Times change, but not shave ice

Any local, or regular visitor to Hawaii, knows well the lure of Haleiwa. The old-time country charm exuding from home-style wooden buildings, the proximity to sand and surf, the quaint shops and restaurants, and of course, the shave ice. Ah, the shave ice.

As redevelopment plans advance on a block of historic Haleiwa Town, it’s amusing to see an artist’s drawing that faithfully renders a long line of shave ice customers. The line is a common sight that now stretches along the Kamehameha Highway sidewalk, but under the revamp, the line would be channeled perpendicular to the highway.

Regardless of whether patrons prefer Matsumoto’s or Aoki’s shave ice, let’s hope there continues to be ample space and spirit in the town for both to thrive — along with the myriad of other small businesses, of course.

Rise up singing; it’ll be summer

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.

Fish are jumpin’, and the cotton is high.

Well, George Gershwin, maybe not that last part,  though cotton does grow here in Hawaii.

The point is that summer starts tomorrow, when the Earth’s axis is most tilted toward the sun.

So enjoy those long, sunny days, the big South Shore waves, picnics at the park and the wonderful bounty from our many island gardens.

Oh, and maybe have a fan handy?