Page 7 - MidWeek - Jan 4, 2023

Dear Darah,
I love the light you shine on gratitude and goodness within our commu- nity. It truly helps us all to see the positives around us and stirs us to continue being the aloha spirit in action. When I think of these values, I can’t help but think of Hawaiian Airlines pilot Capt. Rodney Chun. I’ve been lucky enough to fly with him on numerous occasions and his generous character is ever-consistent, if not more infectious and abun- dant each time, throughout the years. He is humble, kind and servant-hearted. What most in the in-flight department would credit him for is how he feeds
Dear Darah,
showing the children around, building cockpit props and running the simulator for them to “fly,” in hopes of igniting a spark in the young ones.
Dear Leah and Lisa,
JANUARY 4, 2023 MIDWEEK 7
Kindness Takes Off Beyond The Terminal
us copious amounts of deli- cious food. But that’s not all.
For over 25 years I’ve known Rodney, and he has been a pillar of positivity, gen- erosity, personal strength and selflessness, always putting others’ needs before his own. He recently flew from Hawai‘i to Poland to help deliver food to Ukrainian refugees, and all at his own expense and (on his) time off.
Rodney epitomizes the definition of an angel who does things out of the good in his heart and is always thinking about how to make life better for the next per- son. I’m sure everyone who meets him is in awe of his generous spirit, and his rep- utation for being kind reach- es farther than he knows.
Mail letters to MidWeek c/o Mahalo Nui at 500 Ala Moa- na Blvd. Ste. 7-500, Honolulu HI 96813, or email mahal- onuiwithdarah@gmail.com. Include your name, where on the island you reside, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of the person you’ re thanking.
If you watch Rodney as he lives and loves, you’ll notice his excellence, thoughtful- ness, attention to detail and inclusiveness to all he encoun- ters. He creates connection, a sense of belonging, joyfulness and shares without expecta- tion. He is the definition of a legacy of aloha. Mahalo, Rodney. You are a treasure to our local community and world and your compassion overflow has impacted and inspired more than you know. May the goodness you exude return to you tenfold.
Leah Yim Hawai‘i Kai
Rodney assists an elderly houseless woman who lives in her minivan by taking her to the doctor, watches her three dogs, and buys her food and smoothie drinks to help keep her nourished. Rodney is al- ways happy to help countless friends with computer, car, and home repairs without ex- pecting payment and refusing
Pilot Rodney Chun
For years, he has had a standing order with Kame- hameha Bakery to buy poi doughnuts in the morning not only for his crew but also for the ground crews. He takes it upon himself to personally help offload bags at stations to help the baggage guys out and assists in helping families with their stroller and car seats so they would not have to wait long. These are only a few of the many, many things that I have personally known of or seen Rodney do.
any compensation.
He recently bought a friend
a generator and equipped a room with air conditioning so that his friend’s health-chal- lenged son didn’t have to go without oxygen if there was a power interruption. He is a constant volunteer at Hawai- ian Airlines career days by
Lisa Spencer ‘Aiea