Page 2 - MidWeek - June 8, 2022

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thing alongside tourism as a dependable, eco- nomic driver here. As horrific as bubbles, isolation, quar- antining, social distancing and staying put have been, the more people you talk to here, the more you realize how nice many feel this place is without huge crowds, constant traffic, parking dilemmas, short-term renters, et al. Geez, what a concept.
Our two-hour conversation barely scratched the surface. Many more followed. En- lightening.
He became national chair of the March of Dimes and broadened its focus. For the American and international Red Cross, John Henry has undertaken varied projects all over the world: refugees; nat- ural disasters; started remote Red Cross “Societies”; even prisoner of war exchanges. Orphans are a particular con- cern. He establishes facilities, personally directs care, feeds and tries to comfort them.
Purpose is the key to John Henry. It motivates and sus- tains, provides direction, rel- evance and value. Purpose came to him early from his mother and mentor. The only one he needed.
But reality indicates that despite omicron’s ominous overtures, the vital visitors are back, and so are the dis- comforts many feel with that additional human crunch. Yes, tourism is the engine of our economy, with huge rip- ple effects felt throughout so many other industries. We got it. But now that we’ve had a glimpse of what Hawai‘i looks and feels like when the visitors don’t arrive in droves, wouldn’t today be a really good time to focus on Plan B and even C?
Genius? Probably. Driv- en? Absolutely. Committed? Totally. At 91, John Henry works even longer and harder, and still volunteers. He says his mother, Melinda Pacheco Felix, gave him purpose and shaped his life before first grade. She: (1) taught him to read (the Bible) and the need to help others; (2) took him
John Henry Felix with his mother and mentor, who taught him to serve others. Still a visionary at age 91, he continues to find ways to serve those in need. PHOTO COURTESY JOHN HENRY FELIX
We cannot all be John Henry Felix. But we all can be more like him. I had my answers.
Since we didn’t solve the local alternate economic source dilemma during the 1995 or 2009 recessions, and since inflation, supply shortages and workers’ malaise are also a reality today, now would be a great time to pool local and outside brainpower as we seek new options, rather than just speculate, pontificate and ponder?
fundraising; and (3) told him about Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965).
Schweitzer, one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century, was a theolo- gian, philosopher, organist and physician who spent his life treating the sick in Africa. He started a hospital and raised money by giving organ concerts. He actually
David Fairbanks is a re- tired attorney. He lives in Niu Valley with his wife, Sharon, and rescue cat, Tiro.
Chasing The Light is pro- duced by Robin Stephens Rohr and Lynne Johnson.
Can Hawai‘i become a bigger haven for remote workers due to its natural charm, friendliness and all of the other reasons one might want to live here but work elsewhere? Can public-private partnerships or tax incentives allow Ha- wai‘i to become a hub for alternative energy corporations, cybersecurity firms, think tanks, or other sectors that might keep a workforce well-paid and engaged?
She also pushed him to pursue education and to ex-
My Mother, My Mentor
OP l a n B
ne thing that’s surfaced from the pandemic is the
“... The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will Rhave sought and found how to serve.” — Dr. Albert Schweitzer
etirement brought lived his philosophy: “The questions: (1) what purpose of life is to serve and to do with my life? to show compassion and the
sense that we really need a “Plan B” — some-
With what results? A friend arranged a meeting with John Henry Felix. I had met him once, briefly, but we had no discussion about purpose or the rest of my life.
with numerous awards, which he appreciates. But they do not motivate him. Relief from suf- fering is its own reward. There is a palpable urgency: so much need, so little time. Inspiring.
and (2) how to find purpose, will to help others.”
relevance and value? Others had faced them.
Joining the March of Dimes and Red Cross in third grade, John Henry became a nation- al leader in both. He became that leader after returning from the Korean War where, as an infantry rifleman, he witnessed the ravages of war and its catastrophic impact on the civilians trapped by it.
New Century Schoolbook bold (scaled H 73.6)
The March of Dimes, and American and International Red Cross organizations have recognized his contributions
cel. He did: two master’s and a Ph.D. from Oxford.
KELLEY
By David Fairbanks
Plan B could be an all-encompassing effort to keep 25- to 55-year-olds here, rather than continue to see the emigration we’ve witnessed over the past five years. For if we don’t get serious about Plan B, the “B” will stand for Plan Bail, Plan Bumbai or Plan Bye-Bye, as floundering residents will continue seeking greener pastures elsewhere.
And before you say, “Good — if no can, no can” relative to people staying, take a look at our aging pop- ulation. Who’s going to provide the resources, labor capital and tax base for everyone’s golden years if we don’t act now? A series of all-inclusive, action-oriented strategy conferences might provide tangible, actionable and even legislatable answers needed today, and not in 2035 or 2050. Maybe, just maybe, Plan B could evolve into “Plan Brilliant.”
john@thinkaboutithawaii.com