This is your last chance to participate! Deadline is April 1, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Central Pacific Bank Foundation is reimbursing anyone in Hawaii for 50% of the cost of a takeout, delivery, drive-through, or curbside pick-up meal (up to $100) in order to support our local restaurants, their employees, and our hard-hit community to help #KeepHawaiiCooking. CPB Foundation will keep the promotion going until we’ve split the bill on 10,000 meals. You do not need to be a customer of CPB.
#KeepHawaiiCooking is just one of the things Central Pacific Bank and the Central Pacific Bank Foundation are doing to help CPB customers and the overall community. We’re waiving fees on some services, making it easier to use CPB mobile and online banking tools and encouraging all of our customers – business and consumers – to reach out to us if you are having problems paying loans or your mortgage. Please consult our website www.cpb.bank/covid-19 to get the most updated information and find out who you can call for help. #keepHawaiicooking
In this (hopefully short) era of self imposed isolation, having a dependable cell phone is critical.
If you’re in the market for a mid-priced phone, there are plenty of options. It’s not necessary to drop big bucks to get something good.
From my research the sweet spot for an Android device is $400-600. In this niche, the Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL offer great bang for the buck.
The Google Pixel 3 XL is also top rated but I opted for the S10e
Another option is the Samsung Galaxy S10e which offers the most important features of the higher end S10 and S10+ for $600 or under. This includes an excellent display and a first-rate camera. My previous phone was also a Samsung Galaxy so upgrading to a newer model from the same manufacturer made sense.
Set up was straight forward. With a Samsung app called Smart Switch you can wirelessly transfer all your content from the old phone to the new one. It takes a few hours and voila, you’ve got your old phone back.
Pretty slick.
So, what else do I like about this phone?
First off, it’s small (5.8 x 2.75 inches) which means
it’s easy to put in your pocket and hold. (Of course, it’s subjective about
what size is optimal, but I’m happy with a smaller footprint). The Snapdragon
855 chipset is very fast and the
3,100-mAh rated battery will last all day. The unit has a headphone
jack, a component that the Pixel 4 and 4 XL lack. If need be you can even
wirelessly charge other Qi-enabled devices (such as my old Galaxy 7) with an
app called PowerShare.
Samsung’s Smart Switch app lets you move everything from the old phone to the new without hassle.
Instead of a screen-based
fingerprint scanner the S10e uses a scanner integrated into the power button. It
took a bit of getting used to, but it works quite well. (It also has facial recognition and of course,
the old-fashioned PIN).
The S10e has up to 256GB storage, which is smaller than the S10 Plus, which tops out at 1TB. However, most of us will never use that much storage so you’re not missing out.
The only thing I didn’t like when testing this unit was the voice dictation which I use all the time, everywhere, on just about every app. It sure beats using with my scarred, stubby fingers. Compared to my ancient Galaxy 7, this function sucked. It just didn’t understand me. I was resigned to get used to it because I really like the phone and planned to buy one.
However, being the intrepid reporter that I am, I consulted Mr. Google and sure enough there’s a hack for this. I noted in my search that other folks had complained.
Well let’s not blame Mr. Samsung. There is a fix, it’s really simple and it solved my problem instantly. (I was quite proud of myself for figuring it out. I didn’t even have to bug the T-Mobile support crew).
Follow these steps:
Go to Settings General management Language and input On-screen keyboard + Manage keyboards Turn the Samsung voice input OFF and turn Google Voice typing ON!
Bingo.
Tested onT-Mobile’s Network
A short plug for T-Mobile. I tested the phone T-Mobile’s network on my own T-Mobile account. They were helpful in organizing the test unit. I’m happy with the coverage and prices are competitive. They also have good options for overseas travel. Sometimes a call drops on Oahu, but that’s usually behind Diamond Head so it’s not unexpected.
T-Mobile’s coverage is excellent on Oahu
The tech support people on the mainland are first rate and I’ve had good experiences at their outlets if there’s an issue. (I usually go to the one at Kahala Mall).
Fast Charge It
Mobile phones tend to run out of juice at the worst
times. Nowadays, acquiring a fast charger for home, travel and auto is a
no-brainer.
I tested a several excellent products from Aukey, a leader in the fast charging space. They are top rated, both from Amazon reviewers and my favorite, the Wirecutter, a website that reviews consumer goods owned by the New York Times. (I met the founder of Wirecutter one day swimming at Kaimana Beach!)
I looked at models that incorporate the newest standard (USB C) because they have the fastest transfer/charging rates that work with new phones and laptops. (Forget about the USB B style port. It’s history).
I looked at two Aukey units.
Their 65W PB-B4 model has dual USB C ports and is compact so it works both for home or travel. It’s smaller size makes it ideal for taking on the road. It’s priced at $54.99 on Amazon.
I also tested Aukey’s more powerful 60W PA-D5 wall charger also with dual USB C ports, that optimal better for home or office. It’s a little bigger and has a bit more input. It costs $29.99.
Of course you’ll get a dedicated (fast) charger from Samsung or whatever company you buy your phone from but it’s advantageous to have a fast charger that can charge two items (say two phones or a laptop and a phone) at the same time.
There’s nothing like having your phone go dead in the car. Yes, most most modern cards will have a USB port but the rate of charge is extremely slow. This won’t be an issue with Aukey’s CC-Y15 36W Fast Car Charger. Just slip it into your cigarette lighter and you’re set. It’s got ports both for the USB 1 and USB C and cranks out 18W Power Delivery when both ports are used together and 30W Power Delivery when used on its own.
Don’t leave home without the AUKEY CC-Y15 36W PD Car Charger. (This photo was taken with the Samsung S10e phone).
Here’s how it works on both units: When the top USB C port is in use, it outputs 65W Power Delivery, when using both ports, the top USB C port outputs 45W, the bottom USB C port outputs 18W Power Delivery. When two phones are used at the same time, the charging rate is not the same. Aukey’s technology called “Dynamic Detect” automatically allows the dual-port USB-Power Delivery charger to recognize the number of devices connected to it and allocates its full wattage accordingly.
Both units were able to charge my Acer Spin 5 laptop and fast-charge my Samsung 10e simultaneously.
Note that your laptop must have the USB Power Delivery standard for this to work. There will be a little icon on your laptop that designates the port.
You gotta have the USB C style cables to do a fast charge. Aukey makes some really nice ones.
Although most phones will accept fast chargers, different brands of phone will recharge at different rates. It depends on a couple of factors such as the type of battery that the phone has and the type of cable you’re using.
For best results you’ll need USB C to C fast charging cables(also from Aukey) that can handle the higher wattage. If not, you won’t get full benefit from the charger.
We are in
trying times now, folks. Much of the
state is closed. The Capitol and many
government offices, including the Department of Taxation, are locked down. People are working remotely when they can,
and we are too.
In the middle
of all of this, our Governor is telling people not to come to Hawaii. That may be certainly justifiable from a
public health perspective. It does,
however, have severe economic effects for us.
According to a recent article
from the Pew Charitable Trusts, the state most reliant on tourism is Nevada,
where 16% of its economy (based on 2018 numbers) depends on it. We are next with 10%. Other states that ranked high were Vermont,
Florida and Tennessee, all at about 6%.
Currently, we are projecting a $300 million decline in tax collections
and a loss of 6,000 jobs in the service industry. This may reverse in six to nine months or so,
according to the Pew article, because once the crisis passes people will want
to travel again, away from the homes they have been cooped up in.
The Federal government,
including the IRS, is helping out with a just-passed law that makes sure that
workers in general can get paid leave for child care and sick leave for
themselves, and gives medium to small businesses a tax credit to help them pay
for these benefits.
What can we
expect out of State government?
So far, the
response from the Department of Taxation is that all tax deadlines are being
maintained. No change. Perhaps it’s disappointing, but it’s
realistic in that the federal government can print money while state
governments can’t.
The economy is
hitting the skids and tax revenue is screeching to a halt as well, which may
put us into a disastrous spiral.
Government continues to trundle along, and the workers that are keeping
it moving need to be paid. But the money
to do it in the short term is not going be coming from tax collections. So, what can we expect?
First, we can
expect government to scrutinize favored industries about dialing back tax and
other benefits that were previously granted.
Legislators already have started to do this.
Second, we may
see renewed vigor in what used to be semi-earnest attempts to raise taxes and
fees. Several revenue-raising bills used
to advance in the legislature, presumably to keep the bill supporters happy,
and then would die at the last minute in conference committee. This time, the outcome may be different.
Third, we may
see attempts to appease the general public by advancing relief bills. Maybe we will see proposals to lessen the
waiting time for getting unemployment insurance benefits, or to extend tax
filing or payment deadlines, or provide additional benefits to employers whose
workers couldn’t come in to work. Those
might advance in the legislature when the legislature resumes, and then die at
the last minute. “Oh, we don’t have the
money to provide such benefits,” they may say, with justification.
dOur take on the problem is this. Raising taxes and fees will put a damper on the economy at a time when we should be doing everything in our power to support it. As the American Legislative Exchange Council put it in 2018, “Data clearly shows that low tax burdens enhance a state’s chances of performing well economically. On the other hand, a high tax burden reduces a state’s chances of performing well. Of course, other policy variables impact economic performance, but tax burden is most consequential.” We urge lawmakers to resist the urge to follow the somewhat cynical predictions made above. Lead. Grant relief. Don’t take more. Please.
Many of us who are quarantined because of the COVID-19 virus, have sat and contemplated the testing procedures. Media reports of long lines certainly deter anyone who is not feeling well. We are already suffering long lines at COSTCO and Whole Foods, just waiting to see if we can get some groceries.
I called my doctor a week ago, and was asked to describe my symptoms and situation. I may have been exposed and I am a senior. His office recommended that I get tested. At the same time, however, City, County and State officials were telling us that we should simply self-quarantine because we needed to save the tests for those who needed it, and because there is a world-wide shortage of personal protection equipment (PPE).
It seemed that testing was a selfish thing to do, if you are not deathly ill.
A few days ago, Lt. Gov. Josh Green mentioned that testing was important so that health officials could track pockets of COVID-19 spread.
And then most recently, with the help of Dr. Scott Miscovich of Premier Medical Group in Kaneohe, we have begun to see more testing done by drive-through, which uses fewer PPE resources. Plus, test kits are more available.
Having had multiple points of possible infection, I wondered if the cough and congestion in my chest was COVID-19. I am normally a very healthy person but today, I went to Waipio to get tested as the congestion deepened in my chest.
This is what it is like:
Unlike Kakaako, where over 2,200 people were screened and 400 were tested, there were no lines. It was neat, efficient and uncrowded, surrounded as we were by the entire soccer complex. Green fields and undisturbed wildlife were everywhere.
Directional signs that were very visible were placed a mile from the testing area to direct drivers to the site. It was helpful for those of us who don’t attend soccer or live in the area.
Every station was manned by kind, informative individuals in masks who kept a respectable distance from the vehicle until the actual testing began. Those doing the testing were well-covered in masks and gear.
The first station is where they ask questions to determine eligibility for a test. We were given a quick form to fill out for the next step. It asked insurance information, age, DOB etc. About six lines, that’s all. When sent to the next station, our information was photocopied by mobile device and verified. A label was adhered to the rear view mirror that helped to identify the patient and became the label for the test tube which later held the swab sample.
Another station took readings of temperature and oxygen levels with a finger monitor, checking the identities along the way.
At the final station, identities were verified and the procedure was explained in detail so that there were no surprises. Today’s test kits have a shorter swab than those last week; it looks like a long, skinny popsicle stick. After the explanation, a fully-robed individual places the swab inside each nostril for approximately ten seconds, before removing it.
I’m not going to lie – it was uncomfortable. But it wasn’t the worst test I ever had. It was about as uncomfortable as a flu shot, though not as quick. But it has no lasting side effects, like the sore arm that accompanies those vaccinations.
It was over in less than 20 minutes, from start to finish. Results will be in a week, give or take.
For all of you dreading this, if you really are on the fence, talk it over with trusted friends – from a distance. Quarantine yourselves. Call your medical professional and if the doctor agrees, get tested.
On another note – what is it with people who don’t respect the six-foot distancing? Come on people. It isn’t just that I suspect you of being a carrier. I could be a carrier. Think about it.
Having been quarantined for ten days already, there will be at least another two weeks of this ahead, as directed at the testing site. Regardless of whether I test positive, however, I have no intention of exposing myself to anyone until it is safe for us all.
I don’t care what Trump says. I already lost my job. There is nowhere to go. I can finally start that novel, read that book, watch that movie.
I wear a mask to protect you; I wear gloves to protect you and me. I wash the cart and the doorknob and the phone and the keys on this computer. Likely, I will never relax these things again.
BUT SIX FEET PEOPLE! Keep your distance. Stay home. Wash well – in-between your fingers and under your nails (this is no time to keep them long! Besides, you can’t get a manicure anywhere), stay upwind of people, don’t touch your face or eyes and be thankful that you’re just at home, where you can access loved ones on your devices and entertain yourselves with books and media or take brisk walks or drives, as long as you stay six feet apart.
On Facebook, many of your favorite celebrities are posting from home; musicians are playing music. Check it out. It’s very entertaining.
Be safe and courteous; remember the other guy. Be grateful for these amazing healthcare professionals who may be saving us from the horrors of Italy, China, New York City, New Orleans – We may be able to keep this manageable. Maybe.
Special thanks to LG Josh Green for fighting the really good fight and winning with Gov. Ige and Mayor Caldwell. You are a rockstar, dude.
August 1990 “A big, red sun was setting over smoggy Bangkok as the plane took off — setting as my heart is sinking – wrenching pain to again leave and say good-bye to good friends, and to once again leave a beautiful girl behind. Parting with Nit for an uncertain future – am I making another mistake? At the same time still smarting with the awful hurt of losing Jessie the year before – shattering those dreams. When will I be able to settle on someone, to finally be content, satisfied? Wishing I had taken her with me when she so wanted to go… now just fond, bittersweet memories. Really wiped out, heart-broken, so tired of it all. On to Hawai’i – back to my own country; back to school. A timely change for this fried expat. Look forward now, and enjoy the memories.” [Personal Journal Entry]
Thailand
The beach was windswept, empty and stretched as far as the eye could see. A ferry was tied to the pier, but the passengers had long since disembarked. No one was in sight. Had she gone off somewhere? If so, how would she find my bungalow – she didn’t know where I was staying.
Suddenly Nit appeared from behind a sand dune, looking somewhat lost and alone. A small travel bag, black satin trousers hanging high and loose around her ankles, the wind blowing in her hair. I felt terrible. I was late getting to the pier, and wasn’t there when she arrived.
Nit on Chawaeng Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand
Our reunion was tender, but somewhat dampened, as I was to leave for school in America the following week. Nit and I had been living together in Bangkok for nearly a year, and we had been preparing for this for some time. There were plans for her to follow me to Hawai’i, but as is so often the case, plans fall through.
We didn’t know it then, but this beach holiday was to be our last one together. One week later I would leave, and that would be the last I would ever see her. It still rips my heart apart to think about it. Distance and too much time apart spelled the end, and she eventually married someone else in Thailand late the following year.
Hawai’i
In August, I began my Master of Public Health (MPH) studies at the University of Hawai’i, School of Public Health and moved in to an apartment with three other students – one was a friend from my Samoa days. He had been a Peace Corps Volunteer when I was there with the YMCA, and invited me to join their Hawai’i household. What a privilege it was to have the time, resources and purpose to read and tie together some of my ‘real world’ experiences in a comfortable academic setting, as articulated and validated in relevant research and stimulating classroom discussions, which helped make sense of it all.
View from Diamond Head Crater State Monument, Honolulu, Hawai’i, USA
It was to be another jam-packed year of incredible highs and some intense lows – the heart-wrenching parting of friends, some wonderful reunions, and riding an incredible wave since arriving in Honolulu – turn right for the University, turn left for the beach.
Indeed, it was a significant year of transition returning to ‘civilization’ after nearly a decade living in the comfort of the outside world. But Honolulu was a beautiful, clean modern city with a friendly relaxed atmosphere, a perfect climate, a stimulating university setting and mostly Asian and Pacific people living in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands. I was stayin’!
So it began – my tumultuous re-entry into the Western world as this ‘primitive man’ so to speak, prepared to ‘leave the trees’ – as illustrated in a Far Side cartoon panel showing a cave man clinging desperately to a tree at the edge of the forest as a truck stood by waiting – presumably to take him to the city.
Again, I was in for some of the highest highs and lowest lows as I entered my graduate program at University of Hawai’i School of Public Health. Not least of which was an insidious ‘reverse culture shock’ that eventually materialized, as I was faced with an American culture I could no longer relate to, nor easily return to.
I had chosen Hawai’i partly because it was the only Public Health graduate degree program in the country that didn’t require the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) for admission, and feared I was not likely to score well after nearly 10 years away from school.
As it turned out, I was awarded an academic scholarship from the State of Hawai’i to finish my MPH degree. And, at the bidding of several of my professors and former international development colleagues, I applied to the East-West Center, a federally funded research center on the university campus for an academic scholarship to pursue my doctorate. After all, four more years in Hawai’i sounded pretty nice, with fully funded research that would probably send me back to one of the Asian countries I had been so sorely missing.
View from the Waipi’o Lookout, Big Island, Hawai’i
Actually, I had applied for an East West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship once before — for my Master’s program, but missed it by one place. Out of roughly 600 applicants each year, typically only two are chosen in Public Health – and I came third. But my professors encouraged me to re-apply for a grant to do my doctorate – which I did, and again received a rejection letter. Incredibly, my application had actually been lost and not even considered by the selection committee – and they would not meet again until the following year.
Amazingly, and at the urging of one of my professors, the committee broke protocol and reconvened to review my application – and soon after, I received my acceptance letter and continued on to complete a doctorate in Public Health – fully funded for four years, with research support in Thailand on the topic of abandoned children and HIV/AIDS.
Cycling on Mount Tantalus overlooking Honolulu
On an unbelievable roll – that first year in Hawai’i was like riding a huge wave. Absolutely loving all the fresh and stimulating activities with barely a spare moment to sit and reflect on it all. Biking to the beach for a swim each morning at 6 AM, to school for breakfast at 8:30, and then back home to collapse at 11 PM.
But all the while, missing my Thai girlfriend Nit more than ever, and still hoping she would be able to come to join me in Hawai’i. But her commitments at home, coupled with time and distance were making that dream harder to hold on to. Nit spoke almost no English and had never traveled overseas, which made such a long trip seem even more daunting.
Meanwhile, a steady stream of demanding academic responsibilities and social commitments at school filled my days and nights, especially after being elected School of Public Health Class Chair.
A full schedule of fun-filled but exhausting social gatherings including plenty of good food and drink, hiking, biking, swimming and barbecues on the beach — I could barely keep up with it all. And all the while, feeling the intense impermanence of life.
Distant friendships, relationships, endless experiences. But how to hang on to it all?
Stay tuned for ‘Back to School: Alaska (Part One)’ coming soon!
You can read more about Jim’s backstory, hereandhere.
As I post this article, Honolulu is in “lockdown” mode. Our health professionals tell us to eat nutritious food, keep a social distance and maintain an exercise regimen. For me that means a daily walk around the neighborhood or a hike with the doggy up the Mau’umae trail, not far from my home.
During this tumultuous time, putting one foot in front of the other is great therapy and in order to do so it helps to have good shoes on your feet.
I’ve become a big fan of Lowa, a German manufacturer of high-end hiking boots and athletic shoes.
Why?
In my opinion they make some of the best “crossover” sneakers–shoes that can be worn in the wilderness, at work or on social occasions. The second reason is pure bias. I have dual German/American citizenship, so the made-in-Germany aspect is a no-brainer. (Of course it doesn’t hurt that the quality of German products is generally first class).
Lowa is no exception.
Founded by a Bavarian cobbler named Lorenz Wagner, the company has been around since 1923. Herr Wagner was onto something because nearly 100 years later, LOWA is a worldwide brand that annually sells over 2 million pairs of boots and shoes in over 40 countries. The firm is still based in Wagner’s home village of Jetzendorf, in Bavaria which is about an hour north of Munich.
A Hybrid
The Innox Pro Lo, resembles an athletic shoe but is actually a cross between a running shoe, a trail running shoe and a hiking boot. What I like is that you get the best of all possible worlds with this product.
The Innox Pro Lo is both stable and flexible.
For starters, the Innox Pro Lo is really light (350 grams or .77 lb). The shoes have a synthetic, mesh fabric upper with a “PU” or polyurethane frame for durability, shock-absorption and stability. LOWA says that they are one of the few outdoor footwear companies that manufacture 90% of their line using polyurethane (PU) midsoles. PU absorbs shock, supports and rebounds well and, is durable. LOWA claims a PU midsole also offers excellent support, lasts 2-5 times longer than a comparable EVA midsole and, is much less toxic to manufacture.
The lightweight mesh outer is sturdy and very breathable. This was a big deal for me in Hawaii and for that matter in Fiji, where I spend quite a bit of time in the bush. Many of the Lowa shoes use Gore-Tex which is waterproof but the Innox doesn’t have this component which is why I chose it.
Lowa has invested in cutting edge technology. The Innox Pro Lo differs from typical Lowa shoes which feature Gore-Tex waterproof lining. When trekking in the tropics it’s preferable to have a shoe that is breathable but not necessarily waterproof.
There are good reasons for not having the Gore-Tex waterproof element.
A waterproof shoe by definition doesn’t let water in. If you’re walking the streets of Fiji’s capital (Suva) in a downpour you’d surely want a waterproof shoe.
However, if you’re ankle deep on muddy trail in the wilds of Abaca on Viti Levu, water will get in. The problem with a waterproof shoe, is once water gets in your shoe, it doesn’t get out. You don’t want to be walking around incessantly with soggy feet.
Thus a ‘non-waterproof’ shoe by allowing water to go in and out, will dry out faster.
For people who plan to encounter serious mud, as you’d expect in the tropics, you’d want a shoe with these qualities, not to mention breathe-ability in a hot climate.
The Innox Pro Lo provides traction in a variety of environments.It’s comfortable eto wear all day.
Sole Survivor
Another reason I like this shoe is that it can handle a variety of terrain. Whether you’re in the Costco parking lot or romping up the 1,048 steps of Koko Head Crater Stairs, this shoe can handle it.
The sole has really deep lugs which serve two purposes. The lugs give you great purchase yet are spaced out enough that they kick out small stones and mud so you don’t end up taking it with you. The sole has wonderful arch support while at the same time is flexible like a running shoe. It also has stability in the mid sole, akin to a hiking shoe. The toe is reinforced to protect you, which is a good thing.
It’s exceptionally comfortable too so you can make it an everyday shoe. The first time you slip into a pair you’ll feel right at home.
You can easily wear these shoes around town, to a BBQ (when that comes back into vogue), or even on a hike.
I wear the Innox non-stop. I take it out on the trail near my home in both wet and dry circumstances and it functions exactly as I would like, meaning I wear it with confidence.
At $175, it’s not cheap but you really do get what you pay for. They are manufactured in Slovakia and the quality of workmanship and materials is evident. A less expensive shoe is not going to have the capabilities much less durability of this Teutonic hybrid. You can get them directly from Lowas online.
It seems like
every year we have a legislature, we have dozens of legislative tax proposals
to wade through. Some would lessen the burden on the beleaguered
consumer, but most would do the reverse.
Most of the tax
bills, as always, would put more money in the hands of lawmakers and
bureaucrats at the expense of most of us who must work for a living and try to
make ends meet.
When do they
know that enough is enough?
Here’s the simple
answer: When somebody — or preferably LOTS of somebodies — tells
them.
Here are some
examples. The House was considering the
state improvement surcharge (House Bill 1990), which we
wrote about here. It’s just another name for “temporary” GET
hike. Before the House Finance
Committee, there were eight pieces of testimony, including ours. Four were in support, two in opposition, and
two offered comments without taking a position.
Not what you could call a groundswell of opposition.
How about the
bill to hike our income tax rate yet again (HB 2385), this time to
add 12% and 13% income tax brackets, and make Hawaii the second in the nation
in top tax rates, only a hair behind California’s millionaire’s tax of 13.3%?
Before the House Finance Committee, there were six pieces of testimony,
including ours. Four were in support,
some requesting amendments; two offered comments without taking a
position. Ho-hum.
And what about the
carbon tax, Senate Bill 3150, would immediately add 17 cents per gallon to our
already pricey gasoline prices and keep going until the increment was more than
50 cents per gallon, as we previously wrote about here? We
counted 94 pieces of testimony before the Senate Ways and Means Committee, of
which there were 71 in support, 12 opposed, and 11 comments. The opposition was enough to get our Senate
Transportation chair and one other senator excited enough to vote “no” at the
Ways and Means hearing, but the bill still passed.
You may think,
“Well, what are you doing about it, Tax Foundation?” We’re the alarm. We can bark.
We can explain what the bills do so you, the public, and the lawmakers
have a better understanding about them.
But we can’t do much more than that. You, the electorate, can decide whether to
keep the same lawmakers or whether to show them to the door.
Put yourself in
the shoes of your senator or representative.
A bill comes across your desk, there is a cadre of people who support
it, but there is visible and substantial opposition. Wouldn’t you pause and think before casting
your vote? You certainly would need to
be accountable and have reasons prepared to give the side that you didn’t vote
for.
And what if the
same bill came across your desk with its supporters, but this time there were
no opposition or token opposition?
Wouldn’t you vote for it too? You
might not even want to or need to understand what the bill is about. After all, there are literally thousands of
bills going through the legislative hopper each year. It’s a Herculean task to thoroughly
understand the benefits and detriments of each one, so it’s only natural to focus
on those bills that people really care about.
Do you care
about the amount of money that gets sucked away from your wallet by our
government? Do you feel that enough is
enough? If you do, you need to show your
lawmakers that you care. Then, at least,
lawmakers will be forced to think about the implications of what they are
voting on and, hopefully, come to principled decisions instead of simply
following the herd of lemmings before them.
Author’s Note: In 1989, the Thoed Thai Highland Health Center Project implemented by Tom Dooley Heritage, an American non-governmental organization (NGO), in collaboration with the Royal Thai Government Ministry of Public Health was handed over to Government to assume full responsibility for its continued operations. The five-year Project was a successful international development partnership which provided capacity-building support (funding and training) for its gradual integration into the Thai Rural Health System.
The experience also set the stage for my eventual entry into graduate school in Hawaii, USA — but not before accepting a one-year position with the Catholic Relief Services, another American NGO, which supported refugee relief work on the Khmer border and community health development in poor, rural communities in Thailand.
Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
Though extremely difficult to leave, my time as Project Director at Thoed Thai Highland Health Center in northern Thailand had come to an end. The Thai Government was poised to assume full responsibility for operations of the Project, which had developed an appropriate health service delivery model for preventive and clinical health care by training and facilitating the entrance of local health workers into the Thai National Health System.
A hill tribe paramedic trained by the Project providing health services at the Highland Health Center
Innovative community-based health and development strategies had been successfully introduced, including gravity-fed village water systems, household gardening, community-based opium detoxification, and vector-borne disease control.
Gravity-fed system bringing water to a remote mountain-top village for the first time.
A multi-ethnic cadre of village health workers trained by the Project had been established and were providing basic primary health care services in their local communities as part of the Thai Rural Health System.
Outpatient services at the Highland Health Center
Meanwhile, the District Immigration Officer was certain that I was CIA. After all, the area had been saturated with American CIA agents conducting opium eradication. And although I was not a medical doctor, somehow I happened to be the Director of an American health project in the area. Furthermore, I spoke and understood Thai language reasonably well and probably just looked a little too ‘military.’
In many ways, it was like running a summer camp. Nights lit by serene lamplight, a fun, youthful staff, lively parties, variety shows. Nine languages were spoken at our health center, representing the various local ethic groups (and three Americans) that comprised our staff. But we used Thai language for general communication and staff meetings.
River crossing at a washed out bridge behind our hospital
Exhilarated and somewhat traumatized by the toughest and most intense work experience yet, I reflected on the many harrowing experiences, such as being pulled across a raging torrent on a swing-like board and cable where a bridge had once stood, before being washed away in the annual flooding due to widespread deforestation in the surrounding hills. Or the night a huge storm ripped through our area tearing the roofs off a dozen houses and knocking down ten others.
All was quiet following the violent storm. But there had been heavy shelling along the border all week long and insurgent fighters belonging to a rival drug warlord had reached the perimeter of our village. Wounded soldiers were arriving at a makeshift clinic across the road run by some of our health staff who were loyal to the local drug war lord, Khun Sa.
Eighteen of us living at the health center boarded the hospital truck to evacuate down the mountain, but we decided the washed out road — at night and with numerous trees down — would be more dangerous than to chance lying low at the hospital.
And of course, each 13 kilometer journey up our treacherously steep and slippery mountain track was an adventure in itself, hanging on for dear life with the rest of the passengers – some of them vomiting – in the back of the violently pitching pickup truck.
Riding with my favorite Chinese drug-running driver – we barreled wildly along the heavily rutted road past flooded rice paddies, climbing higher into the mountains that filled the horizon. Meeting other trucks head-on and lifting them out of the ruts to get past, then flying through villages as dusk settled over the hills — with a full moon on the rise — and arriving home in time for a warm beer and a plate of fried peanuts at our only restaurant.
Bangkok
In stark contrast to my 18 months in the mountains (with no electricity or running water), it didn’t take long to settle into the comfortable ‘expat lifestyle’ based in Bangkok with the Catholic Relief Services, an American NGO which supported health and development projects in Thailand and provided comprehensive primary health care services for over 30,000 Khmer refugees living in camps along the Thai-Cambodia border.
Bangkok Traffic
As Office Manager, and later as the Acting Country Representative, I controlled an annual budget of US$ five million, managed 120 employees in five offices nationwide, partnered with Government, NGOs and other international agencies, and ultimately negotiated major revisions to the CRS Country Program strategy to move from a welfare and emergency relief profile towards longer-term, sustainable social and economic development.
With friends on the bridge over the River Kwai
Joining friends from work, weekends in the nearby province Kanchanaburi provided a refreshing break from Bangkok’s notorious traffic snarls and choking air pollution. We stayed in floating bungalows on the River Kwai, and would cool off in the river before heading into town each night for some good food and drink.
There’s nothing like a cold beer to take the edge off the heat on a warm, tropical evening
At home in Bangkok, lazy weekends were spent lounging by the pool feasting on ripe, sweet mangoes with sticky rice and coconut cream.
A thousand bucks per month salary, plus flash accommodation – with a pool! I really thought I had made it!
Life was pretty easy living the high life in Thailand’s cosmopolitan capital city, with a luxury apartment and pool, an air-con office, a lovely girlfriend and a growing circle of friends all sharing the fat and happy expat lifestyle in our version of ‘The Modern Raj.’
Relaxing at home with my girlfriend Nittaya
A Chiang Rai Reunion
When I returned to northern Thailand the following year for a visit, the rains had begun. So I kicked off my shoes, donned my swim trunks and made my way barefoot, slipping, sliding and sweating the thirteen kilometers to Thoed Thai Highland Health Center.
The mountain air was fresh and still. I felt absolutely high upon returning to Thailand’s northern frontier — unique and still mostly untouched, with the distant sound of cowbells, a few birds singing, and the full chorus of frogs and insects at night — and a cascade of emotions and memories from those exhilarating times living in the hills.
Reunion with some of the Highland Health Center staff
Breathing in the cool, fresh country air, I enjoyed a swim in our local spring-fed reservoir, hiked to a few nearby hill tribe villages and received a warm welcome from all.
But the wind was shifting and the time had come to set a new course. I would have to leave my friends and give up this extraordinary ‘expat lifestyle’ — after nearly a decade overseas — and return to America to begin my graduate studies in Hawaii, USA.
Stay tuned for more stories, coming soon!
You can read more about Jim’s backstory, hereandhere.
Note:An expatriate (or ‘expat’) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country other than that of the person’s upbringing. The term is often used in the context of professionals or skilled workers sent abroad by their companies, rather than for most ‘immigrants’ or ‘migrant workers.’
We all need to stay home but visitors need to stay home too
“I appreciate the Mayor telling locals to stay home to stay healthy but visitors need to stay home too. Right now we need to protect ourselves from the outside world that has brought this virus in and stabilize the health of our residents otherwise we are going to keep getting sick and this will never end. The faster we close things off the faster we slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community and the faster we can all recover,” said Kym Pine. “I appreciate the Governor’s 14-day quarantine policy but it is almost impossible to keep a visitor in a hotel room unless we have someone watching them all the time. It’s best that they just don’t come at all right now. Everyone else that does need to be here should go through the 14-day quarantine too,” said Pine. “I do think our leaders should take several more proactive steps, however, including the following:
Close Hotels and Transient Accommodations to stop new visitors from arriving
Use
the City’s fiscal sustainability funding, just approved by the City
Council, to immediately provide rapid housing, quarantine facilities,
and mobile hygiene centers for our homeless
Utilize these City funds to sanitize public areas and sidewalks, island wide
Conduct health screens of all visitors and residents arriving in the islands”
“Most of the known cases are from those visiting our islands or returning here from trips outside of the state. We cannot prioritize dollars over the health of our residents or things will get worse,” Pine said.
From the office of Councilmember Kym Pine. Pine represents residents of District One (ʻEwa, ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko ʻOlina, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili, Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Kea‘au, Mākua) and is chair of the City Council’s Committee on Business Economic Development and Tourism.
Media contact: Erika Engle Communications Director M: (808) 284-6044
HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I — After discussions with Councilmember Kym Pine, Ko Olina resort will be closing its hotels effective Tuesday. “I’ve been working with Jeff Stone, owner of Ko Olina Resorts and they will be closing all of Ko Olina’s hotels and its establishments next week,” said Councilmember Pine. A letter from the resort’s general manager can be found here: https://is.gd/Pine_KoOlinaClosure.
“I am hoping other hotels around the state will follow their lead. I am deeply disturbed that people in the tourism industry have refused to shut down operations. I ask them to put people’s lives before money.”
“Restrictions at public parks have driven local residents to Ko Olina beaches and we understand there have been long lines for the restrooms, mixing local people with visitors in very close proximity. This is a public health hazard that nobody should be risking at this time,” said Pine.
Councilmember Pine has pledged to advocate on behalf of employees at Ko Olina. “I’m working hard to make sure affected employees are taken care of,” she said.
“It is greatly upsetting to see that some online travel sites are publishing ridiculous travel packages to Hawai‘i of $50, $100 and $200 to lure people to come to the islands during this global pandemic. I hope everyone in Hawai‘i will boycott these travel sites that are potentially bringing virus-carrying visitors to our home,” said Pine.
Councilmember Kym Pine represents residents of District One (ʻEwa, ʻEwa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko ʻOlina, Nānākuli, Mā‘ili, Wai‘anae, Mākaha, Kea‘au, Mākua) and is chair of the City Council’s Committee on Business Economic Development and Tourism.
Media contact: Erika Engle Communications Director M: (808) 284-6044