Month: January 2026

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Defined

Like most Americans, what we woke up to was that another person was killed by ICE. It is of no surprise given what has happened before. So as the details came out, the story became more apparent of what actually happened.

Right on cue, the story was spun in a different way and die-hard believers in this administration repeated it. Once again, no surprise at all.

I went on with my day doing a community presentation on bone health and fall prevention at Lanakila Multipurpose Center to a nice group of Kupuna. These events really give me a sense of fulfillment that my skills as an occupational therapist can impact someone’s life. What turned out to be one class, may turn into an ongoing one to address aging well.

While it may feel like the world is going insane right now and a family and community is grieving a loss of their loved one, we cannot forget our humanity. Someone was killed and those around him will feel that loss. There is no greater gift than life.

What we do in our life has a ripple effect on others in some way and fashion, positive or negative. We can choose to repeat things that are not true or say nothing at all because we don’t want to create waves of discomfort. Is that a really good way to live our lives of so we stand up for truth, reason, and sanity?

My journey to writing this blog over 10 years ago was to stand with truth knowing will well what the consequences might be. Yes, I received plenty of hate mail and death threats making my own family discourage me but deep down inside, I wanted the truth out. I felt it was my moral duty to speak up.

As much as the hate poured out against me and my fellow allies, more came out ready to speak out for our ag community and we built stronger bonds to support each other. I saw the power of community and how we help and heal each other.

That same drive pushes me in my professional work too. I work with students and new coworkers to prepare them to deliver excellent care for those we serve. I’ve met so many others as a result of this work and hopefully made a difference in people’s lives.

I have been involved with so many groups from the farm bureau, school PTO, the Okinawan association, and even my OT association. People ask how I do it and I really don’t know how to explain it.

I have a vision of what I want to see for a future and work towards building it. If we see a problem but take no action to solve it, have we made a difference? Nope.

I choose to do something about an issue over doing nothing. So we have an issue with getting new members for the OTs. I’ll go out a recruit folks and try to increase the communication or work the social media. Our kids can’t cross the street to school safely so I’ll spend 30 min as a crossing guard. If the school needs money for the performing arts teacher, I’ll run the fun fair to get those added funds.

We can sit around being the naysayers complaining about issues or we can attempt to do something about it. I could sit around complaining at the city days on end about school safety or I can do something. I’m tired of being part of the complainers and choose the latter. Of course complainers will complain back at me but I won’t be a part of that drag.

I will march on and do the best I can on my part to make a difference and build my communities. Taking action and standing up is what defines me.

I used to complain about how some of the carehomes did not engage their clients in activities. I worked with them to create a program for meaningful activities. This client got to make mochi and enjoy it too!
Traditions
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Traditions

It’s New Year’s Eve and there is a definite decrease on the aerial fireworks this year for sure. The new law with harsher penalties go into effect and it appears to have changed things for the better across Honolulu county.

I saw a lot less posts of missing animals or ones hit by cars compared to last year because of fireworks. My dogs aren’t shaking like they did before and seem a lot happier versus being terrified.

My parent’s neighbors were tremendously better with their behaviors also with minimal large aerials being flown over their home as we ate dinner. My kids could safely go out to pop poppers without scattered debris of aerials.

It’s still heartbreaking for me to know that 6 people lost their lives during a “celebration” that turned deadly. Many survived but likely have permanent disabilities from a split second error.

It was even nicer to hear Mayor Blangiardi remind folks of what I stated last year that aerials were not something cultural nor a tradition. The fact that a new law was finally passed and leaders have stepped up to change things is moving in the right direction. I hope no more lives are lost from illegal and reckless behaviors.

What I’ve seen so far is families at home enjoying each other and spending time together. That is what the authentic culture and tradition is. Blowimg large bombs or aerials that risk the lives of others were never a part of our celebrations.

What started as a blog post last year calling out the appropriation of culture then getting to talk on PBS Kākou has hopefully made a change for the better. I’d like to believe that so no more lives are lost and those who choose to endanger others become a minority in our communities.

Happy New Year to a safer one!

My foster fail is still nervous but not as terrified as last year so I guess that’s a good change.