What's Going On?

      More Letters From Paradise

          What's Going On?

       What's up here in Hawaii? Should you ask? Just about everything you could imagine. I will begin with the really important event first. Spam ,our island favorite just been introduced two new flavors: Spam Teriyaki, and Spam jalapeno flavored. Teriyaki flavor is widely used here, and marrying it with Spam seemed less than rocket science. Those who have tried it, enjoyed it greatly. This variety is first released here, and then later on the mainland, where teriyaki flavor is less known. As for me, I just bought a can of the jalapeno variety, and I really like it. Bits of peppers here and there, with a light peppery taste.

     And then there is the matter of our coming elevated rail transit system. Work has once again started on the" boondoggle". All of this before the ruling by the 9th District Federal Court, by parties opposed to it. We need an elevated rail system as much as we need snow. There are millions and billions "riding" on this project. Those building it had a slight oversight of 78 million, as they forgot crossing guards. And another I think, is 48 million for an engine to push the train to the next station in case of power failure. I could go on and on but there isn't enough space to write. The rail  plan was sold to the people as a way to solve the traffic problem. We have been told that it will cost millions just to dismantle what work has been done. Grrrrr

      The large mural on the wall in the Convention Center came under fire recently. A Hawaiian woman complained that the mural showing bones of ancient Hawiians was disrespectful. Never mind that it had be there for 16 years, and nobody had complained. The mural was covered up. The artist threatened to sue. But I now read that an agreement has been reached, and all is well again. The mural is again without covering. 

      Another bit of news that you might find interesting. A Hawaiian woman named (get ready for this) Janice Keihanaikuluauakahihuliheekahaunaele, found that her name could not fit in the space for her name on her driver's license . This is her legal Hawiian name. The computer had only space for 35 characters. Changes wil be made to allow for more space. The translation of her name has many layers of meaning. One she said is, "When there is chaos and confusion, you are the one that will stand up and get people to focus in one direction and come out of the chaos." It also references the origins of her and her husband"s family. This is not a bit surprising to me in a state with eight differnt languages for a driver's license. And there are two other languages which are being considered to be added to the list. One is Hawaiian, and I have forgotten the other, some language in the Pacific.

       Some of you who have visited Hawaii may  have been to the Halekulani Hotel, and to the House Without a Key. If you have, you may have seen the long famous hula dancer named Kanoe Miller, age 58. It seems that she was found to have three lungs! But, she didn't know it. The third lung died, atrophied, and caused her discomfort. It had never shown up on X-rays. All is now well, and you can again see her dance, starting on October 4. Come have a drink and a pu pu, and see her dance. That's enough for now.

                Aloha

                Grant