• Resolutions and contributions • Helping hands for foster children • Thanks from Abercrombie camp Resolutions and contributions As we bid farewell to the year 2010, the new dawn of the first day of 2011 should begin with the promise
• Resolutions and contributions • Helping hands for foster
children • Thanks from Abercrombie camp
Resolutions and contributions
As we bid farewell to the year 2010, the new dawn of the first day of 2011 should begin with the promise to actually “do a good deed daily.”
Consider the following possibilities:
1. A random of act of kindness to help someone in need or distress.
2. Kokua someone, from keiki to kupuna, and especially those who are lonely and forlorn.
3. Start a garden and tend to it daily.
4. Donate what you can — like something that’s still in good condition that can be used and appreciated by someone else, or a dollar here and a dollar there (or whatever you can afford) to a charitable organization.
5. Volunteer your time and talent to a worthy cause of your choice.
6. Become involved in activities and programs in your community that merit your interest and attention. Stop sitting on the sidelines, merely complaining about “what’s wrong!”
Some of these things might overlap, but that’s alright. Take the time to establish connectivity in your circle of family and friends. Let that genuine compassion for one another be the basis of warmth and comfort in your lives.
Who knows? “Living aloha” may become a way of life for all humankind all over the world if we start with ourselves.
Jose Bulatao, Jr., Kekaha
Helping hands for foster children
On behalf of the Department of Human Services, I want to thank everyone who improved the lives of foster children over the holidays, including our resource families who provide safe and loving homes.
On O‘ahu, Family Programs Hawai‘i and Honolulu Rotary Club sponsored a party for foster children and their resource families that drew 2,000 people.
On Maui, the Marriott Hotel donated boogie boards and other recreational gear for resource families with teenagers.
On Kaua‘i, hundreds of foster kids received gifts from generous donors such as Hanalei Bay Rotary Club, Susan Miura, Louis Soltren, K-Mart, local police officers, Kaua‘i High School staff members, Avon, the Retired Teachers Association and the Salvation Army.
And in West Hawai‘i, Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem Franz Weber donated many gifts for newer foster children whose names could not be submitted in time for the annual Toys for Tots campaign.
These are just a few examples of how our communities brightened the holidays for Hawai‘i’s foster children. Everyone’s contributions are greatly appreciated.
Patricia McManaman, Interim Human Services Director
Thanks from Abercrombie camp
It was a beautiful day for a peaceful gathering at a place recently known for its high controversy and historic reverence. The significance of the closure of the Hawai‘i islands’ ceremonies for our new governor was apt with humble ho’okupu at Hikina akala heiau and pa’ina on the shores of Wailua within Lydgate park.
There was a healthy and happy crowd that gathered to experience a ceremony at Hikina Akala heiau (minus the sacrifice). Ancient protocol for this particular area demands high respect and integrity. We all saw that day the fiber of many and can clearly see the reasons why Kaua‘i is what it is today and what it can be.
We graciously thank Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz for making Kaua‘i top off the state celebration and allowing this humble servant to be a part in setting the stage for Kaua‘i and his new administration. Please forgive us if we forgot to mention someone but may God bless each and every one of you that supported this event and our new governor and lt. governor. You are important to us. We truly appreciate your kokua and mana’o, Kaua‘i. Aloha nui. Deep mahalos to the many participants.
To all Kanaka Maoli representatives and groups that attended, Mr. Francis Mission Jr. from DLNR for all his aloha and enforcers, Jimbo Alalem (caretaker of Hikina akala heiau and other wailua sacred sites) and na koa, Police Chief Perry, Officer Kaleo Perez, Officer Ale Quibilan, and Kaua‘i’s finest: Thank you all for your collaborative efforts in helping to make this celebratory memorable. Great blessings of peace, prosperity, and wisdom in this season of holidays and enlightenment to everyone.
To all the participants and guests that came to partake and show aloha to our new governor, I commend each of you for reflecting the real Kaua‘i mana that touched Neil Abercrombie and Brian Schatz hearts. I humbly thank you from the bottom of my pu’uwai. Our governor listens and cares. This I have experienced. Ho‘omalu i Kaua‘i. He will not soon forget Kaua‘i. It is the dawn of the new day. Iesu pu apau.
Rhoda Makanani Libre, Kaua‘i Programs and Events Director for Neil Abercrombie
