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.