People who brought
inspiration to Hawaii
THIS has been the longest year of my life. When I wasn't fretting over the threatened shutdown of this newspaper, I was battling middle-age fatigue and weight gain, anguishing over the plummeting NASDAQ and still junk-as-ever Hawaii economy, and trying to recover from the death of my dad.
Thankfully, 2000 is almost pau; the new, real millennium is about to commence. Light a sparkler in celebration!
Hallelujah, in particular, for this column space over the past 12 months. Filling it twice a week has helped maintain my spirits and sanity.
Because of it, I got to meet and interview a memorable slew of inspiring individuals, including:
Businessmen Paul Honda and brothers Bob and Jim Wo, who collectively pledged $2 million to the oft-forgotten arm of the massive University of Hawaii system -- its seven community colleges (Changing Hawaii, Dec. 22).
Former Assistant Police Chief Barbara Wong, who retired from HPD at age 47 to attend the University of Hawaii Law School. The wife and mother of three -- ranging in age from 24 to 8 -- is a role model for those wondering whether it's ever too late to get more education or make a major career shift (Oct. 30).
Adelia and Stephen Dung, whose research foundation is funding a multitude of medical study years after their famous toddler, Alana, inspired thousands to donate blood and sign up with the Hawaii Bone Marrow Registry (Sept. 4).
Jason D. Woll, who moved to Palapu Street in Kailua and wrote a touching letter about the simple joys of residing in a close-knit community, and how neighbors who sincerely care about one another can often bring life's most delightful surprises (July 24).
Hawaii singer Ikaika Kahoano, who was featured on the voyeuristic ABC series, "Making The Band." The Iolani-schooled looker was one of eight finalists and ultimately, among the five original members of the all-guy group, O-Town (June 26).
Nancy Miyashiro Ichinaga, who went from Waimea High School graduate to principal of Bennett-Kew Elementary in L.A., one of the best public elementaries in the nation. Its jaw-dropping turnaround in test scores won the former Kauai girl a Heritage Foundation award, an appointment to the California school board and a visit to the campus from then presidential candidate George W. Bush (May 26).
Paul Uyehara, whose family-owned Aloha Tofu Factory in Kalihi continues to manufacture soy products and do quite nicely, thank you, despite a controversial and highly publicized Hawaii study trying to establish a link between tofu consumption and faster aging among Japanese-American males (April 14).
The Rev. Al Miles of the Pacific Health Ministry, author of the book, "Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Needs to Know" (Fortress Press, 2000). He strongly believes that his peers must stop ignoring, discounting or rationalizing away the "number one public health problem for women in America (March 17)."
Cynthia Hirakawa, a blind IRS employee in downtown Honolulu, who doesn't let her lack of sight stop her from being a knowledgeable service specialist. She is also one of the few blind IRS workers in the country who work with the public on a daily, face-to-face basis (Feb. 25).
Look for inspirational folks like these wherever you are. They are going to have a part in making 2001 a better -- and not so drawn-out -- year for us all.
Diane Yukihiro Chang's column runs Monday and Friday.
She can be reached by phone at 525-8607, via e-mail at
dchang@starbulletin.com, or by fax at 523-7863.
