Hawaii resident pens song hailing Chilean rescue

Here’s a prescription for anyone needing another shot of feel-good juice in the waning days of Chilean rescue mania: Go check out Elias Padilla’s song, "Esperanza."

Padilla, who lives in Ocean View on the Big Island, was working on a construction job on Kauai when the whole story broke. He penned the Spanish-language song, inspired by the birth of baby Esperanza ("Hope"), daughter of one of the 33 miners.

The composer got friends to sing and play the song. The video of the song, as well as an interview with KONG radio DJ Ron Wiley, can be viewed online at http://blip.tv/file/4239515.

By the way, Padilla is Mexican, not Chilean. "But this story touched the whole world," he said.

That’s for sure. 

There’s still time to make up your mind

In two weeks, Hawaii selects its next governor — Neil Abercrombie or James "Duke" Aiona.

If you’re still undecided, there are few remaining opportunities to hear the candidates and compare their cases. KHON2 is taping today’s forum on the Big Island and will air it Wednesday. On Friday, the two debate on KITV.

Congressional candidates Charles Djou and Colleen Hanabusa have two more televised debates — tomorrow on Hawaii News Now and Thursday on KHON2.

Make time to watch. Make up your mind. Then vote.