Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Thursday, November 28, 1996

A column
full of mahalo on this
Thanksgiving Day

We devote this Thanksgiving Day column to people who have brightened some of your days:

To the young lady in the yellow car who offered help to my wife and me in our disabled car on the H-1 freeway just west of the H-2 turn-off on Nov. 1. In 65 years of driving, I have never felt so helpless and was so nervous I did not even offer her money for phone calls. Now that I know how it feels to be sitting in a disabled car, I don't think I will be able to pass them without offering assistance. -- K.B.

To all the people who helped when our car spun out of control on the H-1 freeway Nov. 3. Luckily, nobody was hurt. Thanks to the driver of Shobu's Refrigeration and Air Conditioning van, who checked to see that we were OK, then stopped traffic. To the person who called police and to officers Robinson and Wade. It's great to know the aloha spirit is out there and people are willing to give strangers assistance. -- S. and K.G.

To Mike at Appliance Parts in Kaimuki. His knowledge kept us from pursuing expensive, incorrect remedies. He sold us only the parts we needed and we did not have to buy a new water heater.

To Mary Mariani for turning my cellular phone in to the office at the Blaisdell Center. Your action again confirmed my belief that there are a lot of people out there who maintain their honesty and trustworthiness. -- E.G.

To HPD Officer R. Pauoa for your professionalism in handling our car accident Nov. 2 and for the quick fender repair with your nightstick that got us back on the road. We think you're a first-rate cop on a first-rate police force. And, hey, you be careful out there. -- David and Eiko

To the kind people who helped me after my car was hit from the back at Piikoi and Kapiolani Oct. 30. I was really shaken up. A gentleman from a nearby car rental business called the ambulance and kept me calm. The driver of the car that hit me was kind as well, telling me he was sorry and everything would be taken care of. Unfortunately, I didn't get his name or number. -- J.S.J.

To Mr. and Mrs. Tomishima. I had dropped my wallet on Waiola Street and was so depressed just thinking of the hassle I would have to go through replacing everything. They called that evening and came all the way from Ewa Beach with my lost wallet. I have often heard that "the Aloha Spirit lives." Now I believe it is true.

To Frances and Dexter in Village Park. On Nov. 9, they helped us to find a house and then, when our battery died in our new car, they helped us to jump-start the car. We were really in trouble and they were so nice. -- Felix and Nila

To all the Good Samaritans who helped my daughter and 5-year-old granddaughter after they got into an accident on Nov. 17. They were leaving Waianae going on the H-1 freeway when their car ran off the road. So many people stopped to help. Thanks especially to the gentleman who washed the glass out of my granddaughter's eye and the paramedics who were so kind. Auwe only to the woman who drove past and said, "Good for you guys." -- P.M.

To a young man in a gray BMW, who stopped Nov. 12, during a downpour, at the Kinau Street off-ramp, to help change our flat tire. He refused any money or a towel to dry himself. He has restored our faith in mankind. -- Grateful senior citizens.

To three guys who helped get my Jeep and jack-knifed trailer back on the road Nov. 18 on the H-1 freeway, near the Ola Lane overpass, and to HPD Sgt. Darrell Lum Lee, who directed other drivers safely by. Lucky I live Hawaii!

To the young lady who came to my aid when I fell on a sidewalk in Kaneohe. She took the time to drive me to the fire station for treatment. -- R.F.

To Ahlan Medeiros and Paul Pang of POB 1 Parking & Security. They helped a distraught and disabled senior who was unable to locate her car on the rainy Election Day. May you both have a "Happy Thanksgiving." -- S.I.