"The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers, and cities; but to know someone who thinks and feels with us, and who, though distant is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden." --- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Humanist, Novelist, Philosopher, Playwright, Poet, Scientist, Minister of State

1. THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS – HOUSE OF MIRRORS
This morning this question was raised by supporters of Stand for Mauna ā Wakea,
“Please help with Kapu aloha of course, list all the infractions of Governor Ige so far. I
find it's good to keep track of these things and I don't want to miss anything.”
My frustrations, dissatisfaction, complaints and concerns of actions taken by Governor
David Y. Ige have been shared and have been widely broadcast. Yet, this question gave
me pause and shook my inner core.
Before responding I wish to share a bit about myself. Genshiro Kawamoto, Japanese
billionaire, former resident of Kahala, Oahu was a person who was widely criticized by
his neighbors, residents of surrounding communities and was the subject of lawsuits by
the City & County of Honolulu for his eccentricity, controversial style and use of his
high-end properties. Mr. Kawamoto's conversion of his mansions in Kahala to house
the homeless and failure to maintain his properties in the style and image of the
community became the ire of the people and eventually led to his exile from Hawaii.
Mr. Kawamoto's journey from Japan and his sharing of wealth to help the homeless was
overshadowed by criticism and calls to be extracted from communities. I shared with
the Counsel General for Japan, Honolulu, Hawaii, “Mr. Kawamoto is a good person, he
has a good heart and good intentions. In the press of business and to efficiently and
effectively manage his time he has relied to his detriment on advice of his advisers and
has taken responsibility for the inefficient and ineffective work of his advisers.” As an
advocate for openness in government Mr. Kawamoto was a principle behind the
Honolulu Weekly. The Honolulu Weekly, an alternative newsweekly provided a fresh
insight into Hawaii politics, business and art. Through its publisher, Laurie Carlson, I
was introduced to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, 51 Coelho Way,
Honolulu, Hawaii. I visited the Temple, worshiped with the followers and dined on
several occasions. Mr. Kawamoto is a good person, missunderstood by reliance on
advisors with agendas and missions that were not in keeping with the person.
In similar circumstances, Governor Ige is no different.
My thought for the day is to learn from the past, seek positive and affirmative changes,
develop innovative, knowledge-based solutions, establish a pathway for open dialogue
and communications, find common ground, meet collectively and mutually for the
benefit of all.
ALOHA . . .