A New Year

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! Hope you all had a good 2006, and have an even better 2007.

I thought the start of a new year would be a good time to make note of a few sort of housekeeping items here. Most of this should be self-evident, but just in case it's not, I want to state it for the record.

First, the only thing that necessarily represents my own opinion is my own words. When I post an excerpt from an article or a press release or email that originates with someone else, I am posting it for your information, but it doesn't mean I entirely agree with it. I want to put out information so you can be aware, discuss it, and make up your own minds, but I may or may not share the exact same perspective myself.

Next, this site and my words don't represent anyone but myself. I don't speak on behalf of any group or "the movement." Just myself. I may offer my observations about what I hear people saying, and my sense of what the sentiment is out there, but it is still just my own observation, speaking on behalf of no one else but myself.

Also, I want to clarify that although I'm executive director of the Kipahulu Ohana and I post items here relating to our work in East Maui, this is my personal blog and whatever I post here is from my personal perspective only, and does not officially represent the organization in any way.

Regarding the comments, I want to repeat the basic ground rules that apply to all threads. I have a very tolerant attitude to try to allow the expression of a full range of opinions on what can be very emotionally charge topics, and I very rarely edit or delete comments. The most important rule is: No threats of or incitation to violence. Violation of this will get you warned and the comment edited or deleted, and repeated violation will get you banned. Another stylistic guideline I appreciate everyone follow: don't post entire articles in the comments - cite relevant sections and provide a link. Aside from that, I encourage everyone to be civil to each other, try to avoid personal attacks, and try to make it a space where everyone feels welcome to share their mana'o. And try to avoid the use of profanity. I realize everyone won't follow all of these guidelines all the time, but please try. In the pu'uhonua threads, all the above applies, and I also limit the topic of conversation as stated in the thread. Finally, aside from the basic reasons above why I might edit or delete a comment, I am not responsible for whatever anyone else may post in the comments. Just because someone posts it here doesn't necessarily mean I agree with it.

I'm glad that folks find value in reading what I post and using the space to discuss it, and it should a positive thing. After all, we are all in this together. Let's make 2007 a good year.

Posted: Mon - January 1, 2007 at 11:21 AM

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A New Year

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