I saw HAPA tonight at the WA Center. Brought up some very intense emotions from times gone past. So this message is to them, mahalo!

Aloha HAPA!

I just walked two blocks to my apartment in Olympia Washington with your songs in my heart and a tear in my eye for Maui. From 1988 - 1991, I lived in Puapake Puamana in Lahaina, Honokowai, Kihei, Wailuku, Pai'a, Makawao, and Kula. I've been back once to visit and it was like I never left.

Your music as well as Uncle Willie, Keola Beamer, Hector and Raphael, and others has kept the spirit of Aloha alive in my heart while I've been away.

My brother, Toru Yokoyama, was an exchange student from Nigata prefecture in Japan. He came to stay with my family in Olympia when I was in high school. He was the older brother I never had, being an only child. He taught me my first three guitar chords. When I fell on hard times after college, he was there to help me get back to level. I felt lost when he moved to Maui in 1987. But, he was just preparing a welcome for me later.

When I went to visit him in 1988 for a two week vacation, I found I had a large extended family I'd never met. My new aunties and uncles fed me and taught me, and my new brothers, sisters, and cousins showed me what it was like to live in love and happiness. Maui didn't steal my heart and soul, I gave it willingly.

I sold my ticket back home on the third day of my visit, because I was already there.

While I lived on Maui and worked at the Hard Rock, Studio Blue, PWC, and the Tiger's Den/Restaurant, I felt my spirit settle into the island as it's spirit settled into me. I was working three jobs so didn't have the time or money to visit the other islands, but Maui had everything I needed for the next few years.

I was fortunate enough to see the clouds part as if by magic to watch the partial solar eclipse, and to wiggle my toes in the breakers of Red Sand beach behind the Hana Hotel watching the full lunar eclipse as it rose out of the ocean to the east, with my girlfriend beside me. I ruined a VW Rabbit going the long-way-round the crater. Best drive I ever took!

On Sunday night, May 19th, 1991, my brother had an accident on Honoapiilani highway near Olowalu after an evening of celebration. He did not survive. I heard the sirens and wondered what had happened, but was not aware until the next day who they were for.

My heart was heavy for a very long time. But when his family came from Japan to bring his body back to it's original home, they allowed me to keep the guitar he used to teach me the first three chords. I've played it almost every day since then.

I returned to Olympia after a slight detour [2 years] to L.A. following a girl I met in Lahaina. I know, aue!

In my brother Toru's memory, and in the true spirit of Aloha, I thank you for your performance tonight. It reminded me where my heart and soul reside. It took me on a journey back to the time paradise was my home and reminded me that I have friends and family waiting for me to return.

When I do, I hope you would allow this happy humble haole the privilege of meeting you all in person, and maybe jamming, ya?

Aloha and mahalo from my heart to yours.