The September 11th attack
Hawai'i's residents reach out
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Staff Writer
Residents continue to respond to the Sept. 11 attacks in amazing and caring ways. Here's a sampling.
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A lot of people we know want to show their true American colors without appearing too militaristic about it.
Illustration by Holly Kitaera
This flag's for them. Painted by Windward artist Holly Kitaura, it's available in a red-white-and-blue frame for $15 at the Hollyvision boutique on the mall level of Ala Moana. One hundred percent of the sales price will be donated to relief efforts.
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Employees of the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel quietly stopped by the federal building last week to drop off a tray of brownies for workers at the Environmental Protection Agency. They left them with a small note: "God Bless You and Our Country."
"It was really touching," one EPA worker said.
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Teachers and students at O'ahu's Japan International Karate Centers are doing what they can to make the world safer. Beginning Oct. 15, the centers are offering free self-defense classes to anyone interested, at any of their locations. They'll even come to your business or home, if that makes you feel better.
"If we can help just one person through this difficult time, and restore self-confidence and determination, our time will have been well spent," said sensei Ronnie Woodard.
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The "Yard Sale of Aloha," the rummage-o-rama held in Kane'ohe last weekend, brought $3,700 into Red Cross coffers. Daina Hart, the organizer of the joint sale by 15 households in Ha'iku Village, said contributions of hotdogs and raffle gifts added to the carnival atmosphere.
"Total expenses for this was $12 and change," said Hart, who has challenged other neighborhoods to do the same. "Everything else was donated."
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A lot of home-spun poetry has cropped up to provide us solace. Most of it is pretty bad. If you're looking for real comfort, we suggest this Walt Whitman verse penned upon the death of Abraham Lincoln:
This dust was once the man,
Gentle, plain, just and resolute — under whose cautious hand,
Against the foulest crime in history known in any land or age,
Was saved the Union of These States.
Send your offerings of Sept. 11 responses to Advertiser columnist Mike Leidemann. Reach him at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.
