A Year in Waipahu

We gathered at my church last night for our first planning meeting to host the 2026 ‘Aha Pae‘āina in June.  We sang in Hawaiian.  During the meeting, a participant said, "We are Martha."  It was a perfect comment. My church has been asked to host the annual gathering of the Hawai`i Conference United Church of Christ.  This gathering, officially titled, ‘Aha Pae‘āina, brings together delegates from all the islands as well as special guests.  ‘Aha Pae‘āina in Hawaiian means gathering from across the islands. For me, it is exciting to see the community of Waipahu and the leeward side of O`ahu get special attention. Our church in Waipahu is not in charge of the program, the invitees, or any of the official business.  We are in charge of feeding the people, putting up the tents, cleaning the bathrooms, and directing traffic.   Our role is entirely unofficial. That's why "Martha" was a perfect comment.   The stories of Jesus visit...

  Wrote an article for our conference magazine, featuring my interview of Eddie Uemori and Kristin Suyeyoshi.  Check it out in the December 2025 edition of The Friend. https://www.hcucc.org/the-friend The Friend | hcucc

  Benjamin Franklin (Frank) Dillingham’s OR&L company, created in 1889, changed the landscape of west Honolulu. Its first train depot was created between a fishpond and North King Street, next to Prison Road, later renamed Iwilei Road. Next week, I will officially wrap up this blog.   Before I do that, I want to give you -- my readers -- a chance to make "last requests."   If there is a topic I haven't covered, but you want it in this blog, please let me know before this weekend.  I will be starting a new blog for my second year, but it will be different.  As always, you will have the option to opt-out.  Stay tuned.

Some of my favorite signs in 2025 from my around my new home.  I didn't include ones featured in other posts.