Before the Honolulu City Council begins the business of the City, there is an opportunity to pause and remember the values that should guide us as people and as public servants: kindness, humility, unity, respect, forgiveness and kuleana.
Councilmember Augie Tulba invited Lopaka Kapanui to share his “Message of Aloha” with the Council because his life’s work reflects those values and a deep love for Hawai‘i.
Lopaka’s message offered a particularly powerful reminder about the courage to forgive, the strength to heal and the grace to accept.
He spoke about the importance of acknowledging what has hurt us. The past cannot be changed, but each person has a choice about what to carry forward.
Forgiveness can be chosen over anger. Healing over holding on. Acceptance over judgment. And love over division.
Lopaka also shared the traditional oli, Mālie ka ua, offering a beautiful reminder that even during difficult moments, there can be calm, peace and renewal, much like the quiet that follows a passing rain.
For nearly 30 years, Lopaka has dedicated his life to sharing the stories, history and cultural traditions of the Hawaiian Islands. As a master of ha‘i mo‘olelo, he brings Hawai‘i’s past to life through folklore, documented history and firsthand accounts.
Lopaka's Message of Aloha offered a moment to reflect on what we choose to carry with us and what we are willing to let go. Photo: Josh Koh
Through Mysteries of Hawai‘i and his work with students, families, schools, libraries and community organizations, Lopaka continues to help keep Hawai‘i’s mo‘olelo and traditions alive for future generations.
Many people know him as the “Ghost Guy” for his stories of Hawai‘i’s supernatural traditions. But behind those stories is something much deeper: a profound respect for the people, places, history and cultural traditions of the islands.
His Message of Aloha reminded the Council that public service is ultimately about people. Before serving a community, there must be a willingness to listen, understand, respect and care for one another.
Councilmember Tulba expressed his appreciation to Lopaka for sharing his mana‘o, his mo‘olelo and his aloha with the Council.
Sometimes, moving forward does not mean forgetting what happened. It means choosing what we will carry with us. And sometimes, the most powerful thing a person can do is move forward with an open heart.
Hawaiʻi’s stories continue to offer lessons about how we understand one another and the places we call home. Photo: Josh Koh
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