Standing In Line To Pay It Forward
Aloha Ms. Young,
Three years ago my daughter Leilani and I got two water turtles from the Humane Society. Since then Sushi and Tofu have been growing a lot and we have been buying new bigger and bigger containers for them.
We went to Home Depot to buy a new lily pond container but it wouldn’t fit into my Nissan Versa. Not wanting to pay any delivery fees, we took it back to the “returns” counter. A man behind us in line then offered to bring it to us later in the evening because, even though he lives on the other side of the island, he and his wife Jessica were having dinner with friends not far from where I live. Sure enough, he took the huge container in his van and rearranged everything inside so it would fit.
Three hours later his wife called to say they were outside my place!
This is what Hawaii is all about, giving and sharing. The aloha spirit is alive and well. And what a wonderful example for my daughter, who was thrilled to have a new home for Sushi and Tofu.
Mahalo to Jessica and David and their daughter for stopping by and helping out.
Malia Schlesser
Moiliili
Dear Malia,
Earthjustice environmental attorney David Henkin and state Rep. Jessica Wooley (D-LaieKahuluu) say it all worked out for everyone.
“It seemed like a day to be returning odd-shaped things,” says David. “I was in line returning a screen door. The line was long so I asked Malia what the container was for. She really didn’t want to return it but it wouldn’t fit in her car.
“I’ve done a lot of traveling and people have done nice things for me, so it’s nice to return the favor. My daughter Kaya is an animal lover, so I knew she would approve.”
Aloha Pamela,
A few weeks ago I received a frantic call at 2:30 a.m. from my sister-in-law telling me that my brother in Hilo had suffered a heart attack and was being medevaced to Kaiser Moanalua.
I left as soon as I could but because I wasn’t focused, I passed the Moanalua exit and ended up at the military base.
Lo and behold! Along my route I saw a police officer in a blue-and-white on the side of the freeway. I pulled up behind his car, explained my situation and without hesitating he kindly offered to escort me to the hospital. He jumped into his patrol car, put on his blue lights and I followed him to Kaiser Moanalua. Upon arriving I kept thanking him, and before I could step out of my car to get his name, he smiled, waved and drove off.
To this kind officer, thank you! You were truly a godsend to me. You must’ve been there for a reason to guide me to my brother in my time of need. A thousand mahalos and much APPLAUSE!
Pua Burns
Piikoi
Dear Pua,
“Please let Ms. Burns know that the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) appreciates her kind words about our officer’s good deed during that stressful time,” says Caroline Sluyter of HPD’s Media Liaison Office. “We hope that her brother is OK.”
If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S. King St., Honolulu, HI, 96813, or email pyoung@kitv.com. Include your name, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.
