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I want to bring up an often-overlooked aspect of aloha culture: our driving habits. Embracing a couple of simple habits can make Hawaii even more blissful.
1. Stay right for slow driving. Let’s embody aloha’s kindness by keeping to the right when driving slowly. This simple gesture allows faster-moving vehicles and those with emergencies to pass safely. Using the fast lane for slow driving may be convenient but contradicts our principles of courtesy and respect.
2. Reduce noise pollution: Hawaii’s tranquility is precious. Ensure your vehicles, especially scooters, have a quiet muffler. Loud vehicles disrupt the peace, affecting residents’ sleep, babies’ naps and prayer times. A single noisy scooter can disturb hundreds of babies and thousands of high-rise residents on one pass through town.
Additionally, remember that city regulations prohibit loud noises like trash removal and leaf blowers before 8 a.m.
Practicing mindfulness and the aloha spirit can cultivate harmony in our paradise.
Let’s drive with aloha!
Rob Smith
Kakaako
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