A Year in Waipahu

Augie Tulba (r)   My eyes were opened.   Homelessness was always something I cared about.  At times, I dealt with individuals directly.  At times, I supported my local shelter.  At times.   But in my life, homelessness always felt like "a problem" that was "over there." That was despite the fact that I have faced housing insecurity in my past.   When I arrived in Waipahu, my eyes were opened.  Homelessness is an ever-present reality here.  It is not something "over there."   Augie Tulba   One person making a difference is our local councilmember, Augie Tulba.   Augie is from this community, and has become famous in Hawai'i and beyond as a comedian and radio show host.  Even before he got into politics, he has been a mainstay of local culture.   A note about City Council: The entire island of O'ahu is managed by the City and County of Honolulu.  So, councilmembers have a very high degree of responsibility, for the...

  Half of Waipahu was there.  Or so it seemed.  I was a guest of guests, with a fortuitous invitation.  These were new neighbors my friends wanted us to meet.   It was a small event at first.  When we arrived, there were only a few people dispersed around lots of extra seats and tables.  The event was held outside, on their sizable lot.  It had been raining; I thought maybe that had kept people away.   Various individuals drifted around the event space, completely relaxed.  That was my first clue.  We had arrived "on time" but it was nowhere near the actual  start time.  Come to think of it, there was no actual  start time. I thought to myself: Most good parties I had attended back on the continent were like this.  Whether at a church, a venue, or someone's home, the more relaxed the timeline, the more likely the party would be fantastic.  Definitely the case here.     Welcome was taken f...

  If one can be "nostalgic" for Emergency Departments, that was certainly my reaction while watching the new hit series, The Pitt .  The feeling came as a welcome surprise, albeit unexpected.   While I have committed myself to the community of Waipahu for at least a year, I had just left working in a hospital setting in Michigan.  Much of my career has been in the health care field, and much of that was spent in Emergency Rooms.  So the show felt very relevant.   Noah Wylie   Since my role in health care was focused on holistic healing and staff working relationships, I paid close attention to those on the show.  Noah Wylie, the lead actor, was always a favorite from the (now ancient) television series, "ER."  In The Pitt, he does not disappoint.  His seasoned age brings out his excellent abilities to portray empathy, humility, teamwork, and positivity.  He reminded me of some of the attending physicians I was privileged to work wit...

  Bryan Muñoz, operations manager of KNDI radio AM 1270 Honolulu.  Over the past couple months, I've gotten to know Bryan, and learned a lot about the history of the station, and his own personal connection.  Bryan sat down with me recently, as he wants every opportunity to promote the station. DAN: Why is KNDI special? BRYAN: It is one of the most unique radio stations.  The people of Hawai`i came here from so many different ethnic groups.  This station was created to support all of them.  I like the mission and vision of how it was originally founded.  I appreciate that the original owner was a Christian.   KNDI's BACKSTORY:   Founded in 1960, KNDI ("Candy") was the first radio station with an all-female staff.  It first broadcast under a tent outside in Waikiki [now in its own building].  KNDI was bought in 1988 by employee Leona Jona.  Leona had come to Hawai`i as a refugee of the Hungarian Revolution, and spoke n...