Is a Father's Job Ever Done?

Aloha,         May 15, 2014

Isn’t it amazing how time flies? If you’re like me, you look at your children or your nieces and nephews and realize how much they’ve changed in a short amount of time.

Four years ago my daughter Ka’imilani (Imi) was heading off to college, today she’s back in Hawai’i with college degree in hand, looking for a job.

I think about Imi a lot when I think about Hawai’i’s future. Imi is just starting her adult life. As a parent, I’ve done just about all I can do for Imi.  I’ve provided her a good, solid home, a college education and all the unconditional love a father can give.

But have I done enough?  I know Imi has been blessed with many opportunities, I know, because I saw plenty of children raised in an environment of abuse, neglect, and addiction, during my time as a family court judge. And even with all her opportunities, will Hawai’i be a place she can stay?

It isn’t just Imi that’s changed in four years, Hawai’i has changed too. Housing prices are approaching record highs and fewer of Hawai’i’s workforce can afford to buy a home. Our costs of goods and services are only going up. Will these trends continue and if so, how will Imi raise her family here if she decides to have one?

I don’t know about you, but the last four years have done nothing to restore my trust in government. This last legislative session was an example, last minute press conferences for programs not funded, appointees subjected to politics, personal attacks and political showboating. Who wins? Politicians, that’s who.

I’ve been in politics, but I don’t consider myself a politician. But I am a Hawai’i resident, a husband, a father and a grandfather. I am personally concerned about the direction of our state. I’ve hinted at running for the Governor’s office, but I have yet to officially announce. As I ponder this decision, I can’t help but ask myself, have I done all I can do for the people of Hawai’i?

Duke Aiona