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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, September 20, 2009

From small-kid time, rich memories endure


By Alan Okami

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Kalihi, circa 1972: Alan Okami, left, took the stage with cousins Mike and Jon during a family Christmas play.

Photo courtesy Alan Okami

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Kalihi, it was the place on the commercials — "At Kenny's, in the Kam Shopping Center in Kalihiiii. ..." Remember the jingle? As far as getting there, good luck. Might as well be in Wai'anae when you are only 8 to 10 years old.

Since my small-kid times, we have actually located our business here and have been a part of the landscape since 1985. That's longer than some of my employees have been alive.

While a lot of things remain, a lot has changed. One of the places that used to capture my interest was the Royal Stamps trading center on Waiakamilo. My neighbor Andy Boy used to save up his stamps and get cool stuff like slingshots, chess boards, binoculars and more. He was more adventurous than me and would ride his bike there.

Small-kid time. Things seemed so different then, yeah? Aren't you amazed when you look at old pictures? Just delivered the eulogy for my late aunt's services and reflected on how we tend to assign time stamps to people, places and things. Certain things will always be the same in our hearts and minds.

For me, Royal Stamps will always be there, though it's now Maru Flooring. What are some of the time stamps you have? I hope they make you smile.