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F.O.P (Fresh Off da Plane)
POSTED:Wed, September 17, 2008 @ 2:21AM
AnniversaryAs a newcomer you don't think Hawaii has seasons. But I know it does. Today, I can pick up certain familiar scents of particular flowers and plants in bloom that I first met with keen interest when I stepped out of the airport. Maui's scent in September has left an indelible memory trigger in my brain that alone tells me it’s been a year since I moved to Maui. The calendar confirms that Saturday was my anniversary. I moved around a bit after my parents divorced when I was a kid and then as a young adult trying to make my way, so living in new places isn’t an entirely new experience for me. I found that it usually takes about six months before the exotic becomes familiar. That’s not the case, though, in a place like Maui, where the exotic is so much the norm that it will probably take another year before it all becomes familiar. You following me? Basically, because of da culture, history, politics, language and layout of the 'aina, there’s so much more to learn and see. So many groups are disparate, issues nuanced and places kapu that there's always more, more, more to know. As a reporter, “No worries,” does not apply to me. I gotta learn this stuff. I have deadlines and and responsibilities to our readers to meet. It can be daunting. Well, kind of. I have an great advantage, too. One of the many amazing things about journalism is the access we get to a place and its people. When I was feeling (only slightly) sorry for myself one day, because my family and longtime friends were so far away, a friend here told me to just remember how lucky I am. She told me that Hawaii had embraced me. I wouldn’t go that far, but I feel very privileged and lucky to have met so many fascinating, silly, sweet, hard-nosed and hard working, true believing, intellectual, spiritual and flat-out honest people. Even the foolish, dubious and unethical I can't help but find intriguing. Like most Americans -- I think -- I can’t help but find a sinner to be just as fun as saint. And Maui has its share of both. Let's get back to the access part. I love the access and am hungry for more, more, more. I have been invited to taro patches, serene little homesteads, the Kalaupapa leprosy settlement, privately owned Lanai, to the back 40s of giant ranches to plant native species, to the docks and on the water, off the trails of Haleakala and Poli Poli to survey storm damage, to meet marijuana-reformers in a basement and police brass around very long table and finally to the suites, beaches and banquet rooms of high-end resorts and exclusive country clubs. I’ve sat in the mayor’s office and spoken with the governor. I've talked to farmers, fishermen, diehard antidevelopment activists, environmentalists, regular working folks (usually, my personal favorite) -- and then the the union leaders, developers, business owners and CEOs as well. And finally there are government and nonprofit folks who sometimes work as peacekeepers, but occasionally can't help but let fly what they really think, too. However, what I've found is that mostly people in certain positions don't take any position at all. Almost everyone believes in Maui, except for a few posers here and there. And although people might question each other's motives, often this is only done in private. I never expected this place to be politically intriguing, frankly. I guess that's what happens when everyone lives together on the most isolated chain of islands in the world. No one wants to burn any boats. But no matter people's perspectives or backgrounds, they all think that their course of action is what's best for it. That is, if they are the thinking sort. For me, figuring out the ever-evolving relationships, real reasoning, behind-the-scenes politicking and cross pollination of parties and participants from issue to issue has become a sport. I try my hardest to keep it only a spectators' sport. As for daily life, Hawaii can be a tough place to live, believe it or not. The cost of living, confinement of an island, being far from family and friends and cultural differences can grind on people. No duh, money is tight here. Milk is $10 a gallon. The economy makes life here even more precarious and who knows what is next. But as a single man with no kids and a job at a paper I already love, I think I can always make do (knock on wood and sign of the cross). Aloha is not just a tourist slogan either. Residents can be astonishingly generous and kind. Beautiful I'd say. You pretty much can't go anywhere without getting a plate of food shoved at you. And the newspaper has been a excellent place to make friends. Lots of outgoing, fun-loving, clever and caring folks. I wish the general public understood how much we value our communities. When it comes to island fever, one other thing I benefit from is that fact that I grew up on Lake Superior, the worlds largest freshwater lake. So when I used to need some time to just clear my head, I'd hop in my car or on my bike and head up the North Shore to Canada. Lake Superior on my right-hand side for more than 150 miles. Here, I can basically do the same thing. So my mind has tricked itself. I don't feel confined because I'm used to not being able to turn in at least one direction and just go wherever, forever. The weather? Awesome. Only one complaint: I need four calendars to remember what month it is. No doubt, culture, class and racial distinctions has been one of the biggest changes from lily-white Northern Minnesota. It’s also been a dramatic change from when I lived in much-more blended Minneapolis or St. Paul. That certainly hasn’t been a bad thing. In fact, it's been perhaps my favorite part. However, while Hawaii does embrace its multiculturalism, like any place in America, it probably doesn't as much as we would like to think it does. Just read Barack Obama's biography or pick up newspaper or a Hawaiian history book. This is state filled with all forms of class and racial conflict and struggle. Good thing it is also a state filled with resourceful and fiercely protective people who appear equally willing to either fight or embrace to overcome those problems. I know some people judge me because I’m new and haole (I've had it shouted at me a couple of times, by kids I think.), but I honestly don’t mind. I guess it's just my turn to deal with a bit of that junk. And let's face it, nobody does/should feel sorry for the poor haole borrowing a piece of paradise. I think it's more my kuleana to be respectful and earn respect in return. On the other hand, please don't be one of those rare people who throw it back in my face if I ask a question rather than pretend like I know the answer. I also come from a provincial place as well. A town where the people will also stand up and before they say anything else let everyone know how many generations they go back or how long they've lived there. I know, I've been one to brag to my old coworkers how I was the only city native working in the newsroom. My family goes back five generations in Duluth, I'd say. How old did that get I bet? I may live in Maui and already treasure it, but this island (the whole state, really) is the greatest mystery ever placed in my lap. The people and 'aina present me with a miraculous kind of wonder almost daily. Mauians are both the most delicate and toughest people I've ever encountered. They mirror island's varied topography and ecosystems. And I can't wait for what the next year (and hopefully many more) will unveil for me; the challenge is mine to make discoveries and found new friendships. To get it right and be as fair as possible. Mahalo, Maui Nui, for this great adventure. Thank you, Maui News. Maui No Ka Oi.
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Chris Hamilton Reporter Chris Hamilton is a University of Minnesota-Twin Cities School of Journalism graduate. In his 12-year career, he wrote and edited for his college paper, The Minnesota Daily, and researched for the Minneapolis Star Tribune full time, at times. His beats included cops, courts, politics and City Hall as well as plenty of feature writing for the Duluth News Tribune. Ham's hometown paper. During that time, he also wrote for the DNT's former parent company, Knight Ridder Newspapers as well as the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He is still officially a stringer for The New York Times, but they haven't called in a while. Hamilton also covered the Red Lake School Shootings and Hurricane Katrina and embedded with the U.S. military in Iraq. He currently is a government reporter for The Maui News. He is also learning to surf. Badly. And play inline hockey. Even worse. He really wants to figure out a way to cross the West Maui Mountains on foot, but only after he naps. A lot.
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