By Lee Cataluna
Advertiser Staff Writer
Jesse Rivera seems an unlikely visionary. The fireman best known for his CD "Words Just Don’t Come Easy" looks like he should have a guitar in his hands when he speaks. Or a hose. But his empty hands are outstretched as he stands in his cowboy jeans, snakeskin boots and matching belt, a lavaliere microphone clipped to his aloha shirt, struggling to explain the breadth of this idea that came over him one day while he was driving to work. This is big, he says. Bigger than he is.
What if, on one special day every year, every radio and TV station in Hawai’i simultaenously played a particular song — an uplifting song, one that offered hope and a message of caring for one another?
The idea came to him as he listened to "Chain of Love" by Clay Walker on his car radio, though Rivera’s quick to point out he’s not sure that should be the song. He’s also adamant that it not be one of his own songs, saying he doesn’t want anyone to get the impression that this is self-promotion.
Fired up, he went to see Gov. Cayetano to talk about proclaiming a day for "Synergistic Hawai’i." The initial reaction was positive, and now Rivera has set out to garner support in the community.
"A blind man who has a vision is better off than a sighted man who is blind," he tells his core group of supporters who gathered together last week to hear the pitch. Everyone nods like they get it.
"I know what music does for people. It’s the universal language."
Rivera’s idea is, for one day, to focus all of Hawai’i on a carefully chosen song about caring, sharing and being good to one another. He’s sure it’ll make a difference in how we treat one another, even if for just that one day.
"I have no other way of seeing this. It’s gonna work."
The song that served as the springboard for the idea, the decidedly country "Chain of Love," tells the story of a favor passed on, a kindness multiplied. The chorus says, "You don’t owe me a thing. I’ve been there too. Someone once helped me out just the way I helped you. If you really want to pay me back, here’s what you do: Don’t let the chain of love end with you."
Rivera plays a recording of the song for his audience, and listening to the words still brings tears to his eyes.
"Unless you’re totally evil, who’s gonna knock a song like this?"
The project is still on the proverbial drawing board, and Rivera is looking for volunteer help to make the dream a reality. He needs people to make phone calls, write letters, establish contacts. All that stuff.
He’s also hoping local radio and TV stations get excited about the idea. And while he’d love help from church groups, he’s careful to point out that this idea isn’t aligned with any particular religion. "It’s an everybody thing," he says.
If you’d like more information on how to get involved, call Kymberly Pine at 586-9494.
Lee Cataluna’s column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Her e-mail address is LCataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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