ALOHA spirit is law

I have been meaning to post this for a while, but I think with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and seeing all the depressed faces here on the mainland, I feel it is high time.

I find myself carrying the ALOHA spirit with me, and it’s contagious (at least I hope). Did you know ALOHA is an acronym? Did you know it is part ofHawaii state law to live ALOHA? It’s what we could/should embody with not only our patients, but everyone we encounter.

Read below:

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[§5-7.5]  “Aloha Spirit”. (a)  “Aloha Spirit” is the coordination of mind and heart within each person.  It brings each person to the self.  Each person must think and emote good feelings to others.  In the contemplation and presence of the life force, “Aloha”, the following unuhi laula loa may be used:

“Akahai“, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;

“Lokahi“, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;

“Oluolu“, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;

“Haahaa“, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;

“Ahonui“, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii’s people.  It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.  “Aloha” is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.  “Aloha” means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.  “Aloha” is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.  “Aloha” means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.

(b)  In exercising their power on behalf of the people and in fulfillment of their responsibilities, obligations and service to the people, the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, executive officers of each department, the chief justice, associate justices, and judges of the appellate, circuit, and district courts may contemplate and reside with the life force and give consideration to the “Aloha Spirit”. [L 1986, c 202, §1]

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One thing I love is that it not only states what each word stands for, but how it should be EXPRESSED. Intent and action. I hope you all can catch and share the ALOHA spirit. If not, then maybe you need to visit me on Maui!