Aloha, Kapolei! I don't know what the heck is happening, but what's up with the "vog?" In all my 41 years in Kapolei, I've never seen it like this. There are only two times that I can recall our skies being "hazy." My first memory is of New Year's Eve when everyone-and I mean everyone-popped firecrackers all day and night. And, I'm not talking only about Honokai and Makakilo residents...the entire island joined in on the celebrations! The smoke was so thick that I couldn't even see the person or parked car next to me. To some degree, this tradition is still alive. 

My other memory of haziness is when the "cane men" would burn all the sugar cane to the ground. The entire sky would turn brown and gray from the smoke, which would then be followed by what we Honokai boys called "snow." The sky would be filled with black ashes from the burnt sugar cane as they would gently swirl all around us. Picture thousands of ash as far as you can see! One of our games was to see who could catch the longest unbroken ash. I'm sure anyone who has lived in Hawaii for some time has enjoyed both times. 

Although the vog brings hazy days, have you ever witnessed a voggy sunrise or sunset? It's awesome! We have to put things into perspective. Our planet is being pounded by natural disasters, wars, and economic and environmental strain. We need to look past the haze and realize that we are all truly blessed to be living in Hawaii. 

Loretta and Ron Gella

I remember times when we would blast the albums on the record player. You would hear Manang Loretta say, "Duncan, could you turn it down?" She was so nice that it never seemed like he was in trouble. In fact, one of us would reply with, "Sorry!" We would feel bad, blame each other and say, "See! You made Mrs. Gella mad!"  But, she would come outside and smile...and we would feel all good again.

To Ronda, Stevie Boy, Annette, Duane, and Duncan, thank you for sharing your mom with us. She made us all feel like we were a part of your family. To Mr. Gella, GOD has truly blessed the both of you with kindness, compassion, and aloha.

Aloha and GOD Bless,

Damon

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air jordan x
written by air jordan x, Friday, May 14, 2010 @ 05:59 PM

I remember times when we would blast the albums on the record player.

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