Community Unity

Opinion by Bob Aldrich

Aloha Pumehana. The great Latin American writer, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, once wrote: “I have learned that a man has the right to look down on somebody, only when he is helping him to get up…If I knew that today would be the last time I will see you, I will embrace you strongly to be the guardian of your soul… Nobody would remember you if you keep your thoughts secret. Force yourself to express them…If you don’t do it, tomorrow will be the same as today.”

I am inspired by Mr. Marquez to share ideas, some from my Hawaiian friends:

“The seed has been sown by the kupuna. Let’s support their vision for Malama Molokai.”
“Let’s support the Ka Po`e Kah`iko (people of old) with a ripening prayer that Molokai is known for (Pule o`o).”
“Let’s Ho`o Lei `la Pae `Aina Puwalu (throw the net to bring everyone together on Molokai).”

To the returning Iraqi veteran, Molokai may be la`au lapa`lau (healing herbs like aloe vera), to others the Balm of Gilead (that heals the soul). I have grown to see Molokai as passion, spirit and ohana. All the Molokai people seem to be brothers and sisters who have affection for each other. I pray that the God of the Molokai ohana, stewards of Akua’s creation, will protect us from the gouging of the land by monstrous wind turbines.

Molokai is special and I am troubled by the big wind proposal – the 400-foot monoliths. Figuratively speaking, we would be happier on Molokai with a 14-foot skiff than with an 882-foot Titanic. Surely there are some “small boats” out there that do not threaten our precious reefs and ocean and that can meet our sustainable energy needs. Corporate energy advisor Mike Bond asks, “Is big wind…a monumental insult to Hawaii’s heritage?”

There is a voice on this island that is stronger than all of us. Can we gather to pray and listen to that voice? Imagine thousands of Molokai people praying and singing in their own beliefs at Ali`i Park – for God’s help in defeating big wind. Let’s gather together and pray to proclaim the power of God and Molokai’s Pule o`o.

Can the churches and the people meet at the park and have the first, heavenly, community unity gathering in opposition to the current proposals regarding big wind (Hui Molokai Ho`olaule`a)? Although the strings of a lute are apart, we quiver with the same music. Bring on the music! Bring on the prayer! Bring on the unity!

Me ka `oia`i`o (With sincerity). Please share your thoughts via ialohamolokai.com