In a recent article by Ben Lowenthal, the life and impact of Peter Ohashi, a longtime resident of Upcountry Maui, is celebrated [4c41a9fe]. Ohashi, who was born in 1938, witnessed significant changes on the island over the past 80 years. From the transition from a territory to a state, to the dominance of the sugar and pineapple industries, and the rise of tourism, Ohashi embraced these changes and became an integral part of the community.
After serving in the U.S. Navy and the Maui Fire Department, Ohashi opened a general store on West Kuiaha Road. The store became a beloved gathering place, providing snacks to generations of kids. As Haiku and the surrounding towns gentrified, Ohashi adapted and closed the store, instead selling avocados and fruit from his yard. Throughout his life, he remained a welcoming and generous presence in the community.
Ohashi's passing on December 12, 2023, serves as a reminder of the need to embrace change and celebrate the impact of individuals like him. As Maui faces uncertainty and fears of being left behind by a changing economy, Ohashi's approach to life serves as an inspiration to the community.
In addition to celebrating Ohashi's life, economists Sumner La Croix and Carl Bonham discuss the current economic conditions for Maui and Hawaii [cd001ec9]. They note that Maui's economy is in better shape than expected, with a decline in unemployment claims and a return of visitors. However, they do not expect Japanese visitors to return to pre-pandemic levels anytime this decade due to the high costs associated with traveling to Hawaii. The economists also discuss the strength of the U.S. economy and the importance of diversifying tourism sources. They emphasize the need for addressing the housing problem on Maui to avoid a significant loss of population and to support the economic recovery. The interview also touches on the impact of the Lahaina fires on Hawaiian Electric Co., the potential bankruptcy of the company, and the importance of housing reform and affordable housing initiatives.
This article adds to the ongoing discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing Maui's economy. It highlights the need for embracing change and reshaping the economy, as emphasized by Sir John Swan, Bermuda's longest-serving premier [7cbf9b87]. Swan called for a shift away from fear-driven decision-making and the establishment of a future that aligns with the needs and aspirations of the community. He also warned about the potential negative effects of Bermuda's planned Caricom membership.
Martha Harris Myron's retrospective series on Bermuda's economy over the past 25 years provides further context [ab5bf4fa]. She discusses the evolution of Bermuda's economy from a closed system to one with more access to international markets. Myron highlights the challenges faced by the private working population in making investment choices and the impact of significant events such as the US dot-com bubble burst and the 9/11 tragedy. She also acknowledges the impact of the global recession on Bermuda and the long-term effects on the community's lifestyle.
As Maui and Bermuda navigate their respective economic challenges, the importance of embracing change, reshaping the economy, and addressing key issues such as housing and diversification becomes increasingly evident. The stories of individuals like Peter Ohashi serve as reminders of the resilience and adaptability of communities in the face of change.