We in Hawaii have many places of worship, schools, stores, public events and yoga studios — all of which in very recent times have been the sites of horrific shootings on the mainland.

The belief that “that couldn’t happen here” is echoed in many communities, and likely in those communities where it did happen.

We are fortunate here to have so many diverse cultures co-existing. We have so much beauty in the ocean and the land. We have aloha.

I wouldn’t say “it can’t happen here.” It looks to me that it could happen anywhere, a sure sign to many of a cultural breakdown. Now many of us carry a low-level anxiety of not feeling safe in public spaces. When we get irritated by someone else’s actions, this low-level anxiety can sometimes turn the irritation into anger and acting out in violent ways.

Please be mindful so any irritation that may arise is channeled appropriately. Please be aware that this may be going on for everyone you meet. Please help us ensure that “it can’t happen here.”

Bodhi Be

Haiku, Maui

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