A Sensei’s Aloha For A Pilot’s Kids
Wednesday - April 30, 2008
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Del.icio.usDear Pamela,
I am one of the many families affected by the sudden and unexpected closure of Aloha Airlines. The employees were given one day’s notice, and we have been left scrambling to figure out finances, medical coverage, unemployment benefits and the list goes on and on.
What saddens me is that we have had to re-evaluate our priorities and, unfortunately, this affects our children. I would like to send APPLAUSE to Sensei James Kerr of Karate Kids. His passion to teach and mentor his Karate Kids goes beyond the monetary compensation he receives. As I had to painfully ask that we temporarily stop our children’s karate lessons, he generously offered to continue our children’s lessons at his own expense. I was truly lost for words and would like to publicly thank him for sparing my children from having to deal with yet another loss.
Audrey Kanemori
Aina Haina
Dear Audrey,
Sensei James Kerr, who’s been teaching karate for 10 years, says Micah and Kayla are great students. “The twins are both upbeat, respectful and quick to learn,” he says. “This is one way I could help them.” Good luck to your husband, Joel, in finding another piloting job.
Sensei can be reached at www.Karate-Kids.com
Dear Pamela,
Our mom, an elderly senior, was walking her two fox terrier puppies one morning near Kapalama Elementary when the puppies were distracted by a passing dog, slamming her down to the sidewalk.The impact was so great, causing lacerations and contusions to her face, fracture to her right leg and leaving her in a pool of blood. Fortunately, three heroes came out of nowhere to aid her. Board of Water Supply supervisor Willie Iaela and co-workers Travis Kupahu and Jordan Kurahara comforted our mom with towels, ice pack and a seat from their truck to settle her down while calling an ambulance and our family.
These guys were terrific in their quick response in aiding our mom, who was partially in shock from the trauma. We wanted to express our fondest mahalo and gratitude for their random act of kindness to our mom.
We thank God she is OK and recovering well at the Hawaii Medical Center-East with its terrific and professional medical staff. Mahalo nui, guys.
Okuma Ohana
Kapalama
Dear Okumas,
Willie Iaela and crew are so glad your mom is doing well. “We saw the leashes of her dogs wrap around her legs,” he says. “She fell rather hard and we pulled over right away. All of us had experience with people having head injuries, so we knew to keep her involved in conversation. We don’t keep bandages in the truck, but we had clean rags and ice for her knee and head. Her son told us later she had a dislocated kneecap. There was also another lady who came and gave her a chair to sit on. How wonderful she’s doing better!”
Dear Pamela,
I would want to thank all my wonderful friends and family from KITV, Gold’s Gym, Mana Athletics and Windoc’s window cleaning for all their love and support. I am in my fourth week of treatment for breast cancer, and these people have come together for two wonderful fundraisers. The first was held by my KITV family at the Gentry Pacific Design Center. Much APPLAUSE to Shelley Morisaki at GPDC, who allowed use of the space and got the tenants to donate to our silent auction. Mahalo also to Pam Maeda of Fiji Water, Kirk Nahale of Kanak Attack, Kelly Kauinana of Kahala Mall, Janice Takata of Big City Diner, all the people who donated items and my loving friends from KITV.
The following weekend the powerlifters from Gold’s Gym held a weigh-off for me. I was too ill to attend, but my love was with them. Thank you so much for doing so much for me while I’m going through these hard times at chemo. I’m so blessed to have all of you in my life. Much aloha.
Lydia L. Mook Mahelona-Akamine
Brandyn S. Akamine
Dear Lydia and Brandyn,
It is simply your aloha coming back to you. You are always smiling no matter how bad you feel, always laughing and caring for other people. You will beat this thing.
(If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S. King St., Honolulu, HI, 96813 or e-mail pyoung@kitv.com. Include your name, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.)
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