THE calendar says December and glittery decorations are draped all over town. This is the official heart of the holiday season. Yet it's hard to thoroughly get into yuletide festivities, given the bad economic news of late. Christmas concert is
best part of seasonTo balance the city budget, Mayor Harris wants to raise real property rates, which, depending on assessments, might mean higher real estate taxes. He is also proposing to hike car registration charges, municipal golf fees and bus fares.
He might even bill homeowners for the privilege of garbage pick-up, which could mean over $100 a year per household. So you thought the price of trash collection was included in the exorbitant local taxes you already pay? Silly goose.
Pretty soon we may have hefty user fees for those who visit city parks, utilize police and fire services, or even make an appointment with the mayor himself. Heck, and why not? The state already wants us to fork over moolah for the privilege of climbing Diamond Head to enjoy the best view on the island.
Still, not everything in Hawaii costs a bundle. The Honolulu City Lights display and graciously decorated Washington Place are gorgeous at night. Industrious and thoughtful private citizens adorn their houses and lawns annually for all to see.
Then there are the free Christmas concerts offered by various schools and organizations, such as the one presented by St. Andrew's Priory. This yearly event, held Tuesday evening in acoustically friendly St. Andrew's Cathedral, is a sure-fire way to get into the jingle-bell spirit.
The beginning band, beginning strings and Camerata strings started the show with favorites including "Away in a Manger" and "Babes in Toyland." The satisfaction of these novice musicians -- many of whom had learned to play their instruments only within the last three months -- was evident in their faces.
When the members of the 4th and 5th grade class choirs and the middle school concert choir opened their mouths and began to sing, it was like -- I'm not exaggerating -- the sound of angels.
So sweet and pure. Hard to believe that, in real life, any of the singers could be borderline cases on Santa's naughty and nice list.
The highlight of the evening, in my humble opinion, was the dynamic performance of the Middle School Concert Band (Public Disclaimer: My kiddo is first trombone). After hearing solo renditions of "We Three Kings," "Christmas Joy" and "Jingle Bell Rock" from the living room over the past few weeks, what a thrill it was to hear the entire band in melodious unison.
THE most fun came at the end of the program, when all the parents, relatives, friends and fans of the performers joined in Christmas carols. When you're concentrating on the words to "Joy to the World," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" and "Silent Night," it's impossible to think of anything else except the true spirit of the season.
At least for that brief moment, there was no consternation about possible rising taxes, higher fees or the cost of running government. Throughout the audience there was only pride in the young performers, appreciation for their talents and efforts and a recognition that, by golly, it's December!
Mayor Harris ain't so dumb. He unveiled his tax-raising plan at the merriest time of the year.
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.