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Duke Bainum
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Nurturing Aloha
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Some people say that we have lost Aloha. I'm convinced that the majority of people in Hawaii are good and decent people who really do care about their neighbors. It is easy to circle the wagons of distrust and cynicism, to use our differences to divide rather than to strengthen.
Yes, there are public servants who do things that make us distrustful and cynical. Sometimes, it is easy to see why politicians are viewed with such contempt. Politicians and public servants who care have a special burden to turn the tide.
How do we build on a sense of caring? I believe that it starts at the top. For people to care more than they do at this moment, they need leaders that give them a reason to care, a belief in Aloha and Aloha in action. This is a test that is greater than integrity because it means that leaders must not only be true, they must also care.
I remember talking story with a Hawaiian man who told me what he felt the true meaning of being Hawaiian was. He said it is a person who looks you in the eye, accepts the differences we all have, and instead of turning away, looks to you and says: "I give to you Aloha."
I was not privileged enough to be born here, but I recognize how privileged I am to call Hawaii my home.
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