I speak of the Aloha Spirit and how it has affected me since I have moved here. I tell you that you can feel this spirit in everyone and everything here on the islands. Tonight as I was finishing work at Leilani’s On The Beach in Whaler’s Village, I sat down at the bar for a bite to eat and a tall glass of refreshing ice water to re-hydrate myself. Across from me there were 3 girls from California that had obviously been drinking for a while. One of the girls was very obnoxious. Talking loudly and acting a fool. She turned her attention towards some of my male co-workers and her comments borderd on rudeness. It got me thinking… I want everyone to know that the Aloha Spirit is real. We all practice Aloha every day. We try and serve with Aloha at work, speak with Aloha to others, and live Aloha everyday. It is a great way to live. I wished for that moment that this woman could see herself through our eyes…and maybe practice Aloha while she spends her holiday here in Maui. The truth is:
The Spirit of Aloha really is a Law:
Aloha Spirit is considered a state “law.” The main purpose is to serve remind government officials that while they perform their duties – to treat people with deep care and respect, just like their ancestors did. Government officials can contribute to a better world by learning and applying this lesson to life, hence creating a world filled with aloha.
Aloha Spirit State Law defined in Hawaii Revised Statutes: [§5-7.5] “Aloha Spirit.” (a) “Aloha Spirit” is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, “Aloha,” the following unuhi laula loa may be used: “Akahai,” meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness;
“Lokahi,” meaning unity,to be expressed with harmony; “Oluolu,” meaning agreeable,to be expressed with pleasantness; “Haahaa,” meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty; “Ahonui,” meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.
These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii’s people. It was the working philosophy of Native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.
“Aloha” is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. “Aloha” means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. “Aloha” is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. “Aloha” means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.
(b) In exercising their power on behalf of the people and in fulfillment of their responsibilities, obligations and service to the people, the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, executive officers of each department, the chief justice, associate justices, and judges of the appellate, circuit, and district courts may contemplate and reside with the life force and give consideration to the “Aloha Spirit.” [L 1986, c 202, §1]
In closing, I think it is important to practice Aloha everyday. No matter if you live here or if you are visiting on holiday. That’s what the islands are all about. Living and breathing Aloha. Have fun and make the most of your time here. For all Aloha that is given, Aloha will be recieved… Mahalo for your kokua.
And remember:
Life is Good when you Live doing the right thing….
I Am Aloha 