Live thankfully in 2022

Looking toward a new year, reflect on the good things God has done in the past.

Diagnosed with cancer this past spring, Kaiser doctors were kind and supportive even when going against their advice. Opting out of traditional treatment, eating healthier and exercising more were the path taken instead.

While pondering what course to take following the successful surgery, my brother’s response to the cancer news and what to do for treatment made my decision easier.

He said, “Live thankfully! Rejoice always! Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (Thessalonians)

“Living thankfully sounds way better than chemotherapy; I’m going to do that!”

Decorative wooden blocks with imprinted alphabet letters adorning the outdoor living area were immediately changed to “Rejoice always!”

Previously, it spelled: “To God be the glory!” Advocating for things like agriculture, affordable housing, the homeless, Lahaina’s wastewater alternatives, Hawaiian issues and persecuted people worldwide is ultimately to honor the LORD.

Praise God for the solution to the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility’s reclaimed water, noticeable agriculture across the island, and the Supreme Court and County Council’s decisions regarding Kahoma Village.

Years ago, facing serious financial difficulties, the blocks spelled “Give Thanks!” Focusing on things to be thankful for helped get through those trying times.

Whatever happens this year, “I’ll keep my eyes on the LORD. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest assured.” (Psalm 16)

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina

Council chair looks back on 2021

As we reflect on 2021, we see once again that the residents of Lanai, Maui and Molokai have made us a resilient county — one that always looks forward to a better future, while also remaining mindful of our heritage and the lasting values that bind our community. Our residents’ passions and insights have driven us to be a council that seeks innovative, collaborative solutions to the unprecedented challenges we have faced since the start of the pandemic.

I couldn’t be prouder of my eight, hard-working colleagues who’ve done a remarkable job in leading their respective standing committees. It has been an amazingly productive year in serving our community.

With the recent spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, I would like to remind everyone that getting vaccinated is still our best hope to end this pandemic. In addition, prioritizing booster shots and continuing to practice good hygiene and hand sanitation are important.

I’m excited and ready to welcome 2022! I look forward to serving all of Maui County’s residents with energy, dedication, commitment, integrity and responsible leadership.

ALICE LEE, Maui County Council Chair

Enjoy the moment

Enjoy the moment and the pleasure of the color GREEN seen now on the foothills of the West Maui Mountains. A long time since the fields of pineapple and sugar cane came to an end. Enjoy the moment of GREEN. From offshore, the foothills look like a velvet carpet.

RICHARD ROSHON, Lahaina

A New Year’s Resolution

With Christmas and Hanukkah behind us, we look forward to the new year and New Year’s Resolutions: to step away from social media, lose some weight, and, perhaps, to go vegan. Yes, that. A third of consumers report reducing consumption of animal foods.

Hundreds of college campuses, schools, hospitals and corporate cafeterias have embraced Meatless Monday. Even fast-food chains like Chipotle, Burger King, Subway and Taco Bell have rolled out plant-based options. Now, McDonald’s is hinting at a plant-based burger in 2022.

New plant-based companies, led by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, are creating healthy, eco-friendly, delicious plant-based meats, while meat industry giants Tyson Foods, Cargill, and Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods have invested heavily in plant-based meat development.

According to the Good Food Institute, sales of plant-based foods that directly replace animal products have grown 27 percent in the past year to $7 billion. Sales of plant-based cheeses, butter, yogurts and ice creams are exploding at a 50 percent growth rate, and plant-based milks now account for 35 percent of the milk market.

A vegan New Year’s Resolution requires no sweat or deprivation — just delicious, healthier options that are better for your health, the planet and the animals.

LEX NAKAHARA, Lahaina