Page 3 - MidWeek Windward - July 28, 2021

When the Rev. Bob Na- kata spoke, you could barely hear him, yet his words con- tinue to inspire people today to help others, especially in Windward O‘ahu.
What broke my heart this month was seeing this saintly man after his stroke unable to continue the great fight. He was aware of his visitors; and he tried to express himself. My son and I tried to reach him with hugs, music, jokes.
Gently and humbly, he would nudge his congrega- tion into action. He was a pastor, husband, father and a leader on many levels, including at the state Leg- islature. Bob was not com- fortable in front of a crowd, and he often chuckled softly at himself. Someone had to do the right thing, so Nakata always responded; wrote tes- timony; and attended critical meetings, hearings, rallies,
The Rev. Bob Nakata
protests and campaigns.
I first met Nakata in 1972 at a meeting arranged to solve flooding problems in Kahalu‘u. (The area’s flood control lagoon is evidence of that early effort.) He also stood up to developers eyeing Waiāhole-Waikāne, worked to keep KEY Project viable,
I am so sad that he’s gone. There is still so much to do. We will keep trying, Bob, but please put in a good word for us up there. The quiet man sometimes has the loudest voice.
Memorial services are planned for later this year, ac- cording to his wife Jo-anna.
JULY 28, 2021 3
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