BEFORE dying, wouldn't it be nice if everyone tried to make the world a little better than he or she found it? Some accomplish this by donating to charities. Others do volunteer work, manage to raise their kids to be outstanding human beings or just pay their taxes regularly and honestly. Final mahalo and aloha
to Hawaiian BenReuben "Hawaiian Ben" Corpuz's contribution was selfless aloha to the visitor industry that he knew well and loved.
Hawaiian Ben was a mini-celebrity in the general vicinity of Lewers Street and Kalakaua Avenue. As he passed out handbills, with only the shade of his lauhala hat, he was a one-man HVCB. He'd teach tourists how to do the shaka sign or to hula. He'd take photos with them, answer questions and give street directions to lost souls. But mostly, Hawaiian Ben grinned, waved, cheered up, inspired and exuded an enthusiasm for life that is all too lacking these days.
Waikiki resident Bill Ault first jogged past Hawaiian Ben about four years ago. Initially, the short, heavy-set, dark-complexioned man would just give a quick greeting and smile as Ault ran by. Then he'd shout, "Run an extra mile for me!" as Ault flashed him a thumbs up.
Soon, Ault would stop to enjoy a lively chat with Hawaiian Ben. He discovered these conversations could cheer him after a day of dealing with death and dying at Tripler Army Hospital, where he works as an LPN.
"You may ask why Hawaiian Ben stood at the corner of Kalakaua and Lewers every day. Lord knows I have asked that question," Ault wrote in a tribute to his friend. "I believe the answer is in the free spirit he possessed. The free spirit told him that making people happy and giving them the tools to share and spread that happiness is what life is all about.
"Although Hawaiian Ben passed away on April 26, I still jog by his corner with a smile and a pleasant word for a tourist who may be there at that time. Yes, Hawaiian Ben, I have gone that extra mile for you by maintaining a happier attitude in my life and by sharing my happiness with others."
Tomorrow morning, City Councilman Duke Bainum will present a certificate of commendation to Hawaiian Ben's family at what used to be his little corner of the universe. It reads, in part: "When people talk about the aloha spirit or about what makes the people of Hawaii special, they are describing the essence of Reuben Benancio Corpuz. Those who had the fortune to cross Reuben's path would agree he symbolized this spirit.
"Reuben was well known for his vibrant smile and his ability to bring joy and laughter to his family and friends. Often, this ability to make others laugh is indicative of a 'kolohe' personality, and this was the case with Reuben. Like many other young people full of energy, Reuben had his fair share of tough times, but with age came a mellowing -- a contentment -- and the maturity to channel energy into actions that spoke well of his love for his family and for his heritage.
"Reuben was often found at the corner of Lewers and Kalakaua avenues, passing out handbills to tourists and spreading aloha to everyone he met. Many visitors and members of the Waikiki community came to know him as 'Pineapple' or 'Hawaiian Ben.' He was proud of his Hawaiian heritage and generous about sharing this heritage with others.
"In the years ahead, visitors will continue to come to Hawaii and fall in love with its beauty and its people. But Waikiki will never be the same without 'Hawaiian Ben.' "
No, it won't. But guess who's teaching the shaka sign to new arrivals in Heaven?
Diane Yukihiro Chang's column runs Monday and Friday.
She can be reached by phone at 525-8607, via e-mail at
DianeChang@aol.com, or by fax at 523-7863.