12-29-2008, 06:47 AM
quote:I am one of these, Menehune. I found PunaWeb in late 2007, participated with 302 posts between then and the end of July this year (2008). I had the pleasure of meeting several Punatics in person at a PunaParty at KapohoCat's house with my wife (Pamela) during our vacation there in July. Many nice folk here on PunaWeb.
Originally posted by Menehune
...How many members now lurk instead of engage because of these changes?
I am Hawaiian by birth (certificate, not blood), and I've always had Hawaii in my heart, even though I haven't lived there in over 40 years. It is still our plan to retire somewhere in the Puna area in about a year. I believe that Pamela and I will contribute in many ways to whichever Hawaiian neighborhood that we ultimately settle in, with good intentions and strong wishes to participate in our community with aloha.
I have learned tremendously from the PunaWeb forums, this one as well as the "Building in Puna" forum and the "Puna Politics" forum. For the most part, I highly value the opinions shared here, at least when they are constructive. Liberal, conservative, I don't care, as long as you're respectful, thoughtful, and constructive.
Having said that, the rough-and-tumble of this website, the sometimes negative attitudes that I perceived (and I understand that my perception may not always reflect reality) about what I've tried to say, and about immigrants to Hawaii in general, pushed me down into the "lurker" category.
I have no desire to troll, flame, or otherwise elevate emotions, or even participate in a heated debate about much of anything. I am interested in watching and learning. I'd like to share what I have to offer, but my experience led me to believe my way of sharing, or what I have to share, isn't welcome by some here on PunaWeb. I'll go back under the radar now, and continue to lurk. Since July, I've found that lurking works pretty well for me.
PunaWeb is a valuable resource for me, and I'm very grateful that Mr. Tucker has taken the time and energy to make this forum available to everybody with Puna, Hawaii, and aloha in their spirit.
Mele Kalikimaka (belatedly), blessings and best wishes to all, and I hope that 2009 brings everybody good fortune.
Mark and Pamela Geary
Aloha! ;-)
Aloha! ;-)