Comments on: After the Maui firestorm, student and alum insights and ‘pricing Hawaiians out of paradise’ /news/2023/09/21/after-the-maui-firestorm-student-and-alum-insights-and-pricing-hawaiians-out-of-paradise/ Fri, 08 May 2026 18:06:57 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.3 By: Jon Olsen ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, 1964 /news/2023/09/21/after-the-maui-firestorm-student-and-alum-insights-and-pricing-hawaiians-out-of-paradise/#comment-264318 Wed, 11 Oct 2023 03:38:05 +0000 /news/?p=157277#comment-264318 This so resonates with me, as a Mainer who lived on Oahu for 36 years and was so incredibly enriched by my experiences. So much to say, but not here and now. I returned to family property here in Maine in 2001. Aloha aina, lokahi, and imua.

Jon Olsen, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ ’64

]]> By: Joann Jones /news/2023/09/21/after-the-maui-firestorm-student-and-alum-insights-and-pricing-hawaiians-out-of-paradise/#comment-264281 Sun, 24 Sep 2023 09:56:46 +0000 /news/?p=157277#comment-264281 Hello ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½! I am emotional about Hawaii. After 9/11, I needed a spiritual experience. A ‘trip-a-day’ giveaway promotion on the radio motivated me to purchase a ticket for the 5-hour plane flight from LA. I found what I needed in Hawaii. I was able to extend my stay. From March 18th to June 5, 2002, I explored the wonder. Seven months later, I moved to Honolulu, and with the help of excellent social workers, I was situated in a nice apartment on Kapiolani Blvd. A rehab specialist offered me a choice of work or school. In December of 2006, I graduated with a master’s in educational foundations and left in June of 2007. Friends I met back then have either moved away–some became homeless. The fire on Maui pulls at my heartstrings. The Lord told me to call about a ticket. Delta had two seats left on Flight 2967 for 11/7/23. My income after expenses is just under $800–so I haven’t been able to visit since 2015, but have kept in touch with two friends, brothers, lifelong residents, who are among friends who became homeless. As a Christian, former teacher, and work in outreach ministry, I am returning to dedicate my services in whatever ways are helpful. I will place an add in the Honolulu paper next month with a hope of exchanging housekeeping services for a room–which (13 years in Myrtle Beach) frees my income up to help the poor and pay tithes. I love the sacrificial life the Lord has placed me in since my older son, Chris Jones, at 47, died on 12/28/21. I am active on FB, and welcome your input–any advice on how to best channel my efforts for this missionary endeavor. I also read the article on Benjamin Mays and how ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ offered a rare opportunity–which enabled him to develop his talents where most expedient. He blazed a trail of influence that helped Dr. Martin Luther King and others spearhead the civil rights movement. I am eternally grateful–for I have experienced how a nurturing atmosphere can lead one to better improve ‘choices’ and apprise one of better judgment. Thank you for this opportunity to comment. Yours, in Christ, Joann Jones.

]]> By: Jon Olsen ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, 1964 /news/2023/09/21/after-the-maui-firestorm-student-and-alum-insights-and-pricing-hawaiians-out-of-paradise/#comment-264280 Sat, 23 Sep 2023 00:50:46 +0000 /news/?p=157277#comment-264280 Thank you for this report and its aloha. I lived on Oahu for 36 years, returning in 2001, one month before 9/11, to our Maine family farm we 4 brothers inherited. I have never regretted that move and the culture that I learned to appreciate so well. My son now lives in Waipahu, on Oahu. My favorite Hawaiian word is “pono.” Those 4 letters = honorable, righteous, correct, appropriate, honest.

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