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Andrew Aoki
Joined Kanu Hawaii:
Hometown:
Occupation:
Hometown:
Occupation:
Sep 13, 2007
Kailua, Hawaii
Public Interest Consultant, Dad, Husband, Son
Kailua, Hawaii
Public Interest Consultant, Dad, Husband, Son
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Resigning from the Kanu staff to try to fulfill a commitment
Apr 14, 2009
I know you may have been wondering why I’ve been silent on the Kanu site for some time now (okay, I know no one has been wondering that, but I needed to figure out a way to start this).
With the blessings of my family and the Kanu board and staff, I’ve decided to resign from the staff of Kanu Hawaii. I’ve been asked (out of the blue) to help run a statewide political campaign, and I have agreed to do it. This leap into the unknown has to do with a Kanu commitment I made back in December of 2007.
One of the early commitments to appear on this website was written by my friend, Josh Stanbro: “I will align my career with my values.”
“That’s an easy one,” I thought, since I worked for Kanu Hawaii. But working toward the fulfillment of my values is not exactly the same as aligning my career with my values. It took me a while to realize this.
What I value most is my family and my island home. A few months ago, I was thinking about reducing my work hours to spend more time with my kids and doing more of the things that I really love doing in Hawaii. But recently I’ve been wondering if that’s really the most I could do, particularly given all that concerns me right now. I see things slipping out of reach in terms of our economy, education, environment, culture, and communities.
At Kanu, we have always said that making a personal commitment to change oneself is just the first step in realizing an island vision. Individual behavior is essential, but not adequate to bring about change. We also need business and government to change. And just like personal commitments, how we go about trying to change “the system” is a personal decision. You can vote, participate in rallies, sign petitions, participate in the April 27 Kanu event (shameless plug), run for office, testify at the legislature, organize a community group… or if you’re asked to help run a major campaign that you think will have huge consequences for Hawaii for many years to come… you can say “yes.”
I’ve avoided local politics like the plague. It has repeatedly disappointed me: not just because of the politicians, but also because of us as citizens. I think we have often lacked creativity and courage in our ideas, and we’ve also lacked an ability to work together with aloha for one another. It’s become commonplace for politicians and citizens to false crack each other in order to fulfill personal needs and ambitions. It’s a rough take. The result is mediocrity and we’ve let it happen. That doesn’t mean there aren’t bright spots, but like many of the people I know, I’ve grown weary, suspicious, pessimistic, and cynical. I’ve written about this on this site a number of times.
But staying away from politics because I don’t like it is not “aligning my career with my values,” especially when I’ve been asked to contribute to something as important as the 2010 election. I don’t have any experience in political campaigns, but politics is interesting to me, like how physics or poetry or pro football is interesting, and if I had an expertise it would be in (believe it or not) state economic and social policy. So I do feel obligated to do something other than gripe.
“I’m just doing this out of obligation” is now something we say when we really don’t want to do something. In fact, obligation is now considered one of the worst reasons to do something, since the new motto is, "I do what I like." But the way I was raised—I guess you could say in my native culture—obligation is one of the BEST reasons to do something. Fulfilling a duty to someone or to society fulfills a purpose and makes you stronger.
President Obama has put out a call to action. It’s our generation’s version of President Kennedy saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you…” I think he is asking us to consider doing not just what we like to do, but also what we feel compelled to do—to take some risks in the service of others.
So family, Hawaii, and obligation: three values with which I hope to better align my career. And so, I’m going to try to help change Hawaii in this new way. Will things really change? I honestly don’t know. But I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think it was possible. At least I have a newfound sense of hope. And really, if you spend some time talking to people of all walks of life throughout Hawaii—the vast majority of whom want the same things you do—you will feel inspired too. That better Hawaii may be running from us, but it is still within our grasp.
I remain totally dedicated to Kanu Hawaii, but such as things go, I am leaving my position on Kanu’s staff to avoid any real or perceived conflict that could hamper Kanu’s mission. As a volunteer and as a member, I will do whatever I can to help, as I continue to believe that Kanu and its principles are essential elements for getting Hawaii and the world to a better place and time.
Throughout this campaign, I hope to write now and then in my Kanu journal about this commitment of mine. I think the gap, between those on the inside of politics and those on the outside, is astounding. It’s no one’s fault, it’s just that we let it get that way. As we close this gap, no matter what the election results are, I think we will find an amazing strength if we can work together as island people. Aloha.
With the blessings of my family and the Kanu board and staff, I’ve decided to resign from the staff of Kanu Hawaii. I’ve been asked (out of the blue) to help run a statewide political campaign, and I have agreed to do it. This leap into the unknown has to do with a Kanu commitment I made back in December of 2007.
One of the early commitments to appear on this website was written by my friend, Josh Stanbro: “I will align my career with my values.”
“That’s an easy one,” I thought, since I worked for Kanu Hawaii. But working toward the fulfillment of my values is not exactly the same as aligning my career with my values. It took me a while to realize this.
What I value most is my family and my island home. A few months ago, I was thinking about reducing my work hours to spend more time with my kids and doing more of the things that I really love doing in Hawaii. But recently I’ve been wondering if that’s really the most I could do, particularly given all that concerns me right now. I see things slipping out of reach in terms of our economy, education, environment, culture, and communities.
At Kanu, we have always said that making a personal commitment to change oneself is just the first step in realizing an island vision. Individual behavior is essential, but not adequate to bring about change. We also need business and government to change. And just like personal commitments, how we go about trying to change “the system” is a personal decision. You can vote, participate in rallies, sign petitions, participate in the April 27 Kanu event (shameless plug), run for office, testify at the legislature, organize a community group… or if you’re asked to help run a major campaign that you think will have huge consequences for Hawaii for many years to come… you can say “yes.”
I’ve avoided local politics like the plague. It has repeatedly disappointed me: not just because of the politicians, but also because of us as citizens. I think we have often lacked creativity and courage in our ideas, and we’ve also lacked an ability to work together with aloha for one another. It’s become commonplace for politicians and citizens to false crack each other in order to fulfill personal needs and ambitions. It’s a rough take. The result is mediocrity and we’ve let it happen. That doesn’t mean there aren’t bright spots, but like many of the people I know, I’ve grown weary, suspicious, pessimistic, and cynical. I’ve written about this on this site a number of times.
But staying away from politics because I don’t like it is not “aligning my career with my values,” especially when I’ve been asked to contribute to something as important as the 2010 election. I don’t have any experience in political campaigns, but politics is interesting to me, like how physics or poetry or pro football is interesting, and if I had an expertise it would be in (believe it or not) state economic and social policy. So I do feel obligated to do something other than gripe.
“I’m just doing this out of obligation” is now something we say when we really don’t want to do something. In fact, obligation is now considered one of the worst reasons to do something, since the new motto is, "I do what I like." But the way I was raised—I guess you could say in my native culture—obligation is one of the BEST reasons to do something. Fulfilling a duty to someone or to society fulfills a purpose and makes you stronger.
President Obama has put out a call to action. It’s our generation’s version of President Kennedy saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you…” I think he is asking us to consider doing not just what we like to do, but also what we feel compelled to do—to take some risks in the service of others.
So family, Hawaii, and obligation: three values with which I hope to better align my career. And so, I’m going to try to help change Hawaii in this new way. Will things really change? I honestly don’t know. But I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think it was possible. At least I have a newfound sense of hope. And really, if you spend some time talking to people of all walks of life throughout Hawaii—the vast majority of whom want the same things you do—you will feel inspired too. That better Hawaii may be running from us, but it is still within our grasp.
I remain totally dedicated to Kanu Hawaii, but such as things go, I am leaving my position on Kanu’s staff to avoid any real or perceived conflict that could hamper Kanu’s mission. As a volunteer and as a member, I will do whatever I can to help, as I continue to believe that Kanu and its principles are essential elements for getting Hawaii and the world to a better place and time.
Throughout this campaign, I hope to write now and then in my Kanu journal about this commitment of mine. I think the gap, between those on the inside of politics and those on the outside, is astounding. It’s no one’s fault, it’s just that we let it get that way. As we close this gap, no matter what the election results are, I think we will find an amazing strength if we can work together as island people. Aloha.
Comments (3)
Apr 14, 2009
Kaimana Pine said...
Sorry, I've been wondering why the silence :) Hearing about politics from the inside and out my personal belief is the old saying "the world is what we make of it". Kanu is such a wonderful tool for the exchange and perpetuation of Kuleana values, providing a stepping stone for those willing to become participants no matter what venue. I'll always remember you talking about Kanu at a CHNA conference years ago, I'm still impressed by that. I wish you the best in your endeavor and a big mahalo for all you've done with Kanu Hawai'i, myself and others will always benefit from your hard work. Aloha, -Kaimana Pine
Apr 15, 2009
Ryan Kanno said...
Andrew - Congratulations and best of luck!
Oct 13, 2009
Joannie Pan said...
Oh, this is months late but congratulations on your discovery and moving towards aligning your career with your values. I have been wondering for awhile now where you've been (though I may have seen you at the airport with the candidate you're working with a few months ago) and just stumbled onto this entry today. thanks for sharing with us your commitment and good luck! *high five*
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