This feels like the last straw.

I’m not sure this will ever be published. Or, maybe published, but not “shared”. This is mostly because I’m concerned this post will read as… pitiful. And despite anything else, I am not looking for pity. I never have and don’t particularly like the idea of people feeling sorry for me.

Whether I was looking for it or not, it appears I may have come to a crossroads in my life. Certainly not the first and possibly not the last. I’m not sure how to proceed and I’m not sure how to reconcile my feelings of grief and anger with anything that comes next.

Last week I lost my dream job. One that checked every career box I’d listed for myself. It’s been given to someone else. But, before I get into the details of that gargantuan disappointment, I need to go back. Way back.

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Hypocrisy and the Loud Stomping of Feet

As the legislature approaches the unofficial halfway point of “1st Crossover,” they’re some good stuff moving. Sadly though, there’s even more good stuff that has died unceremoniously in committees.

This is the way of the legislature and there’s absolutely reason for frustration. Even anger. Despite my fairly unvarnished and realistic view of the legislature, the timidity of the Democratic supermajority, and even the timidity of allies, I don’t go stomping around pointing fingers and decrying the process, whether I like it or not.

Friends and allies may disagree with my somewhat pragmatic view of Hawaii’s Legislature and its processes, but it works for me. It allows me to more quickly move on from defeats (which are numerous and often).

I get the anger among progressives when good bills die without a vote, but I also recognize that not only is that part of the process. What’s more, nearly every progressive ally and organization I know has, at one time or another, asked for a bad bill to be “held” or deferred.

But what really rankles me is when progressives cry fowl when that happens to “good” bills they like and applaud when “bad” bills suffer an identical fate.

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Reflecting on 20 Years in Hawaii

Two decades ago this past October, I packed a suitcase, took the longest flight of my life, and moved to one of the most remote places on the planet.

I did it because I desperately needed a change. I had no idea at the time what that would come to mean for me.

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I’ve been asked for my thoughts by a few people on the four proposed Charter Amendments that appear on ballots for Oahu voters this year. With ballots arriving right now in mailboxes, hopefully, you’ll find this helpful before you cast yours.

I did a similar post in 2020….

In addition to my thoughts below, Hawaii Public Radio has an “explainer” and the Star-Advertiser has a piece about them, as well.

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