Hundreds remember 'Pinky' Thompson's vision

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The hills of Kapalama Heights were filled last night with music, laughter, tears and praise for Myron "Pinky" Thompson, a life-long advocate for the betterment of Native Hawaiians.

Nainoa Thompson, the son of Myron "Pinky" Thompson, looks at his late father's portrait, a picture of a Hawaiian who was active in the statewide community. A cross-section of society in Hawai'i celebrated Thompson's life yesterday at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Memorial Chapel of the Kamehameha Schools. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Members of the Hale O Na Ali'i O Hawai'i watched over Thompson's lei-draped urn. More lei were draped over a picture of him, which stood next to his string bass.

Among the dignitaries paying their respects were U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, former Hawai'i Supreme Court Chief Justice William Richardson, Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, Kamehameha Schools president and headmaster Michael Chun, schools chief executive officer Hamilton McCubbin, and former Bishop Estate trustee Oswald Stender. But the majority of the crowd were people whose faces and names are not well known, people who were there to show their gratitude for Thompson and all his work.

"I have the opportunity to be here to show respect for a man that I admire," said Chris Pablo. "Here's a man who worked very hard, not only for Native Hawaiians, but for people who were not able to help themselves. He gave his entire life."

Throughout last night's service, one word — vision — was often used to describe Thompson. He helped create the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Hawaiian Health Care System, Alu Like, which provides educational and job opportunities to Hawaiians.

Chun's association with Thompson goes back 30 years, when the two were members of the Hui Nalu Canoe Club. Chun went on to head Kamehameha Schools and Thompson became a key member of the Bishop Estate, which ran the school.

"If you look at who's here today, this is a reflection of the man: a cross section, a diversity of people from every walk of life," Chun said.

"One of Pinky's greatest strengths was that he was very insightful. He never professed to have all the right answers, but what he always tried to do was ask the right questions. And one of the most important questions that he asked was, 'How can we do more for Hawaiians. How can we serve in a better way?'"

Thompson helped to develop Kamehameha's early-childhood education programs. Although he retired as a Bishop Estate trustee in 1994 after 20 years of service, he remained an important asset to the school, Chun said.

"All the programs that you see here really are the result of his foresight, his vision and his understanding of the importance of life-long education," Chun said.

Inouye said he was meeting with Thompson and several other people about 40 years ago when the idea of Alu Like came up. Hawai'i's senior senator called Thompson a "dear friend" who did more to help Native Hawaiians than people will ever know.

Inouye added that securing federal money for the Polynesian Voyaging Society was "one of the best investments we ever made."

"Pinky was right. These young men and women suddenly were interested in their ancestry," Inouye said. "It made them proud. 'Yes, I'm proud to be Hawaiian.' It makes a difference."

Between eulogies, music filled the chapel as everyone sang two of Thompson's favorite songs, "Pua Lilia" and 'Hula O Makee." The gathering also honored the Punahou School graduate by singing Kamehameha Schools' anthem, "Sons of Hawai'i."

Thompson's son Myron spoke on behalf of the family. He said his father "epitomized all that is good in us."

"He was passionate about his dreams, and in turn, his dreams became a reality," Thompson said. "He had a vision for a better world for Hawaiians and a vision for a better world for all mankind. He cared deeply about the 'aina and things that mattered. He was a good man. No, he was a great man.

"Dad, on behalf of everyone here, we will certainly miss you. We will continue to honor your legacy of hope."