Metro

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credit: Go Hawaii

Recently, my daughter asked me, "Do you live in Honolulu?"  I tried my best to explain.

Waipahu is now part of the greater metro area of Honolulu, Honolulu's mayor is Waipahu's mayor.  The Waipahu area has its own neighborhood council.

The population of O`ahu exploded over the past few decades, with accompanying development.  Or, one could say, development exploded with accompanying population.  Waipahu was absorbed into the metro area.

While it was in the process of being absorbed, Waipahu took on a whole different culture.  Instead of being in the country, Waipahu is now truly at the center of the island.  Racial and cultural shifts were major.

As I've posted about, vestiges of old Waipahu exist.  The bus that runs from downtown Honolulu to Waipahu and Ewa Beach is still called, "The Country Express."  Some of the old buildings of Waipahu remain.  My church, for example, is considered old.  Our sanctuary was built in 1979, but the church  itself has its roots back in the Oahu Sugar Company plantation village.  

Recently, my friend Kahu Mau told me that our church is becoming a piko, a central location.  I think this speaks to the whole of Waipahu.  I certainly see it.

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