now being posted by the University of Hawaii Marine Biology volunteers, in conjunction with the NOAA Fishery Service and the Department of Aquatic Resources and Schofield said their directions must be taken seriously.
"If they ask you to do something, please heed their advice and move away," he said. "They have the authority."
Schofield said the guidance is meant to avoid injury to both the mammals and humans, as the mother seal will protect her young and will attack if anyone gets too close.
The best thing the public can do, Schofield stressed, is to simply stay away from the beach for another four to five weeks, as they don’t want the mother seal to prematurely abandon the baby.
"This is a critical time," he said. "This is the early critical period. It’s important to not disturb the nursing behavior."
It's hard to tell if the mother and pup understand the hoopla surrounding the blessed event. The two remain close to one another, as if they are the only two creatures on earth. Unabashedly, the little one nudges it's head, signaling the caretaker to turn her lumbering body, allowing the babe to nurse, the circle of life continuing against all odds.

Karen Welsh can be reached at writeaway777@hawaii.rr.com

Shiver Me Timbers!

Replica Privateer Ship Blasts into Bay

By Karen Welsh
Feature Writer

A perfectly quiet day in Hilo was interrupted by cannon blasts yesterday morning as the 1812 replica privateer vessel made a grand entrance into the harbor.
Eerily reminiscent of what life was like in the 1800s, the sun shone through a light band of billowy clouds, shimmering brightly on dancing ocean waters when the tall ship sailed into port after it signaled it’s arrival with four six-pounder carronades erupted with explosive action.
"I’ve been a cannon-crazed nut since I was a kid," said Woodson Woods, the owner of the Lynx and founder of the Lynx Educational Foundation.
A successful businessman, Woods wanted to give something back to the world. His love of the sea prevailed in Woods’ decision-making process, and he decided to built the vessel to provide an educational hands-on learning experience for children.
The cost to build the vessel was $2.75 million, but Woods said it was worth every penny.
He then created an the Lynx Educational Foundation, which is run by his son, Jeffrey.
Although it’s new, the ship was built historically accurate, providing a floating classroom, where students can learn firsthand about America’s heritage. It was designed after a privateer ship that helped keep the British at bay during the American Revolution.
The younger Woods said although the program is still young, the ship’s popularity and interactive field trips for youth and adults are growing in popularity.
This summer the Lynx and her crew has made the first voyage where it carried five high school students from its home port in Newport, Calif. to the Hawaiian Islands. The ship made it’s first stop in Hilo after 16 days at sea.
Besides serving as regular crewmen, learning seamanship, seafaring traditions, celestial navigation, and tall ship sailing, the teenagers also attended afternoon classes where they learned about Hawaiian culture and history and the Captain James Cook’s three voyages across the Pacific.
Idaho resident Rebecca Sidell, 16, was one of the youth on board to experience the open ocean. She said it was a change from her dry lifestyle on the mainland.
"I wanted to come for an adventure," she said. "I think it was hard sometimes, but it was broadening to my horizons. I learned how much it takes to sail a boat. You have to be coherent. You have to be listening 24/7."
One of her favorite memories was taking the dawn watch.
"The stars were so gorgeous," Sidell said. "There was one point where there were more stars than sky. It brought everything into perspective for me. I thought, ‘wow, I’m in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I have no reason to complain.’"
While on board there was no use of cell phones, computers, gaming programs or other technological gadgetry.
Doug Newbill, 15, of Simi Valley, Calif. found out he could actually live without it.
"I was distracted with running the lines, learning knots and helping run the ship," he said. "I didn’t think about (computers) a lot."
California resident Tracie Sullivan was there to meet the Lynx when it docked at Hilo Port. She had sent her son, Michael, 15, on the ship, and for good reason.
"We felt it would be a life-changing opportunity for him," she said. "To learn more about his strengths and weaknesses and to have fun too."
Her first maternal impressions let her know the voyage was worth it.
"Michael looks great," Tracie said. "He looks good. He’s changed. He seems really grown up."
The experience was so grand that it even affected the professional crew.
Deckhand and Education Officer Bryce Adams, who works as a teacher during the school year, said the sail from the mainland to the islands on the "incredible ship" was the "ultimate trip."
Master Gunner and Safety Medical Officer "Insane" Elaine Eno said the trip was a learning experience.
"It was a great adventure," she said. "It was amazing. It was really putting myself to the test. I would do it again."
The escapades of this seaworthy vessel are far from over in Hawaii. The ship will be going out into Hilo Bay between 4 to 6 p.m. today to shoot more cannon fire and show it’s full sail display for all those waiting for the firework’s show at 8 p.m. from Coconut Island.
The elder Woods said the Lynx will also head over to West Hawaii to perform staged pirate raids on July 9 at Kukio Beach, and July 10 at the Mauna Kea and Hapuna Prince Hotels.
"We’ll bring the dingy ashore in these locations with a pirate chest," he said. "We’ll bury it and then let the kids dig it up."
The younger Woods is hoping this is the first of many trips back and forth across the Pacific. They are currently looking for sponsors to help build the program. They also provide corporate team building programs and adult education courses on the ship.
He also encourages all those interested in sailing on the Lynx to contact the foundation.
"It changes your life when you’re out to sea," Woods said. "It really does."

Fast Facts:
For more information on Privateer Lynx or the Lynx Educational Foundation, write to:
509 29th St.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Call toll-free (866) 446-5969
Fax (949) 723-1958
E-mail: woodsjwreno@aol.com

E Komo Mai!

Aloha Kakou! My name is Karen Welsh, the creator of Big Island Blog. I'm an award-winning editor and journalist who is interested in any and all news that affects the people of the Hawai'i and around the world. If you like what you see, please pass this site to a friend. Mahalo!

Interesting Islanders

Meet Guy Brocklebank

Sometimes you meet people at the end of the road. Perhaps a job has run its course. A person's health has failed. Someone has graduated.
That's how I met 47-year-old Kona resident Guy Brocklebank. He was at the end of a very long road. A dead end road.
There he sat, wheelchair bound, at the edge of hardened lava that covers the end of Chain of Crater's Road at Hawaii Volcano National Park.
It was impossible for Guy, a victim of Multiple Sclerosis, to make the final steps of the journey to see the lava pouring into the ocean. Yet, there he sat, waiting for a friend. He was happy and content, watching hundreds of people walking back and forth over the sea of blackened mounds of pahoehoe.
I introduced myself before pulling up a portable chair to sit with him. We chatted about life, waiting for the waning sun to sleep. As the sky grew darker, the bright fuchsia steam, where water and fresh lava met at the shoreline, grew intense. Soon red dots from the flow began to appear on the steep pali, and another softer pink glow appeared from the mouth of the vent high above.
Then Guy said something profound. Something I will never forget.
"When I think about the lava," Guy mused, "I think about what is underneath. There's always more than you can see."
As the stars began to pop open in the night sky, revealing the lovely Southern Cross, I learned Guy, a native upstate New Yorker, moved to Hawaii seven years ago to get away from the harsh winters. Physically he had reached a dead end. He needed a moderate climate to ease the pain of his debilitating disease.
While in New York he was a factory worker, dutifully making the film that helps line bags of chips and other food items.
Then the MS struck nine years ago and Guy needed to find a way to survive. He needed to find a new road to continue his journey. That led him to the land of aloha.
And, he's been smiling ever since.
"It's been great living in Hawaii," Guy said. "I laugh at all the people back home when they call and say it is 20 degrees below zero. It's cold, cold, cold."
Guy said he tries to stay active. He loves to travel around and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
"My passion in life is not getting any worse than I am and being happy," he explained.
The last I saw of Guy, he was wheeling himself back down the long, pitch black road leading to the parking lot. He had no light to guide his way. I became sad, reminiscing about one moment of our conversation when Guy admitted he hasn't made many friends on the island. Perhaps it's the wheelchair. Perhaps it's the MS. Perhaps it's not knowing what's around the next curve in his life.
One thing is for certain, however. There's a lot going on underneath. More than the eyes can see. This guy, named Guy, is worth getting to know. Time will only tell if we meet on the long road of life again. Me ke aloha pumehana on your journey, friend.

By Karen Welsh
A black crab scurries over the ancient lava found at the Waiopae Tidepools near Kapoho, startling a little fish who responds with a quick flip of its tail before heading out into deeper waters. The world below the crystal clear waterline is a cacophony of colorful sea creatures, ever moving, ever-changing in their rhythm in the volcanically heated ponds teeming with life.
The effortless movement of the manini, blowfish, angelfish and others species so bright they take on the appearance of neon, takes them down to curtains of lavender, cornflower blue, orange, pink and yellow coral. Even the sun joins in, shinning brightly overhead, creating a reflective dance of light on light. The limu responds, swaying back and forth in the current.
In the midst of this natural symphony is a conductor of sorts. He is 23-year-old Hilo resident Grant Kow, a professional reef watcher for this particular Marine Life Conservation District. His job is simple, yet important. He makes sure no one abuses the aina or the kai located within the protected area.
"I'm usually out here eight hours a day on the weekends and federal holidays," he said. "I monitor the area. I don't hand out citations or anything. It's more to educate the public about what is going on in this area."
Grant's instruction is a reminder of the stringent state rules regarding the 45-acre sanctuary. He recites them freely and cheerfully to both the kamaaina and malahini visiting the area. He tells everyone there is absolutely no fishing allowed, no destroying coral of any kind, poking sticks into rocks or leaving trash at the site.
It seems straightforward enough, but there are people who abuse this pristine eco system. A collection of cigarette butts and bottle tops from alcoholic beverages are scattered over some portions of the smooth pahoehoe lava. They are often discarded by locals after Grant has gone home for the day.
When he returns, however, Grant patiently collects all the refuse left behind by uncaring souls, always hoping the next time will be better.
"I pick up litter all the time," he said. "I pick up all types of debris. This could be avoided if everyone would pack out what they bring in. It's simple. It's really simple."
For the most part, Grant, a senior at the University of Hawaii majoring in Aqua Culture and a minor in Marine Science, said his job is amazing because the salty warm pools are one of the most diverse areas on the island.
"These tidepools are unique and they are right here in the lower Puna District," Grant said. "They are easily assessable. They are protected by a natural reef barrier. The area serves as a major marine nursery for marine life."
It's also interesting to see what the tides and currents bring up on shore. Grant said the most unusual item so far was a plane from a crash that happened off the Maui coast last October.
"It was crazy," he said. "It washed up on Pebble Beach, on the north side of the sanctuary."
It's evident this 1999 Waiakea High School graduate has a profound passion for the ocean. When he isn't in class or working, he can often be found at the Hilo break wall, again watching the ocean swells and fishing.
"I'm one of those extreme guys that go out to the end and fish," Grant said. "Not too many people go out there."
His thoughts are often about his fiancee Linda and their two-and-a-half year old daughter, Tiani.
"I want to make the world a better place for them, especially Tiani," Grant said. "We need to conserve the land for our kids, so at least they can know what it was like for us. The ocean is one of our most important resources. We have to take care of it."
Grant is hoping to work at the state fish hatchery, located behind the old Iron Works Building near Waialoa State Park after he graduates. He wants to help manage the fishing game, once again, ensuring a healthy underwater future for his daughter, and all the generations to come.

The epic life of Tsugio Nishimura

Local man is one century old

By Karen Welsh
Tribune-Herald Correspondent
It was 100 years ago that Tsugio Nishimura took his first breath of life. He was a healthy boy with a zest for life.
And, he's still living it to the fullest.
This pleasant elderly gentlemen has a sharp mind and is still able to get around with the use of a walker. He said the key to a healthy life is to not overeat and keep away from doctors.
However, when a person has to go for a medical checkup, Tsugio recommended joking around with the physician.
"Each time I go for an appointment, my doctor says I'm doing good for my age," Tsugio said with a laugh. "I kid him and tell him he always says I look good for my age."
His full-time caregiver, Jesse Caro, said Tsugio is always making him laugh.
"He is a comedian," Jesse said. "When members of my ohana asked what was the secret of his long life he replied, 'Don't Die.' He said it. It's a joke, but I believe it because he's still so strong and smart."
Having a sharp wit is an asset to his overall health, and his active mind really comes in handy when Tsugio faithfully meets with his Shoukai Haiku Group once a month at the Taishoji Soto Mission on Kilauea Ave.
Once there, he is the master or "sensei" of the group, teaching them the fine art of creating haiku poetry. Tsugio joined the class in 1933, but soon showed a gift for the short verses aptly describing seasons and objects. To date, he has published three books of the popular poetry.
"Haiku is very difficult to compose," Tsugio said. "Oh, it's one of the best things in my life. The more I know about it the more I have to learn. It's very interesting."
At the last meeting, his students prepared lunch and a birthday cake to honor his milestone birthday. Each student also wrote a haiku for the occasion.
"In essence, my haiku says he has lived the way of haiku for 100 years and now we have an end of the year gathering," student Leanne Kuki said.
As the sensei, Tsugio took time from the celebration to make corrections to the gift of words, and then discussed the changes with the class before cutting the cake.
"He makes the haiku better," said the Rev. Shimryu Akita. "Not only does he make better words, but better phrases."
Perhaps Tsugio's wisdom is derived not only from a long life, but a life well-lived. And, although he's lived 36,500 days on the earth Tsugio has found it's important to take each day as it comes.
Tsugio said the young people of today should heed his advice and live by the code of one Japanese word --NinTai -- meaning adhering to a course of action, belief or purpose without giving it away. The word embodies persistence, tenacity, steadfastness and patience. In a nutshell, it means "never give up."
It is the motto by which Tsugio has lived his long life.
His epic life started on December 4, 1904, in the district of Tamana in Kunamoto, Japan. He was the youngest son of eight children was born into Mantaro and Sugi Yosinaga's family.
Tsugio grew up without modern conveniences in a poor farming family. Faithfully he completed his chores each day, including cutting the grass with a sickle each morning before he left for school. As a young child his family didn't have any clocks, so he learned to tell time by the regular passing of the daily trains.
When Tsugio was in his early teen years, word arrived from his older sister, Taki and her husband, Mataichi Nishimura living as plantation workers in East Hawaii that they were childless and desiring someone to carry on the family name. Because Tsugio had older brothers and no chance of inheriting the family farm in Japan, it was decided the barren couple would adopt the young teen and bring him over to the Big Island.
Immediately the paperwork was filled out and Tsugio changed his last name to honor Mataichi and Taki. One requirement for immigrants during that time period, however, was a long five year waiting period after the adoption was legally registered before the adoptee could make the trip across the ocean.
After the endless wait, Tsugio finally arrived to start his new life on November 23, 1923.
And, he never looked back.
Tsugio immediately entered Hilo Boarding School on Haili Street to learn English. Once there, Tsugio was not allowed to utter a single word of Japanese.
"On Sundays I would try and talk Japanese with the other boys from Japan," he said. "But, we were caught and sent to chop wood as punishment."
Besides attending classes, the young Japanese man worked on the small farm associated with the school. His only complaint during his five years at the school was the food. In the morning the young men were served two slices of bread and a glass of buttermilk. For lunch they ate salt salmon and poi.
"I learned how to eat poi," Tsugio said. "I had no choice but to like it."
Tsugio said the amount of food provided wasn't enough for growing bodies.
"It was hard, very hard," he remembered. "We were always hungry. Sometimes the bananas would come on and we would help ourselves. That was a big help."
Tsugio finally learned enough English and in 1925 he began working for the von Hamm-Young Co., pumping gas for $40 a month.
The young Japanese man proved to be a hard worker with a strong work ethic. In 1927 he was promoted and became the first commercial refrigerator and radio salesman to cover the entire island.
At the "old" age of 29, Tsugio married Kaoru. Their first home was a "Nagaya," a cheap apartment that only had a two burner hotplate in the kitchen and shared bathing facilities.
After six months, the couple moved to a tiny one bedroom apartment in Waiakea Houselots and finally to a home that cost less than $2,000. During this time, the babies began to arrive. There were four children in all. This was a delight to Taki. As the grandmother, she would take a one month leave from the plantation where she worked to help take care of the newborns.
The second son, Paul, said he dad was a man of strong character and he made his children tow the line.
"My father is easygoing now, but when we were growing up he was extremely strict," Paul said. "All of our homework had to be done on time and he expected us to go to bed at a certain time."
The Nishimura family life was almost disrupted when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Because of Tsugio's birthplace, he was required to go to an internment camp on the mainland. A plea from his boss at von Hamm-Young Co., saved him from making the dreaded trip.
World War Two came and went. The time for nightly blackouts was over and many local businesses were struggling to exist. It wasn't long before Tsugio was laid off from work. It was then he decided he needed to own his own company in order to secure a strong financial future for his family.
In March 1946, Tsugio went into business with a partner selling parts for appliances and radios on Kamehameha Ave. Although they were open for business, the grand opening date for "Modern Appliance" was set for April 1. However, an early morning tidal wave wiped them completely out.
His son, Paul, was only 11 years old at the time, but remembered the day. Luckily, he said, the store had very few parts in stock so the financial losses were minimal that day.
"It was right after the war," Paul said. "There were no appliances they could buy because all the factories were being used for the war effort."
The psychological impact was greater, because the big wave was not seen as a "good omen."
However, Tsugio and his partner pulled it together and moved their business to Mamo Street. Soon, the appliances started coming in and business picked up. Eventually, Tsugio bought out his counterpart. Everything was going well until 1960, when another massive wave hit the bay.
By that time, Paul had graduated from the University of Hawaii in Manoa in 1957, and joined his dad in the family business.
"Warnings were given, but we were in Pahoa taking care of my grandparent's home while they were in Japan," Paul said. "We came into town the next morning and went to the top of Mamo Street. Hilo was impassable. We saw the two story building that sat across from Modern Appliance was in the middle of the street and was facing our store, which was still intact and on its foundation."
Once Tsugio and Paul were able to get inside the store they found all the merchandise jumbled and piled up in the back of the store.
Everything was ruined and the financial losses were severe because they didn't have any insurance. Because of Tsugio's tenacious lifestyle, they decided to start over again from scratch.
Not long afterwards, the father and son team decided to move to higher ground, however there was no supply for the demand of other business owners that were wiped-out during the disaster. They had to wait for nine years before a property became available on Kilauea Avenue, where the store remains to this day.
And, this mom and pop store is still a success because Tsugio demanded fair and personalized service for all customers.
"Dad taught us to have honesty with a customer," Paul said. "It was something he practiced. We would all get a whack on the head and chewed out if we didn't do it."
During this time, Tsugio became a United States citizen and strong community leader, serving various organizations, including the Japanese Chamber of Commerce. He even learned and loved to play golf.
Time kept marching by, however, and Tsugio retired from the business in the mid 1970s. Over the years, he has taken several trips to Japan by plane -- something he never imagined as a young man.
"I never thought there would be anything like airplanes," Tsugio said. "As a child, I would have never thought of flying over the ocean. It's a wonderful trip."
His native country took notice of this savvy businessman and civic leader. Tsugio received the coveted Imperial Award from the Emperor of Japan in 1995. He traveled to the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu to accept the award.
"To get an award from the Emperor himself is quite an honor," Paul said. "It was an important award for his contribution in building relationships between Japan and the United States, specifically Hawaii."
Unfortunately, after 68 years of marriage, Tsugio's beloved wife, Kaoru, age 90, proceeded him in death a couple of years ago.
Today, Tsugio finds joy and contentment in his children and grandchildren. His oldest, Sidney, is 70-years-old and already retired. Paul, age 69, will soon be heading in the same direction. Tsugio's daughter, Ellen, age 64 is a school teacher on the mainland, and Clifford, age 56, is the youngest.
"They are all doing good," Tsugio said. "I am very, very proud of them."
Looking back over his life, Tsugio is thankful he was able to come to the islands to live.
"I'm very glad I came to Hawaii," he said. "There is no other place better than Hawaii. It's the best thing I did in my whole life. Hilo is better than Kona, better than Honolulu. It's just wonderful."
For 100 years Tsugio has lived life to the fullest, and the truth be told, he's a big part of East Hawaii's history. In fact, he is living history. Perhaps that is why he lightly taps his chest and repeats the word "NinTai, NinTai." He has, indeed, persevered one day at a time.
"It's a long time living to be 100 years old," Tsugio reminisced. "It's been a good life"

The long road to paradise

Hilo a city of refuge to some

By Karen Welsh

Give Me Your Tired
They come from Ukraine
Your Poor
Russia
Your Huddled Masses
Kazakhstan
Yearning to Breathe Free...
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
They are the new immigrants. The wretched refuse, the homeless, tempest-tossed that poet Emma Lazarus wrote about in 1883 and found inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty.
Only these refugees have traveled halfway around the world and somehow managed to land in a strange and distant land. It is East Hawaii's teeming shore.
Although they come from what are now considered many separate countries once known as the United Soviet Socialist Republic, they are inexplicitly bound together as one because of their faith in God.
They are are bonded by the Russian language, their native tongue learned while growing up and living in harsh conditions under a dictatorships and communist rule.
Collectively these 14 adults and 16 children meet together each Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. at Kinoole Baptist Church to fellowship with one another, share scripture words of encouragement, songs, prayers and their cherished freedom to express their faith.
Mothers wearing brightly colored scarves as a sign of respect and headship to their husbands sit and rock their little ones as the service begins. Despite a bit of wiggling, the older children sit quietly and listen, singing with loud, pure voices and praying at the appropriate times.
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!," Pavel Zagumennyy read from Psalm 133:1 in the Cyrillic Russian Bible.
"It is good when we are together in communication," the congregation joined together in a capella, singing in their mother tongue. "We connect in one praise."
Hilo resident and Kinoole Baptist Church member Anuhea Young is one of a few regular attendees who speak English as their primary language. It doesn't seem to matter anyone to the Russians because they've adopted their new homeland's phrase "e komo mai," meaning "everyone is welcome."
She said the language barrier doesn't stop her from trying to fit in with her newfound brothers and sisters in Christ.
"I'm beginning to learn Russian," Young said. "Even though we come from different churches, we are all one body. I come to share God's love with them."
This interactive service is open and peaceful, a far stretch from the underground church most grew up in the communist Soviet Union.
Pavel, now 34, vividly remembers his Christian family struggling behind the Iron Curtain in Slovanski, Ukraine, as the KGB tormented and tortured his family because of their religion.
"The KGB viewed my father as an enemy because he was a Christian," he said. "They wanted to destroy my father. My dad was fired from his job because of the KGB, but the company he worked for kept hiring him back because he was a good, hard worker."
When the KGB's plans failed to demoralize his father, Pavel said they tried to kill the Godly man instead.
Once they poisoned his father, and when that didn't work, he said the KGB hired someone to kill him. Another time, Pavel said they tried to carbon monoxide poison him while he was riding in a car.
Each and every time the evil plans were thwarted, he said.
It was also a common practice, Pavel said, for the KGB to bring Christians to the hospital for a minor ailment, then inject them with poison. It happened to his grandmother and his father vowed it wouldn't happen to any other member of the family.
"We had to stay away from the hospital," he said. "They hated christians. They hated any kind of religion. If a Christian went to the hospital, they'd give them a shot and kill them. Everything happened like an accident. They made it look like an accident and the KGB always gave a story, but they were just trying to get rid of the christians."
When the KGB's efforts didn't work against Pavel's father, he said they came up with a new tactic, telling the head of the household if he brought his kids to church they would turn around and put the children in jail.
The KGB made good on their promise when they jailed his oldest brother. Pavel's father finally had enough.
"My father said, 'I don't want to fight this satan anymore,'" Pavel recalled. "We need to get out of this country. We were listening to a Russian speaking preacher from America at the time and my father said, 'I think America is a good country -- a religious country. We will go there.'"
Pavel's father's resolve began a 14 year process that would lead to more torture for the family. During that time the KGB worked hard to disgrace and defame his family in the community, but it never worked.
"My father wanted to go to this America and we became more of an enemy to the USSR," he said in his halting English. "We are actually like the pioneers that go to America. No one in our town thinks to go to America before that."
The officials finally gave up on the Zagumennyy family in 1989 and allowed them to leave for the United States. With the help of a sponsoring family, Pavel's mother, father, brothers and sisters settled in Portland, Oregon.
At that point, he said the family had to rely heavily on the faith that sustained them through many hard years to make it through the difficult transition period ahead of them.
"We were refugees," Pavel said. "We did not come to this land for money. We came for freedom. But, we were like a baby -- born again. We didn't know how to speak the language. We didn't know the culture. Only God could help us."
Despite a lack of understanding, Pavel said the doors miraculously opened each step of the way.
He quickly went to work on a fishing vessel in Alaska, then joined the construction force in Portland. One job took him to Florida, were he found the warm climate delightful. When Pavel returned to Oregon, he told other Russian comrades in the community that he wanted to move.
"My friends said, 'If you like Florida so much, why don't you go look at Hawaii,'" he said. "So we did."
And, Pavel said, they immediately felt the spirit of aloha.
"The people here are very friendly," he said. "Everyone is so welcoming. We love the weather and the land. You stick something in the ground and it grows. This is a wonderful place. We have everything here."
For three years Pavel searched for land so he could build a farm. He finally found a 12 acre track of ocean view property in Lapahoehoe. He is currently building a home on the property.
Pavel's dad will never see the finished product, because his health broke down from the many bad years he suffered in Ukraine and he passed away recently in Hilo.
"My dad died in paradise," Pavel said. "He died in paradise going to paradise."
For Vladimir and Liya Krasovsky, the move from Uzbekistan to Hawaii started when Liya's father felt the need to leave the country.
"My father was always talking about coming to America," she said. "It was always inside him to come and he began to pray about it. When God opened the door, my father said God 'God wants to take us out because Russian Christians will be persecuted more and more."
This leap of faith landed the couple in Sacramento, California before working their way to Hilo five years ago to join Liya's sister, Nadia and family.
Now they have plans to make the island their home forever.
"This is nice," Liya said. "This is God."
"We really like everything here," Vladimir added. "The people and nature. There's so many blessings here. I would never have this perfect plan. Everything is so prepared and happening at the right time. God is the one who provided every step of the way. We're amazed. This is just better --trusting God."

Interesting Islanders

Introducing Nephi Pomaika'i Brown

By Karen Welsh
It's possible for this old gal to count my most memorable "firsts" on two hands. Right up there is a recent meeting with 44-year-old Nephi Pomaika'i "Pomai" Brown, who received first billing as the character Nick, a tattooed short order cook, in Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore's 2004 hit movie "50 First Dates."
It was the oddest chain of events that led to Pomai and me sitting on a picnic table at a local park in Hilo, watching five of his six keiki, ranging in ages from one to 12, happily play on the swings and slides.
"Growing up in Hilo was very free and easy," Pomai reminisced while watching his children. "I used to go swim in the rivers, pick guava and waiwe and spending countless hours at Coconut Island."
Sitting there, I realized it took more than three decades for our lives to finally link together. In order to understand, it is important to rewind back to the early 1970s, when Pomai's mom decided to move from Kalihi to Hilo.
Now, I lived on Oahu during that time and Pomai and I were exactly the same age, but as fate would have it we never met.
After settling on the Big Island, Pomai attended sixth grade at Waiakea Elementary School before moving up the next year to Waiakea Intermediate. While there, Pomai said he was blessed to be a part of George Camarillo Sr.'s Ukulele Band.
"That was my introduction to music," Pomai said. "I was very fortunate to have gotten in the band since I was only in seventh grade at the time. Hilo was the start of my music career."
During that time, Pomai also became one of Wayne Naeole's infamous paperboys.
Here's where it gets really interesting. Fast forward to 2005: Pomai, a regular online reader of this newspaper, read one of my stories about his old mentor.
Pomai was so moved by the article that he sent the most intriguing e-mail from his home in Waikoloa.
"I read your article about Wayne Naeole today and a smile and tear crossed my face," he wrote. "... It was because of Wayne's honesty, trust and kindness, I was able to face each day as a paperboy. My biggest fear was not completing my job well! His inspiration and encouragement helped me throughout my life. I gained the confidence to deal with people face-to-face, and his positive attitude helped me through Kamehameha Schools, Hawaii Pacific College (Degree in Entrepreneurial Studies) and my career in the music industry."
The letter didn't end there, however, as Pomai related how a seed was planted by Wayne several decades ago that gave him confidence to meet new people and relate to different situations.
The experience as a delivery boy created a strong link, known as work ethic, in Pomai's life, giving him the strength and endurance needed to start his own entertainment business, providing musical services for various hotels and other clients.
Another link was added when Pomai received a phone call from the producers of the popular television show "Celebrity Mole Hawaii." Pomai was asked to play and sing "Tiny Bubbles" for 30 minutes straight while the celebrities performed certain tasks.
His national television debut was followed by another phone call the very next day. This time, Pomai thought it was a prank.
"I got a call for Adam Sandler's movie," he recalled. "I thought it was a joke. I thought, 'no way.' I said 'yeah, okay, whatever.'"
The conversation was followed up with a fax with some lines from the script and a directive to shoot a video. Pomai and his wife, Toni, complied, making the short film in their kitchen, and immediately sent it back to the phantom director.
Three weeks passed and Pomai still thought it was a joke, but fantasy quickly turned to reality when the casting director finally called and Pomai suddenly found himself sitting in a first class seat on the way to Los Angeles. He couldn't believe it when a limousine was there to pick him up.
"They were treating me like a star," Pomai said. "And I'm trying to tell them I'm a nobody."
The most fortunate chain of events occurred for Pomai and soon he was reading with Sandler himself and was given two thumbs up for the role.
"I was hired on the spot," he said. "I couldn't believe it. It was a whirlwind, a chance of a lifetime opportunity. I thought, 'the music thing has always been there, it's always supported me and now it's allowed me to do this."
The next thing Pomai knew, he was in Hollywood making a movie. Everyone, from Sandler to Barrymore and the rest of the cast and production company were top-notch, he said.
"I didn't expect it," Pomai said. "I really, really didn't expect it. Everyone was so helpful and kind. I was really humbled. There were at least 20 extras on the set every day and each and every one of them was 10 times more experienced than I was. I was very fortunate."
There were other differences Pomai had to deal with during his two weeks in California. For one, he had never owned a watch in his life. When Pomai showed up on set, Sandler found out and bought him a brand-new watch.
"Adam was an unbelievable guy," Pomai said. "He was unbelievably nice."
The movie was a big hit and Pomai is now recognized wherever he goes. It's been a difficult transition, but he's learning how to deal with it.
"I'm not used to it when people recognize me," Pomai said. "At first I was uncomfortable. I used to deny it was me in the movie when people asked, but my improv teacher told me I had to own up to it and deal with it.
"I'm hoping all the attention won't change me for the negative. But look, I'm still the father of six kids. I have to go to the store and change diapers. I'm so busy trying to make a living to let it go to my head."
Pomai also leans upon the life lessons that Wayne Naeole and George Camarillo Sr. taught him. He said they are intrinsically linked to his very soul.
That's probably why Pomai always enjoys coming back home to his roots and home in East Hawaii. And, that’s how we finally ended up meeting.
"I love coming back to Hilo," he admitted. "I think what I always remember is the green, lush landscape. It's days like these, with the blue sky and snow-capped mountain that just can't be beaten. I think Hilo is such a nice, quaint, friendly town. It's just nice to come back and visit. It's been home. It's always been home for me."

For the love of Hula--Pa'i Award winner

Sista Act 2: Back in the lineup again
Former Miss Hula Aloha contestants bring halau back to festival
By Karen Welsh
For the Tribune-Herald
A flock of birds fluttered back and forth through Hilo's open-air Edith Kanaka'ole Tennis Stadium, matching the flowing, gliding hands of the dancing Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka.
Never mind this group of 23 young women and two kumu hula members got up at the crack of dawn on the first day of spring break to catch a plane from their home in Pukalani, Maui to the Big Island. Forget the bumpy ride from the nasty weather pattern hanging stubbornly over the island chain.
Don't mention lunch was missed in the busyness of the moment, or the soggy conditions the girls endured from the continuous and torrential downpour saturating the land.
It simply didn't matter. They were smiling. Happy. Poetry in motion. Nothing could dampen their spirits because they were thrilled to be dancing on the official Merrie Monarch stage.
"This is so exciting," said 21-year-old Orama Brault, a dancer with the halau for eight years. "We never thought we'd be on this stage. When the halau started we'd come every year to the festival and dream about it. Now we're actually here. It's so great. It's so awesome. I would practice all day. I can't get enough of this stage."
Their shirts said it all --touting the halau's motto, "Hula Built." They have practiced long hours and pushed themselves hard, hanging on every word of their co-kumu hula leaders and sisters Jaye "Napua" Greig and Patty "Kahulumealani" Maluo-Huber, both former Miss Aloha Hula contestants and performers at past Merrie Monarch festivals.
"It's all about respect," said 18-year-old Emily Spenser, who flew home from the University of San Diego to participate in the rehearsals. "They are our role models."
It's been a longer road back to the festival for Kahulumealani, first runner-up in the 1990 Miss Aloha Hula competition and Napua, second runner-up in 1992.
Both sisters moved to Hilo a couple of years apart in the late 1980s to attend the University of Hawaii's Big Island campus.
Kahulumealani arrived first. She immediately began taking lessons from kumu hula Ray Fonseca's Halau Hula O Kahili Laulani. She felt it a great honor when Uncle Ray asked her to dance in the competition.
"It was a world-stopping experience," Kahulumealani remembered. "Personally I stopped everything, gave up college and gave it my all."
Napua followed in her big sister's footsteps only two years later. She had joined Johnny Lum Ho's Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua and was soon asked to dance in the solo competition.
"It helped me to be a lot more confident," she said. "To dance in front of all those people by myself."
Both sisters eventually moved back to Maui, opening their own halau in 1996. Over the years it has grown from 30 to 125 members, ranging in age from four to 44 years old.
The sisters believe hula is comparable to a sport, but is also something deeply spiritual and cultural too. They stress hula is something the dancers have to prepare for before coming to the halau.
"We connect with hula on many different levels," Napua said. "Spiritually, emotionally and intellectually. You can see right through this dance and if their life isn't in order they just don't dance well."
Kahulumealani and Napua started bringing a select group of dancers from their halau to watch the Merrie Monarch Festival six years ago. Then, they began to dream.
"We would talk about our experiences and the hard work it took to get there," Napua said. "The determination and the sacrifice it took to get up on that stage."
Finally the sister's felt their "Opiho" class of young women, ranging in age from 13 to 40 years, were ready for the challenge and commitment and put their name on the waiting list.
Everyone was blown away when festival officials notified the kumu sisters of their acceptance.
"The girls have been wanting to do it forever," Napua said. "When we told them they were excited. They're hard working kids. They apply themselves."
"They brought themselves to a whole new level when they started practicing for the competition in August," Kahulumealani added.
It was a costly venture, but the troupe arrived in Hilo for the sole purpose of relentless practicing in order to do their best in the upcoming competition.
Despite the distractions of landing planes, squawking birds and noisy traffic surrounding the stadium, the halau remains committed to the art, determined to be precise and focused completely on the two kumu sisters.
"You guys have got to overcome the noise," Napua told the students over the sound of the pounding rain. "You guys have got to bring it. You've got to belong."
Napua, the more outgoing personality of the two sisters, chants and sings and she either plays the ipu for the oli or the ukulele for the mele.
Reciting the living history of her ancestors is second nature to the seasoned performer.
"It's easy if you understand the language because it's like a story," Napua said. "It's history and you know what comes next."
The young women provide the interpretation, and every little nuance of the hula, from facial expressions, vocal inflections, hand movements, ka'o or 'uwehe, are under the watchful eyes and trained ears of the kumu hula sisters during the rehearsal.
Tirelessly they practiced the kahiko "Hana Waimea" chant in honor of King Kamehameha or their and auana "Pu'uhonua Nani" over and over again. Their voices echoing, their feet thudding on the hollow wooden stage floor. None complained when they were asked to do it "one more time, please."
"Wit da attitude and everything dis time," Kahulumealani told the girls as they returned to the stage.
This is serious business, an expensive field trip to make sure the girls are comfortable on stage and they are dancing each step with pinpoint precision.
"You've got to make this stage your home," Napua reminded the group. "We're here so that when you walk on the stage it will be like you've done it a million times. You guys can be the best dancers in the whole world, but it's not going to do you nothing if you're scared. If you're scared people aren't gonna watch cause they are uncomfortable. You need to relax so the audience can enjoy it."
"When you walk up that ramp you've got to command everyone's attention," Kahulumealani added. "You need to have that intense, eager face when walking up on the stage. You need to exude confidence."
Napua also reminded the women that first impressions are the most important.
You are the newcomers on the block," she stressed to the eager onlookers. "You've got to make the audience sit up and pay attention. That's your goal."
Three hours past and the rigorous rehearsal was finally over. They would all come back over the next two days and do it all over again.
The troupe made it's way outside into the liquid air. Many ran to the vans to find relief from the moisture. The sisters stopped, however and smiled at each other, welcoming the wet sight.
"The rain is what makes Hilo home," Napua said. "It's good to come back to Hilo. Every time I step off the plane to Hilo I am energized. It feels good to come back to Hilo. It's really good."

Authentic 50s Diner found in Lapahoehoe

A blast from the past
New restaurant brings back bygone era
By Karen Welsh
Tribune-Herald Correspondent
Happy days are here again at the "Back to the 50's Highway Fountain," located at 35-3074 Old Mamalahoa Hwy, between mile markers 24 and 25 on Hwy. 19 in Lapahoehoe.
The happiest person of all is owner and manager, 35-year-old Christopher Ignacio. The diner is the culmination of a lifelong dream.
"I always wanted to open up a diner," this 1987 St. Joseph High School graduate said. "I was a teacher for the previous 12 years at a private school on Oahu. Then, this opportunity presented itself and I came back to East Hawaii. My dad and I spent three months renovating the building before we opened."
Although it's not open around the clock, business hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday and is always closed on Monday.
Don't expect the usual fare, because this unique restaurant promises to awaken all five senses for those who come through the doors.
Sight is the first sense to be inspired. A showcase of classic model cars and pictures of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, James Dean and Lucille Ball line the walls.
A black and white checkered floor, and red and white gingham curtains provide a perfect backdrop to the Coca-cola tablecloths and turquoise counters, lined with red and black stools, stationed near the old-fashioned soda and ice cream fountain.
Sound is the second sense enticing patrons. A jukebox in the back of the building plays one golden oldie after another.
And, if the song is catchy, it's okay to sing with a mouth full. In fact, belting a tune is encouraged by Christopher's dad, Larry, who often comes to help his son at the popular eatery. The elder Ignacio enjoys leading others in songs from his era.
Smell is the third sense to score high points. From homemade bacon cheeseburgers to chicken katsu, the aroma is mouth-watering.
Taste is the sense that will receive the most fulfillment. This 50s hotspot offers "Be-Bop Breakfasts," that include Mahi and eggs, sweetbread French toast, spam, steak, Portuguese sausage and other starters until 10:30 a.m. each morning.
Christopher said there are locals that come every day for breakfast.
"We have the usuals every morning," he said. "It's sort of like 'Cheers.' We have a guy we call 'Norm' because he's here everyday."
The "Rockin' Rollin' Lunchin'" menu is offered from 10:30 a.m. until closing. Head Cook Mae Fukui prepares all the main dishes, including burgers, crispy fries, Korean chicken and other local fare, fresh and hot off the grill. Most items are then served in a red basket with a red and white checked paper lining.
Ice cream treats, which include malted milk shakes, banana splits, floats and other delights are made right before the customer's eyes and are palette pleasers. That keeps people coming back for more.
Helen Layaoen, age 81, a resident of the senior housing in Lapahoehoe, said she's already eaten at the restaurant three times since it opened and plans to come back for more.
"It's good," she said. "It's very tasteful. I like to take home the leftovers."
Touch is the last, but not least sense, however not in the traditional sense. It's touching to see people enjoying themselves and having fun.
Once the establishment opened it's doors on Sept. 6 2004, it quickly became apparent the experience was going to attract customers of different age groups.
Mary Chun, the coordinator of senior services in Lapahoehoe said those she works with come to the restaurant because of the food and atmosphere.
"The seniors enjoy coming here," she said. "The old songs bring them back. and the food is wonderful. It's delicious."
Carpenter Gareth Babagay, age 28, was working on a job site near Lapahoehoe said he was pleasantly surprised to find the diner a couple of weeks ago.
Since then, he's eaten there everyday.
"I've come everyday for the past two weeks," Babagay said. "The pork cutlet is good. It's a reasonable price too."
When the lunch crowd starts to ebb, the teenagers from the local schools take over the restaurant. It's already become a popular hangout for many youth living in the area.
Lapahoehoe High School Ninth Grader Aulii Maikui, age 14, said her friends come at least three to four times a week after school to meet and eat.
"The food is good, it's much better than the food at school" she said. "We just come down here to eat after school. Everything is good that I've tried so far. We like to sit outside to eat and talk story. Before we used to go home or stay at school. This is much better."
Tourists have also begun to find the 50's eatery. Maps on the walls with pins stuck in various locations show visitors from all over the United States and other countries, including Finland, Ukraine, Russia, Korea and Japan who have eaten at the diner.
"We've had customers from every continent," Christopher joked. "Except Antarctica."
Montana residents Vance and Marilyn Goddard found the eatery quite by accident while traveling around the island from Kona.
"We saw the sign and are from the 50s era so we decided to stop," Marilyn said. "I was a little surprised to see this era restaurant here."
Christopher, who named his establishment after his grandma's 1940's Highway Fountain in Paauilo, said although the business is successful, there are some important issues he will need to deal with in the near future.
"The restaurant has gone beyond my wildest imagination," he said. "We're going through growing pains right now, but they're good growing pains. The grill is too small and we need to expand the kitchen. Seating is also a hot commodity and I would like to expand back and build a deck so people can eat and enjoy the ocean view."
Christopher credits his father, Larry, for coming up with the 50s concept.
The elder Ignacio is proud of his son's achievements and plans on sticking with him through all his successes and struggles.
"I only see expansion in the future," Larry said. "We've just gotten busier and busier. It's never slowed down. But, for me, it's a joy. My son has come home, so we celebrate the idea that he has come home. It's like a gift for him to be here."
For more information on the restaurant, or to order take-out, call (808) 962-0808.

A tale of two men

By Karen Welsh
This is the story of two men.
One selfish.
One selfless.
One temporal.
One eternal.
One devastating.
One life-giving.
Both are successful, in their 40’s, been married more than 20 years and each has a parcel of lovely children.
One decides to be the typical stereotype of a man in a mid-life crisis and leave his wife, his family — all he has ever held dear.
After all, his wife’s body is starting to show wear and tear. Birthing babies and helping him operate a thriving business hasn’t left much time to go to the gym.
To him, she ain’t what she used to be.
It doesn’t matter that she stuck with him through the lean times, when they were poorer than dirt. He’s got a thousand “valid” reasons to rationalize his decision.
Sadly, he refuses to turn around and see the brokeness and devastation he’s left by his “well-thought out” decision.
The other man chooses to be faithfully committed to his wife. Oh, she definitely ain’t what she used to be, but that doesn’t seem to phase him. Her body is racked with the pain of fibromyalgia. Sometimes it’s better, sometimes worse.
There have been moments of excruciating pain when she’s cried out, “Please leave me, I don’t deserve you. You shouldn’t have to live with this.”
He doesn’t seem to hear her despair, however. He only looks at her and smiles — remembering the myriad of ways she cooked tofu when they could afford nothing else.
In this simple gesture, he paints a picture of grace and tenderness upon her weary soul.He understood the vows he made and the sacred words, “Till death do we part,” are fresh on his lips.
When he looks into her eyes he doesn’t see a worn-out wife. He sees her —all she has been and all she can be.
“We share too much history together,” he gently speaks to her. “I will never leave you.”
She crumples and cries. He is a solid rock and she realizes he is a perfect picture of Jesus.
She — so undeserving.
He — so graceful.
She — so burdened.
He — so freeing.
She — so tired.
He — so redeeming.
Yes, this is the tale of two men.
My dear friend is married to the first and recently had rug was ripped out from underneath her world by his self-centered act.
It’s sickening because I have watched her husband look in her eyes, but he doesn’t see her. She’s invisible. Otherwise, he would see how priceless, wonderful and incredible she is to him, his children, yes, even the world.
He would see the love, joy and history of the family he’s throwing away. He would see the devastation he is causing.
Although she remains committed, there is no security, no future, no hope. She lives in sadness and confusion.
Her marriage, once seemingly rock solid, is now deadly quicksand. She is quickly sinking and her children are drowning with her.
I almost hate to say this, because I’m the woman married to the second man— a man without lists — a man of everlasting love and values — and I am blessed, so very blessed.
I’m banking on a happy ending. After all, the best part of the story is always found in the final chapter. Unfortunately, most people put the book down before they get to the end.

Interesting Islanders

Introducing Patricia Vincent

By Karen Welsh

Crossing guard Patricia Vincent is a hero.
Every school day, this Hilo native stands on road leading to Ernest B. Silva School, risking life and limb to make sure the keiki crossing her path make it to school safely.
For one hour every morning and one hour every afternoon, Patricia faithfully dons her bright yellow hard hat, whistle, reflective vest and white gloves, literally pitting her diminutive life and limbs against tons of speeding metal and delinquent drivers to do her job.
And, every day, this 36-year-old mother of two teenagers keeps coming back for more.
"Oh my goodness, it's like a racetrack going through here," Patricia said. "It's a dangerous road, the way people speed through here."
She said it's also very noisy and the weather isn't always cooperative.
"It's miserable when it's raining," Patricia said. "But, the way I look at it, this is life."
The truth be told, the act of stopping trucks, busses and inattentive drivers dead in their tracks is a cinch compared to motherhood.
"It's hard raising teens," Patricia said. "When they want to go out, they try and push you and pull all the wrong buttons."
With that said, Patricia dearly loves her children. The two girls, Ashley and Jessica, have been her sustaining factor in her life.
It's been a long road, full of twists and turns, for Patricia. She has only been off the Big Island one time in her life and that was a short trip to Oahu to visit an aunt. Patricia was only 16-years-old at the time.
She was young when she got married, started her family shortly thereafter and was a content homemaker for many years.
Unfortunately, the marriage didn't work out, so Patricia decided to find a job working with those whom she felt most comfortable being around -- children.
At first, she cleaned classrooms, helped out children out on the field and was a crossing guard at Keonepoko School in Hawaiian Beaches.
Eventually she made her way to the hillside in Ainako Terrace and she's been working there ever since.
Not only does Patricia assist the children, she also gives her maternal aloha, cheering up those who are grumpy about going to school in the morning, and asking others how school was or if they have homework on their way home in the afternoon.
"I love kids," she said. "This is the joy of my life. The kids here are polite and respectful. They know how to say thanks. That makes my job worth it everyday."
This patient crossing guard will also serve as a stalwart reminder to fulfill my personal resolution to be a more considerate and conscientious driver in the new year.




 

Interesting Islanders

Introducing Wayne Naeole

By Karen Welsh

Wayne Naeole is a faithful, reliable, committed and responsible human being. He's simply a fine man.
That was my perception while sitting with him recently, drinking a cup of coffee with him at a local Starbucks, and talking story about his wonderful life.
Gratefully, I was welcomed into Wayne's world. It was a challenge for this shy, unassuming man, to talk about himself, but I hit pay dirt -- a life built with integrity and determination, made to last throughout the generations.
It's nice to know people like Wayne exist. A true role model in this day and age.
Ironically, this quiet 63-year-old Molokai native probably has no idea about the tremendous impact he's made in East Hawaii.
To his wife, Benedicta, or Bene as she prefers to be called, Wayne has lived a life of faithfulness. Since they met and got married in 1966, he has lovingly provided a loving and secure home.
Wayne met Bene in Honolulu, where he was working odd jobs at the time. He had just completed a four-year tour of duty with the Navy in 1963, where he was a storekeeper on both land and sea in various ports around the United States, including the Naval Training Center in San Diego and the naval base in Newport News, Virginia.
During that time, he was assigned as an original crew member of the USS Enterprise, the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Wayne helped commission the ship before it was sent out onto the endless ocean for long stretches of time.
Wayne worked the nightshift while on the massive ship. His rotation at the stern end of the vessel required him to eat the same meal at each sitting.
"I worked at night," he said. "So, I only got to eat breakfast, breakfast and then more breakfast when we were out at sea."
For months on end Wayne worked hard aboard the aircraft. He was looking forward to some rest and relaxation after the ship docked back in the states, but before he was able to go on furlough the Cuban Missile Crisis began and the ship was, once again, called out to sea.
While at port, the crew was told the ship needed to leave because of an incoming hurricane. Once safely out to sea, they learned the truth and soon the Enterprise was sending jets out to provide intelligence surveillance over Cuba.
It also meant Wayne never got off the ship.
"We stayed out to sea a long time," he said. "Like a year-and-a-half. It was constantly."
It came as no surprise when Wayne decided not to re-enlist. He was ready to come back to land and home, but couldn't find a job on Molokai, where his mother was a cook for the local hospital and his father drove trucks on the pineapple plantation.
Wayne felt his chances of gainful employment would be better on Oahu, so he ventured out, finding the love of his life and a steady job as a repairman for coin-operated vending machines.
The fast pace of big city life proved too much for the small island man, leading Wayne to take a step of faith in 1971 and move to the Big Island without the prospects of a job.
"I told my wife that this Honolulu life wasn't for me," he said. "It was too fast, so we packed up, left there and moved to Hilo."
As fate would have it, Wayne was offered the job of District Manager with the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. He started his service on December 24, 1971. It was the best Christmas present the family could receive.
"I appreciated just being able to work," Wayne said. "Knowing I had family on Molokai where there are no jobs to have."
Wayne's 33 year tenure at the Tribune-Herald worked out well for the paper too, as Wayne consistently modeled reliability and commitment to his job. Wayne worked tirelessly, servicing delivery routes and subscribers from HaiHai Street to Puainako Road, then Komohana to the airport.
If there was a trouble with delivery, Wayne made sure each customer was satisfied.
"Any kind of a problem or complaint, I took care of it right away," he said. "I never put it off."
During this time, Wayne and Bene settled in Kaumana. They had three children, Marsha, Ben and Chris.
For many years Wayne worked mostly with children who delivered the papers after school. His job was to train them, then oversee them on their routes. He tried to instill a strong work ethic into their lives.
He was also a role model for responsibility.
"I told the (keiki) the novelty, the fun part of the job would run out in a week or two, but they had to get the paper out," Wayne said. "It was a tremendous responsibility, but someone had to do it."
Along the way, Wayne also taught his young delivery boys and girls much needed accountability and business skills. Sometimes the lessons in work ethic made him unpopular.
"The children would tell me right out that they despised me because they knew I was going to say something about their collections," Wayne said. "But, they had to face the public, and they had to get the money out of the field."
Because the kids only lasted between six months to one year on the job, Wayne had to find a way to recruit more youth for the paper routes in his district, so he started coaching basketball and baseball for Andrews Athletic Association.
"It was a constant turnover with the keiki," he said. "I had to figure out a way to meet parents with children. It worked out and I was always had a good supply of children who wanted to work and thought $50 a month was good money."
Looking back, Wayne said he enjoyed working with the kids and his efforts paid off in big dividends.
"My greatest joy was working with the young people," he said. "Every one of them. My biggest joy was watching a child from a poor family making something of themselves. I would also have parents tell me that what I did with their children helped them later on as adults.
Eventually the paper moved to morning delivery and Wayne had to change his game plan to fit the times. Instead of children delivering papers on bicycles, he needed to switch to adults with cars. The routes also encompassed larger areas.
Time quickly marched by and Wayne's long career finally ended on New Year's Eve. It's been less than two weeks and the novelty of retirement has probably worn off by now, but Wayne knows it's his responsibility and, as he often told his workers, "someone has to do it."
Learning to manage his free time will be challenging. The only thing Wayne knows for sure is that he and his wife are looking forward to spending more time with the grandchildren, Hinano, age 13 and Samuel, almost 2 years old. Perhaps, he said, they will do some traveling. Or maybe they'll stay close to home. Only time will tell.
"My retirement didn't sink in yet so I don't have any plans," Wayne said. "We'll just have to wait and see how everything falls and then go from there."
Add patience to his long list of virtues set be delivered in today's paper. Mahalo Uncle for many years of service to your job and the community, and for providing a steadfast role model for all to look up to. Aloha!




 

Interesting Islanders

Introducing Edna Baldado

Edna Baldado isn't retired, she's inspired. Many years ago this 68-year-old native Big Islander left her career job as an Intensive Care Nurse at Hilo Medical Center in 1993 to work as a case manager with the Native Hawaiian Health Care System known as Hui Malama Ola Na'Oiwi.
This seasoned healthcare professional had spent almost three decades helping people in crisis. She also witnessed the ravages of sicknesses that could have been managed successfully through good diet and exercise programs.
"I saw the end result when I worked in the hospital," Edna said. "I wanted to spare other people from that."
When the opportunity arose through a 100 percent funded grant program through the Native Hawaiian Health Fund, Edna took a gigantic leap of faith and decided to make a difference in the lives of many people.
"My philosophy of life is simple," she said. "I want to be what God wants me to be. Most everything I do focuses on helping other people in whatever way I can. Now I am helping them move on, get better. I always hope that in the process that what I am doing will serve as a role model. That it encourages them and helps them along the way."
It can be said Edna does her job with a whole heart and a set of wheels. In fact, this dedicated wahine can be found traveling many miles around the island each week to various schools and communities, providing both individual and group counseling education that focuses mainly on diabetes, cancer and other Hawaiian health issues.
"We focus more on preventive health," Edna said. "It's a health education system set up that enables Hawaiian people to get the health care they need."
Both her passion and drive to help the Hawaiian people comes directly from her own heritage. Edna was born and raised in Kona. Her mother, a pure Hawaiian who was a lauhala weaver, and her father, an immigrant from Germany who stowed away on a merchant marine ship to find a better place to live and sailed around the world four times before deciding to settle in West Hawaii, raised and picked Kona coffee.
Edna was the oldest daughter in the family of five children in the Nicol family. Her parents were both avid readers and strong proponents of education. During her first two years in high school they sent her to Kohala, where she lived in a dormitory. Edna's finished her last two years at Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu.
After graduation she went to work for awhile, however Edna soon fell in love with Sam Baldado, married and had her eldest son, Bobby. She stayed home and took care of him for the next 10 years.
During that time the young family moved to Papaiko to be near her husband's family. Edna's heart began to tug her to a degree in higher education. It was then she went back to work to pay for her tuition at the University of Hawaii, Hilo Campus.
"I always wanted to be a nurse," Edna remembered. "I was thrilled when I was one of 22 selected for the first licensed practical nursing program at UH Hilo."
Edna immediately went to work in her chosen field, but decided to earn an associate degree for nursing, then a bachelor degree in nursing when they were finally offered through the same school.
During that time, Edna and her husband decided to hanai a baby into their family. Soon, another son, Dale, was added into their loving home.
She also worked her way up the career ladder in various nursing roles until she decided she didn't want to climb anymore. Now, it was time to soar.
Besides her extensive travels around the Big Island, Edna is working on a joint project with the Bay Clinic to increase diabetes awareness, which is running rampant in the area.
"Until four years ago we had the highest incidence of diabetes in people from Hawaii," Edna said. "And, it was highest in East Hawaii."
Looking back on her life, it's not surprising that Edna has no regrets in the decisions she's made.
"I've really enjoyed everything I've done," she said. "I've really enjoyed my life."
You, dear Auntie, are truly an inspiration to everyone in Hawaii. Mahalo!
 

Interesting Islanders

Introducing Singlow Lou Thom

By Karen Welsh

Eighty-year-old Singlow Lou Thom is a colorful character. This retired restaurant owner loves to paint flowers, people and a variety of marine life on canvas, hats, banners and whatever else suits his fancy.
He also enjoys motoring around town in his bright red scooter with an even brighter yellow canopy to cover his head from the sun and the infamous Hilo rain.
Yes, he definately stands out in a crowd.
And, that's where he can be found --among people, casting a line and telling colorful fish stories with friends at the Hilo Bay Pier right outside Liliokulani Park.
"I fish a lot," Singlow said. "I have a lot of friends down here that are fishermen. It's nice down here. I love the water."
And, that's what he's done almost everyday for two years since he moved from Oakland, California to the Big Island two years ago.
Singlow worked his entire life in the restaurant business before he ventured to the islands. He started at the bottom and worked his way up to cook and then owner of a popular Chinese restaurant "Sin Ming" in Fremont, California.
"I worked in the restaurant business my whole life," he said. "I worked in those that served Italian, Chinese and American food. I learned a lot."
He retired 14 years ago, but his career meant he was on his feet all the time and that took a toll. After a serious battle with gout, Singlow was left in extreme pain and unable to walk.
As a result, he left the mainland to live near his daughter and to enjoy better weather. It turned out to be the right move, because his time in East Hawaii has proven to be the cure he needed.
"It's very good for my sickness," he said. "Now it's better here. Now it's completely okay. The warm heat give me more to heal."
Singlow decided to pursue his passion for painting when he moved to East Hawaii. He enjoys many art mediums, including black and white, watercolor and oils.
"I paint all kinds of things that I feel like," he said. "I am an artist. I love having the choice of any color. Blue and yellow are my favorite colors, but I also like black because you can mix it with all kinds of color and make it better."
Even when he's in the middle of a painting project, Singlow doesn't stay house bound all day. He always takes time to run errands or to take his fishing pole out for a spin.
"I travel all around Hilo," he said. "It is a nice city and the people here are more friendly. I don't have to travel very far to get where I want to go. I still want to enjoy myself while I can do something about it. I'm independent. I don't rely on anybody. This is my life. It's simple."
Don't expect to see him in a local restaurant, however. Singlow takes care of all his culinary needs on his own.
"I never go out to eat," he said. "I cook my own food. I'm a good cook. A very good cook. Excellent. In my line of business I was the top."
That makes his food colorful too.
Many thanks for brightening up East Hawaii Uncle Singlow. Your presence is a multi-colored present to everyone who comes in contact with you. Aloha!


 

Introducing Elie Hulfich

By Karen Welsh

All that glitters is not gold, but in the case of East Hawaii resident Elie Hulfich, it's true. It only takes a few seconds to realize Elie is the real deal. A very special person. An incredible human being.
She's often seen walking up or down Haili Street in the heart of Hilo Town, usually on her way to the YWCA's swimming pool for water aerobics or swimming practice or to the bowling alley to throw a few strikes, always hoping and praying to win a few medals when she competes in the Special Olympics.
Sometimes Elie impresses those who pass by when she wears the five medals she's already won for swimming and greeting people during the sporting events.
Hidden behind her big glasses and smile is an independent and determined woman. It's taken this 48-year-old lady many years of hard work to get where she is today, and she doesn't want that to change.
"People don't want me to be independent," Elie emphatically stated. "They think I'm slow because I have difficulty reading. I think it's a shame because I can think for myself. I can make up my own mind because I am independent."
Elie was born in Peoria Illinois, but moved with her parents, Bill and Patricia, to Rangoon, India when she was a little child. Once there, her father ran a lumber mill and the parents had a farm, growing potatoes, corn and soybeans.
Elie struggled in school, but her strong will and fierce spirit kept her going. As she reached adulthood, Elie felt the tug to venture out into life on her own. Her parents, however, were very protective and wanted to shelter Elie from the hardships she would face.
"I told them I'm a big girl now," she remembered. "I wanted to learn things on my own. I wanted to be independent, but they didn't want me to be independent for a long time and that aggravated me."
Elie moved, once again, with her family to Hilo after her parents retired from their life in India. Elie continued to live at home, but found a job working at Good Will, folding clothes and stocking the racks.
Her sister, Mary, came to Elie's rescue after both her parents passed away. She was able to find Elie a place where she could live on her own. And, although Elie missed her parents terribly, she enjoys her freedom.
To get through each and every day, Elie said she relies on her relationship with God. This special woman said she talks to the Lord and draws upon her faith and she does what the Bible says--she doesn't gossip or steal from people.
Elie also takes her sports competition for the Special Olympics very seriously. Working in the program has given her confidence, physical strength and boosted her self-esteem.
"I had to overcome to win the medals," Elie said as she lifted the shiny gold circle hanging from her neck. "Exercise is good for me. I've been losing weight and it makes me feel a lot better. Winning the medals makes me feel good. I'm real happy."
There are some frustrations in her life. The most difficult thing for Elie to endure is dealing with other grownups who want to treat her like a child.
"I want to be treated like an adult, not yelled at," she said. "I just want to be talked to like an adult."
Mostly, Elie tries to stay positive and encourage other people to persevere when they have to wait for something they really want.
"People should keep trying when they want to do things," Elie said. "They should have hope that things can change, because, they changed for me. I hope these medals send a message to be kind and be brave and for people like me to pursue their dreams and keep with it even though it's hard work."
Auntie Elie, your biggest medal is your heart of gold, tried and true. Mahalo for showing everyone in East Hawaii how to run the human race. We're all winners now.

Interesting Islanders
Introducing Pat Makaea

By Karen Welsh

Two, four, six, eight, who do I appreciate? Pat Makaea, Pat Makaea, yeah, Pat Makaea. Well, at least that's how I felt last Thursday evening at the exhibition men's volleyball match held at the UH-Hilo Gym.
Prior to the competition between University of Hawaii Manoa Campus and University of Pacific, I witnessed the spry and high-spirited 72-year-old lifetime Hilo resident rallying the troops of all those who sat around her, handing out a stack of beautiful handmade signs intended to help cheer on the Warriors.
It wasn't long before I noticed several of the signs bore the name of 22-year-old Kailua-Kona resident Daniel Rasay, currently a senior at UH Manoa, and the captain of UH Manoa Men's Volleyball Team. Turns out he's Pat's grandson, and she's proud of it.
"He is an excellent volleyball player," she said of Daniel. "He plays very well, and he is a very thoroughly nice person too."
Pat loves watching her grandson's dream come true. She knows how hard he worked and how much he persevered to become a key player on the team.
"He was red-shirted the first year," she said. "He didn't play at all. But, he had a good attitude about it. He said if he couldn't play he would be the best cheerleader he could be."
Now that he's a starter, Pat watches the games on television because she doesn't like to travel.
That made the exhibition game a rare opportunity to see him play in person and it gave Pat the needed impetuous to get out her colored markers and spend countless hours making the large signs for the game.
"I am excited that Daniel and the team came to play in Hilo," she said. "Hilo is a volleyball town. It is a volleyball crazed place, and this exhibition game is perfect to be played here."
Not only did Pat make signs for Daniel, but for other team members too. Among the many was an "OK Jose" for Jose Delgado, "Brian Bechwith -- like a shot" and "Aloha Lauri Hakala, the "Fin"isher for the young recruit from Pieksamaki, Finland.
Needless to say, Pat loved the game. She yelled encouragement to the boys and faithfully waved her signs. In fact, she became so completely caught up in the game that she forgot to eat her favorite concession food.
"I went specifically to eat a hot dog, because a hot dog isn't a hot dog unless it's eaten during a game," she said. "They always taste good then. However, I enjoyed myself so much that I forgot to eat one.
Still, Pat left the gym with a smile on her face, thrilled when the Warriors ended up beating the Tigers 3-0.
"It was a good game," she said. "It was quality volleyball. The team had to work really, really hard to get where they are today because they don't have the height. It was also wonderful to look around and see everyone in the audience having so much fun."
It's not over yet, because this fiercely competitive lady with be watching and hoping the Warriors will keep beating their opponents during the regular season, which is scheduled to begin shortly.
"Winning is everything," she admitted. "When they are winning it is so much fun to watch."
You're actually the fun one to watch Pat. Your are a lovely, upbeat woman that brings cheer to all you meet. Good luck to your team, and have a ball this season!
 

Interesting Islanders
Introducing Heli Silva

The first time I set eyes on Pahoa resident Heli Silva was on a narrow strip
of tarmac at the Kahului Airport on Maui.
It was an unforgettable moment.
Talk about a humdrum afternoon. The entire plane was full, except for one
vacant seat. It was hot and the sweat was beginning to pour when the flight
attendant announced the last passenger needing to board was slightly delayed
on a connection from Kona.
All eyes gazed forward to the door, waiting for this mystery person to
appear. Many had a list of appointments and responsibilities waiting for
them in Hilo.
The pressures and demands of life quickly melted away, however, when
32-year-old Heli bounded up the stairs and into the plane. There she stood,
smiling, blowing kisses and wishing many of the captives in their seats warm
aloha greetings.
Her presence electrified the cabin, spreading smiles and greetings to the
travel weary crowd.
I heard a collective sigh of relief.
This was, after all, Hawaii. The culture, so endearing to the island, came
alive through Heli. It took bodily form as it stood, breathed, then spoke
without words, ? No worries, no hurries, no hassles.?
Heli?s aloha spirit soared with the plane, reaching new heights as the craft
made its way higher and higher into the clouds.
As the twin engine prop plane leveled off, Heli made her way forward to sit
closer to a cousin on the flight, and the two began conversing in fluent
Hawaiian. The melody of the language soothed and relaxed those who listened.
When they were pau, Heli began to meander, once again, to her seat in the
back of the plane. It seemed only natural to stop her and talk story.
Come to find out she often commutes to work via the air from Hilo to Kona to
work as a full-time customer service representative for Island Air.
This happened to be Heli?s eighth consecutive day in a row to make the trip
from Hilo to Maui to Kona and back again in order to do her job.. That was
32 takeoffs and 32 landings plus a ton of sky miles to cheerfully serve
hundreds of malihini and kaamaina each day.
?I love to represent Island Air,? Heli said with a big smile. ?I love my
work. I love to work with tourists and teach them about Hawaiian culture. I
love everything about it. I enjoy what I do. I?m proud to be a part of it.?
And, it?s a sure bet no one was dissatisfied with the service they received
from Heli. After all, Hawaii is more than a word or place to this Molokai
native. It is Heli?s frame of mind. Her identity. Her very being.
My slogan is ?Just simply Hawaiian,?? she said. ?It?s that simple.?
Heli said she learned the important life lessons to live life to the fullest
and to never take it for granted from her mom, Hattie, and other close-knit
family members.
?I was taught very well,? she said. ?To always cherish each day, and our
ohana.?
The flight was over too quickly. There was so much more to ask. However,
when the plane landed, Heli hit the ground running. On this particular
evening, she had an engagement to sing at a benefit dinner. It turns out
Heli is multi-talented. She is an award-winning Hawaiian falsetto with a
voice equally matching her beautiful spirit. She spends many hours a week
entertaining people all over the Hawaiian Islands with music from her
acclaimed CD ?Ka?ohana Ali?i,? meaning ?The Working of the Royal Family.?
When each working day is over, Heli counts it a privilege to return home to
Pahoa, where this very busy wahine lives in a hale of rest and refuge.
?I live in a beautiful place,? she said. ?I love the lushness that surrounds
me, and the people here are very beautiful. They are very kind.?
In that case, Heli fits right in with a life truly exemplifying all that is
simply aloha in East Hawaii. Mahalo Nui Loa.

 

Interesting Islanders

Introducing Chuck Sanders

By Karen Welsh

Chuck "Just Like Kentucky Fried" Saunders is a man of contradictions.
At first glance, his tie-dyed t-shirt, necklace, earrings, a thick leather watch band, blue jeans, black cowboy hat with feather trim, cigarette hanging from his lips and plethora of tattoos makes him looks like the lead member of a radical motorcycle group. Come to find out he's an ordained minister.
Needless to say, Chuck's also a big man who looks mean. Very mean. However, it turns out he's gentle in the teddy bear sense of the word.
His booth at the Farmer's Market in Hilo is also a series of contradictions.
Under his portion of the tarp, this Kea'au resident sells knives and calls them decorative letter openers. The brass knuckles on his table are labeled paper weights.
All of these tenuous first impressions could have kept me from getting to know the real Chuck -- the one that's warm, nice, articulate and funny.
"Sometimes things aren't as they seem to be," Chuck chuckled. "I'm not a biker--anymore."
Sitting there, among the busy throng of shoppers, I began to carefully peel back Chuck's layers, and see why this 53 year old -- freely admitting he is "going on 27" -- developed the persona that remains with him to this day.
Chuck said he grew up in a dysfunctional home, and joined a rough biker gang during his early teen years. It came as no surprise when he ended up in Juvenile Detention when he was 16-years-old.
After he was released at age 17, Chuck immediately joined the Marine Corps and ended up serving 18 years. During that time, he fought through three tours in Vietnam, where he was shot twice in the hip and stomach, leaving metal plates in both areas of his body.
Upon retirement as a career marine, Chuck said he became radical again and it cost him three more years of his life.
Then, by divine intervention, Chuck said he got his life straight, once again, and was called into the ministry. He went back to school and got a doctorate in psychology. Eventually, Chuck became ordained as a Pentecostal Baptist Minister.
Over the years, Chuck has also served as East Hawaii's Service Officer for Disabled American Veterans.
"That keeps me busy," he said. "Very busy."
He is also a hospital chaplain who spends time holding the hands of overdose victims, comforting them and giving them words of hope.
More than anything, Chuck is an armchair philosopher, thinking a lot about life, death and faith. He's a deep thinker. Very deep. Right up there with the Gnostics of old.
Everything in life, Chuck has come to find, is a matter of perspective.
"I used to worry about the future," he said. "Then, I woke up one morning and I realized that today is merely yesterday's tomorrow. So, we are really living in the future."
Chuck admits his deep thoughts began while going through a typical male midlife crisis.
"One day you wake up and you are 50 years old," he said. "You wake up and begin wondering where all the years have gone."
Chuck's passage through life cost him his first wife and ministry. He began to regroup and opened his unique booth at the farmer's market. It is wildly popular with the guy population, however, Chuck is careful not to let any under age children in his booth without a responsible adult present.
"It started out as a hobby of mine and before I knew it, it had overflowed and became a business," he said. "Now it's my livelihood and I enjoy what I do. I enjoy people."
Chuck has also ventured out into selling his favorite ware--little black coffee beans.
"I live on coffee," he said. "And this stuff grown in the rainforest above Mountain View is so exceptional."
To help him make it through a busy day, Chuck has a quiet time and meditates at least one-and-a-half hours each morning.
"It keeps me well-grounded," Chuck admitted. "It helps me deal with the minor crisis' in life."
And, he said, it helps him live each moment in the present.
"I've grown to appreciate each day as my last," Chuck said. "I finally learned to live in the here and now and not worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You are now whatever you choose to make yourself. It's what you do henceforth that is what your are. We all need to move forward and fulfill our potential."
Chuck has seen and experienced a lot throughout the years. And, he has learned one important lesson.
"I've learned that death is no big deal," he admitted. "It's the dying that sucks."