April 14, 2007
Only in Hawaii
When I finsihed work today I decided to take an ocean break before coming home. I parked at Pokai Bay and watched all the swimmers and sunbathers and kids playing for a while. Took some pictures to share with you another day. There was a crazy guy in the beach park. You’ve probably encountered people like him before. He was shouting about injustices and how people were all %#@*&# *&#&@*’s. I kept my distance. I feel awful for anyone who is so oboviously disturbed, but some of them, like him, frighten me. He seemed very angry. He was near my car when I returned to the parking area, so I decided to kill a little more time wandering around.
That was when I heard it. An ukelele being played very well and quite loudly. I thought someone must have one hooked up to a speaker somewhere. People play ukelels in public places all over the island, so that wasn’t unusual, but the volume was and that roused my curiosity. I finally realized it was coming from the restrooms. As I approached the lanai dividing the entrances to the men’s and women’s facilities I realized I had stumbled into a situation where I might be unwelcome. I had just seen two police cars on the far side of the restrooms, but here, out of their sight, was a gathering of gamblers. I haven’t a clue what they were betting on, but there were several school boys in the circle of men, and as I walked up I saw one of the boys crumple a dollar bill into a wad and toss it into the circle. Uh-huh, these folks might not welcome a stranger observing them leading kids into … whatever. Just as that thought formed, an elderly man looked up at me and took a moment to assess. (Hoalie (white) - Work clothes - not a tourist - probably just stopped to go to the bathroom. I saw it go through his head.) He smiled, nodded - “Eh, sista.” I smiled back, relieved to not be considered an intruder. “Aloha, uncle. Great accoustics from here, hm?” “Oh, yeah. She in dere. Can go. Like for people listen.” He nodded towards the women’s restroom. “Mahalo, uncle.”
It’s a large restroom, laid out in a maze-like fashion. The first alcove contained sinks hanging on the white tile wall. Nothing else. No paper towel dispenser or soap dish, no rubbish bin … just sinks. The next alcove contained four toilet stalls. The music became so sharp and clear that I thought maybe it was coming from a stall. But no, the doors were all partially open and no one was in them. I walked into the third room and realized it contained a door that led outside around the corner from where I’d entered. This entry alcove held some sinks on the wall and a large dressing alcove. And there she sat.
She looked up an gave a slight nod in acknowledgement of my presence, but never missed a note. She was singing softly, an old Hawaiian tune with a chanting quality to it. I sat on a bench opposite and just listened, eyes closed, as she finished that song and slid right into another, peppier, making me want to tap my foot in time. Her ukelele playing was skillful, her voice, though soft, was fine and true in pitch. I heard some words I recognized - inoa, pono, aina - but not enough to know the story of the mele - the song. She started a third song. It was around two o’clock and I had two inspection reports promised to my clients before the end of the business day. As I stood I held up my camera and signaled - would she mind if I took some pictures? Again the barely perceptible nod. I took a couple of shots, mouthed “mahalo - aloha” and tossed her a kiss from my fingertips. Finally she smiled, just as my camera swung to my side, no chance for me to catch one more picture. It was lovely. You’ll have to just take my word for that.
Someone should set up a recording studio in that restoroom. The accoustics are that good. Auntie could make a fotune. I’m only guesssing, since we didn’t talk, but I’m thinking she woudn’t be interested. I think she’s pretty happy just doing what she’s doing.
The strange man had wandered off by the time I got back to my car. I drove the fifteen minutes to my home and got my reports out on time. Not a bad way to end the week.
[tags]Hawaii, life in Hawaii, photos, ukelele, interesting characters[/tags]
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April 14th, 2007 at 2:53 pm, Deb Says:
Only in Hawaii! Take that same situation, put it in NJ and it would be scary!
What a fabulous story. I would have loved to hear it. My son has a eukalel he got when he went to Hawaii last year and is learning to play it.
April 14th, 2007 at 8:40 pm, Tricia Says:
I thought at first that this story might end up having a bad ending but I’m pleased that it turned out to be inspiring.
The acoustics in washrooms and restrooms can be amazing. I’m not surprised that her playing sounded so lovely in there. 
You asked for a Green Thumb Sunday reminder.
Here it is. 
Hey, did you hear that Don Ho died of heart failure today?
This ukelele post might be quite timely.
April 15th, 2007 at 4:58 am, Sarakastic Says:
What a neat story, your right that would only happy in hawaii
April 15th, 2007 at 11:37 am, Whim Says:
Great story!