I had a small challenge when leaving my home for the airport. My BART ticket was rejected when I attempted to enter the train station - it seems that it had become demagnetized. The agent was kind enough to give me two passes which closely matched what the amount of the ticket. I arrived at the airport in time to have a cup of coffee before boarding. It was an easy flight although we were fighting a headwind all the way and arrived in Honolulu about an hour late.
Ben Makaea had checked the arrival time so he arrived to pick me up just as the plane touched down. We shuttled over to Ono's Hawaiian Food where we met up with Wayne Ishihara and I had my yearly fix of Lau Lau and Poi. Ben then delivered me to the Pagoda Hotel and I checked in. We then joined a small group of Hawaiian Senators/Oldtimers in the hospitality room where Mike Fujioka and Big Al Lewis greeted everyone. Soon Katherine arrived and had Fats and Unda in tow after picking them up at the airport.
It was soon time to go to the Karaoke room which is becoming an annual event for the early arrivals. The Hawaii Senators have some pretty impressive voices and many a song was belted out during the evening. I gave everyone a break and DID NOT sing. There was plenty of food and drink but after being up for over 20 hours I beamed out early for some much needed sleep.
Friday, February 5, 2010
First item of business was to iron my shirts before cleaning up and taking a walk along the beach. I stopped in at Ala Moana Center for some gift shopping then returned to spend some time with my Hawaiian friends in the hospitality room until time to dress for the Oldtimers Recognition Banquet.
The room was filled with a good showing of Hawaii Jaycees as well as the Oldtimers/Senators to honor Ray Graulty. Ray is a past Jaycee and Judge on Oahu. He gave a great presentation on his Jaycee career and it's effect on his participation in politics. I had the honor and privilege to participate in a very special Senatorship presentation. Henry Chang is one of the "forgotten" Jaycees. He was actually nominated in the late 1970's but the chapter never funded the application and after a few years and changing leadership in the chapter the nomination was forgotten. Ed Hasagawa led the effort to rectify that error. A very special honor for a deserving Jaycee.
Mainland Senators attending in addition to myself were, Region X VP Caroline Smith, California Senators Dave and Katina Repp and transplanted California Senator Mark Gardner.
After dinner we returned to the Pagoda Hospitality room for more outstanding Hawaiian hospitality.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I again took a walk in fantastic weather along the beach and around that area before returning to the hospitality room for some talk story until time to leave for the Chinese New Year Celebration and parade. We parked close to Chinatown and walked to the celebration area where the streets were closed and vendors lined each side. We bought a plate lunch from the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees. We wandered around scoping out the wares of the street vendors as well as the permanent businesses in the area. We selected a great spot next to the stage to watch the new years parade.
We returned to the hospitality room where more folks were gathering to go to the Mongoose Corps dinner.
The usual Chinese buffet was closed this time so we went to a Korean style BBQ restaurant were you select your meats and vegetables (uncooked) from a large buffet. Each table has a propane grill built into the center of the table and you cook your foods to your liking. There were 6 people to a table and we shared the cooking. Mongoose commander Mark Nakashima went through his agenda and was re-elected for another year. I might mention that he is also a Hawaii District congressman in the House of Representatives of Hawaii.
After dinner we again returned to the hospitality room for more talk story as we continued to renew friendships and meet a few new friends. I said my goodbyes to all my friends and off to bed.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
I packed and checked out of my room and went over to the hospitality room to wait for my pilot, Ben, to arrive. We went to breakfast at the Like Like Restaurant and then to the Airport where I had an easy flight home. As always it is difficult to leave paradise but be assured I will be back next year.
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