Two powerful words: ‘Thank you’

Thank you.

Those two words can go a long ways toward the respect and courtesy that Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. often refers to and has emphasized in his 10 years leading this island. Those two simple words can mean the difference between someone feeling good about their day or someone feeling lousy about their day. They can mean the difference between someone smiling or someone frowning. And there’s no cost to saying thank you. No fallout. No backlash. Just a better day.

Pharrell Williams put it this way: “I’m just very thankful. And I say that a lot because that’s the most important message.”

And Thomas Secker said this: “He enjoys much who is thankful for little.”

Finally, there is this from Gerald Good: “If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.”

So that said, it’s time to hand out some mahalos. There are many people who deserve praise and appreciation for all they do, and this isn’t by any means a definitive list. It is just a chance to, as our mayor says, to let others know their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

• We start with those seeking public office. It takes courage and commitment to run for office. Whether they are elected on Nov. 6 or come up short in the final tally, those seeking council seats and the mayor’s post should be commended because they have made the political process better. They have done something most of us won’t — stepping out, putting their lives on hold for the chance to be elected to a post where they can make more of a difference for the place they call home.

• To those over at Alakai O Kauai Charter School, especially our good friend DrB. Blackwell, whose joy, passion and determination are largely responsible for this school becoming reality this year. This school offers a different setting for learning that will help students there thrive.

• To the board, staff, volunteers and donors at Kauai Humane Society, which has been without a full-time executive director since Scott Pisani resigned in November, but recently brought on board Mirah Horowitz. That KHS continued to operate as well as it has is a tribute to those caring for the dogs, cats and other animals that rely on the shelter. Theirs can be a heart-breaking task.

• To all those people who organize fundraisers and those who support them. We know that fundraisers are endless and some of them are not inexpensive. It takes more time and effort than we can imagine to put these on. But people here are generous with their time and money. That’s why so many nonprofits and community groups are able to carry out their missions to help those in need.

• To the crews clearing brush along Kuhio Highway this week. Yes, traffic was backed up for miles and drivers were annoyed this was going on in the middle of the day. But these folks are not intentionally trying to ruin your day. They are actually trying to make the roadway safer for drivers. They are working as quickly and efficiently as they can. And in case you were wondering why this work isn’t done at night when there is less traffic, the answer is, they can’t use lights because it is shearwater fledgling season.

• To all those folks who came out on Make a Difference Day and tackled many projects at Lydgate Park. Rest assured, you made a difference, not just on that one day, but for generations.

• To all those who pick up trash when they see it on the ground, at the beach, in the ocean. It’s easier to walk by and pretend you never saw anything. But many scoop up litter and place it where it belongs, leaving behind a cleaner and better Earth.

• To the people who respect and obey the rules to steer clear of green sea turtles and monk seals resting on the beaches. So many ignore the signs and walk right up to these creatures like they were there for their entertainment and photo opps.

• And to those who kindly inform those getting too close to our marine life that they need to back off. Some really don’t know any better. They should, but they don’t. So be nice.

• To the drivers who obey the speed limit, don’t tailgate, signal when changing lanes and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Too many drivers are in a hurry and seem to believe the roads are just for them.

• To those who show respect and courtesy for all.

• To those who smile at strangers and say hello.

• To those who see a problem and do what they can to fix it.

There are many more who deserves thanks. And we’re counting on everyone out there to use those two words, thank you, whenever they get the chance.

Our mayor would be proud.