It's an amazing time in which we live.
We have technology that is so precise as it pertains to storms, with tracking that guides watches and warnings to the hour.
We have multiple communication platforms to apprise residents of looming disasters, startling in their accuracy and frequency.
Government leaders tasked with unenviable responsibilities for so many tirelessly perform their duties — while under an unrelenting microscope — leading the dedicated teams under their command to execute the plans designed to help every single man, woman and child under their purview.
I submit that it is a herculean task deserving of acknowledgement and appreciation.
Although we are familiar with the names and the faces of those in front of cameras and microphones, we have to also acknowledge and appreciate the countless others that respond, volunteer, support and so thoughtfully care for others in these times of inarguable challenges. Despite the comparative lack of attention on them, I maintain that we are surrounded by heroes in so many ways.
As I perused news sites, social media, and google searches, I was gratified by even a two-sentence or 30-second reference to those who personify the ideal of gracious selflessness.
Nā‘ālehu, Ka‘ū and so much of the Big Island were devastatingly impacted by Lala and even by Moke. I had written in my previous piece that I had not personally been affected by the torrential storms over the years, from Iniki to the Kona Lows to Lala. I cannot adequately empathize with those who have lost everything and who face a rebuilding and recovery with not only obvious financial costs but also injurious emotional impacts that in some may never recover. Buildings can be rebuilt, but a human sense of loss has its own tragic consequence.
I do not want to give a disservice to the incredible damage and negative impacts these storms have wrought.
We may not have been in Nā‘ālehu or parts of Maui or even affected areas on O‘ahu, but we're reasonably educated and engaged adults.
The images of houses, no, homes literally being destroyed while families remained inside while seeking shelter. Multiple generations under one roof losing everything, facing real threats of losing their lives. Cascading water transforming stream beds which transformed from lovely neighborhood benefits into culprits responsible for inflicting such nondiscriminatory damage.
The drone footage was Armageddon-like documenting the widespread damage. I don't think there is even one of us who didn't feel for those who were subjected to a brutal Mother Nature.
Wreckage is one side of the story, but there is another side ...
Search for the name of Jennifer Carter of Hawai‘i Island Child Family Services.
Include Marcia Masters, a community volunteer organizing many via help with Hongwangi Mission members.
Look for the neighbors of Wai‘anae resident Jamie Lee Troyer whose family experienced severe damage to their home. Winds toppled a large tree into her house, but it was her neighbors who heeded the call with personal chainsaws that mitigated the impact.
There is a myriad of neighbor-helping-neighbor stories connected with recent storms.
These are but a few, but each one is so incredibly inspirational.
Along these lines, I would also urge us to recognize those that may go unnoticed — or even face criticisms — because they are on the front line working with those whose lives have changed.
For just a moment, let's walk in the shoes of those dedicated to restoring what was destroyed, and providing help to those in need.
The men and women in green or orange vests operating massive machinery to clear blocked roads and clean out tons of debris. Some are working with simply their hands in performing back breaking work.
Linemen working through the night in foul weather to restore power.
Helicopter pilots navigating terrain and conditions which prove dangerous while dropping and distributing supplies.
First responders who enter into wrecked buildings hoping to rescue those who may be trapped while risking their own safety.
Truck drivers hauling supplies over treacherously compromised roads to reach people in need of food, water, medicine, clothing and more.
Medical professionals offering aid with no thoughts of compensation and perhaps placing their own practices on hold during their outreach.
Producers of ice, one of the most sought after supplies which is one of the first to be lost. We don't appreciate the value of ice blocks and cubes until they're gone, the power goes out and the fridge starts to warm.
There are so many, many others in different roles that represent the ideal of what humans, neighbors, and friends are capable of.
Please know that those of you who prioritize others over yourselves are respected and celebrated for demonstrating the aloha spirit is not just a catchphrase but a truism that exists in us all and proven by you.
Thank you and aloha.
It's natural to be angry in these times, especially if you've been victimized by the aforementioned Mother Nature.
Frustration.
Confusion.
Hopelessness.
All are understandable
Rick Hamada can be reached at rickhamada@aol.com.
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