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2000 Maui Bear Hugs – Diane Logsdon – Maui League of Republican Women- we were encouraged to be invited. Many people think that Jason, who was a Green party candidate and a Democrat as well, couldn’t be friends with and agree with Republicans. Well now you know. Good will crosses any party lines and is a “party” of love !
Future Councilwoman JoAnne Johnson/ JoAnne Winer
Summary
The video transcript captures a community meeting hosted by the Maui League of Republican Women, focusing on a heartfelt and impactful public service project called the “Maui Bear Pugs” initiative. The project aims to distribute teddy bears to children and victims of trauma throughout the community as a source of comfort and emotional support. The meeting features introductions, announcements about upcoming events, acknowledgments of contributors, and speeches from community leaders and law enforcement representatives who emphasize the importance of compassion and hope in healing trauma.
The meeting begins with a spirited and uplifting song celebrating “Maui style,” symbolizing local pride and community spirit. It transitions into formal proceedings, including the Pledge of Allegiance and introductions of key individuals involved in the project, such as Diane and Joanne, who spearheaded the teddy bear initiative. The project’s goal is to provide teddy bears to children in crisis, partnering with local police, fire stations, and emergency medical teams to distribute the bears as comforting tokens during difficult times.
Several community figures, including police sergeants and deputies, endorse the initiative, sharing personal testimonies on how the teddy bears have helped children and even officers cope with trauma. The meeting also covers logistical details such as fundraising luncheons, membership drives targeting teenagers, and upcoming events featuring political candidates and motivational speakers. The emphasis throughout is on community engagement, outreach, and the power of kindness to uplift those facing adversity.
The video closes with a reprise of the opening song, reinforcing the message of unity, hope, and the enduring spirit of Maui.
Highlights
- [00:01] Uplifting opening song celebrating “Maui style” and community pride.
- [06:06] Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting.
- [12:27] Introduction of the “Maui Bear Pugs” teddy bear project aimed at comforting traumatized children.
- [16:14] ♂️ Law enforcement leaders praise the teddy bear initiative as a source of hope and healing.
- [08:15] ️ Announcement of a fundraising luncheon with side auctions to support the project.
- [09:19] ️ Plans to expand teenage membership and upcoming officer elections at local schools.
- [20:10] ️ Promotion of a candidate night and motivational speaker events to encourage civic engagement.
Key Insights
- [00:01] Cultural Identity as a Unifying Force: The repeated chorus of “Maui style” not only sets an uplifting tone but also serves as a reminder of the unique cultural identity that binds the community together. It underscores how local pride is integral to the group’s cohesion and motivation to serve. This highlights the importance of cultural context in community organizing.
- [12:27] Teddy Bears as Therapeutic Tools: The project’s core insight is the recognition of teddy bears as more than toys—they are therapeutic tools that provide comfort and security to children experiencing trauma. This simple, tangible gesture can significantly impact emotional healing, particularly in situations involving police or emergency interventions. It shows how community initiatives can creatively address mental health needs.
- [16:14] ♂️ Community-Police Collaboration: The active involvement and endorsement from police officials reveal a strong partnership between the community group and law enforcement. This collaboration enhances trust and demonstrates a holistic approach to public safety, where emotional support is integrated with traditional policing efforts. It is a model for community policing that fosters empathy and support.
- [08:15] Fundraising and Sustainability: The detailed planning of fundraising events such as luncheons and auctions is crucial for the sustainability of social projects. By involving community members in enjoyable social activities, the initiative secures resources while also raising awareness. This emphasizes the importance of strategic event planning in nonprofit success.
- [09:19] Youth Engagement and Leadership Development: The focus on recruiting teenagers and holding officer elections within youth groups reflects an understanding that cultivating young leaders ensures the longevity of community service efforts. Engaging youth also builds civic responsibility and political awareness from an early age.
- [20:10] ️ Political Involvement as Civic Duty: The promotion of a candidates’ night and motivational speakers stresses the importance of informed political participation. It encourages members to actively engage in democracy, ask critical questions, and support leaders who align with their values. This highlights the intersection of community service and political activism.
- [16:44] Message of Hope and Compassion: The repeated emphasis on “lighting candles of hope” and the power of good over negativity encapsulates the philosophical foundation of the group’s work. It’s a powerful reminder that grassroots initiatives rooted in compassion can counterbalance broader societal challenges and create meaningful change in individuals’ lives.
Additional Observations
- The meeting’s format, blending formal procedures with personal stories and community interaction, creates an inclusive atmosphere conducive to participation and volunteerism.
- The use of humor and lighthearted moments, such as the playful banter about teddy bears, helps maintain engagement and humanizes the group dynamic.
- The project’s focus on tangible actions—distributing teddy bears, fundraising, and organizing events—illustrates effective community mobilization that translates values into concrete outcomes.
- The transcript reveals a strong female leadership presence, highlighting the critical role of women in local political and social initiatives.
- The closing reiteration of “Maui style” reinforces the message that community spirit and mutual support are essential for resilience and progress.
Overall, the transcript presents a compelling example of how local organizations can harness cultural pride, community collaboration, and compassionate outreach to address social issues and foster a supportive environment for all residents.
Transcript
No matter where you go, no matter what you do, take that Maui style with you. Cause if you ain’t Maui styling, you just living on an island. Maui style, don’t let me down. Maui style, don’t let me down. Maui style, don’t let me down. Maui style, don’t let me down. There is sunshine in your heart.
00:30
it’s been with you from the start don’t stop me now
01:05
Your mother, your father, your sister and brother. There is love in this family. Pick yourself up and get on your feet. Don’t stop me now. Don’t let me down. Don’t let me down.
“Maui Stylin” by Lono…used by permission
03:17
Does that positioning of the sign and the bear mean that the Maui League of Republican Women is a bunch of teddy bears? All right, Jason.
03:47
I know that if you could talk, you’d be saying
04:06
I want to find a nice home. I want to give someone some love when they need it. What about your brother or sister next door? All you guys. I see you.
04:36
I think they’re not going to eat very much. We’re not a teddy bear, but you’re welcome.
05:06
I thought they were eating personal bodyguards. They are. She means like she’s Republican.
05:32
So what I’d like to do is
05:45
Hi, Patty. It’s an issue. If everybody can stand, then we’ll have the pledge. Thank you. Would you like to raise your hands? Our honorable leaders to pledge. Here’s the flag. Thank you.
06:06
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
06:21
Okay, be seated. What I’d like you to do is introduce your neighbor. Okay, so we all get to know one another. Tyler Moses. I’m right way below him. Way below him. Your assistant. And we’re really, we’re very, very fortunate to have them here for our Maui Bear Pugs kickoff project. And I pulled through some other officers on duty to take your place. So thanks for coming. Yes, thank you very much.
06:50
You have four minutes.
06:51
And this is Mr. Jim, or otherwise known as Joanne Johnson, my wife. And I will introduce our president and stalwart leader here. Listen, we really appreciate all the work that Terry, I always want to say Kim because that’s your daughter’s name, Terry Craven, and we thank her for all her hard work.
07:21
I think you ought to give some credit to her mother. Oh, definitely. Okay, that’s what I am. Okay, again, welcome to all of you. It’s wonderful to see you. And what we’re going to do is we’re going to just go through our business meeting as we’re being served lunch. So please feel comfortable to keep while we’re doing this because we want you to have your uninvited attention when we…
07:46
do our barricades presentation. Okay. So what we’ll do right now is work by one of the local ladies here. Where is it going to be? It’s going to be at the Outriggers. Which used to be the Intercom next door. It is now at Outriggers. And it will be Saturday, September 16th. And the tickets will be $40 per person. And it’ll be a…
08:15
a nice luncheon, and we’ll have a side auction and door prices also. And we’re looking for committees. Next meeting will happen. And a portion of this money is going to support Bear’s amount. Bear Hooks. Bear Hooks. Okay, so it’s a really good fundraiser. Okay, now, because it’s two different schools and we haven’t
08:44
quite gotten the memberships up from the public schools. But we hope to do that this year. The bulk of the membership used to be from Ka’umana O. Last year we had 27 teenagers. And so I think, I believe,
09:03
Usually our meetings are the second Sundays, but because of the hat staying this past Sunday, I believe they have postponed the meeting to this coming Sunday in the garden over there at First Assembly of God Church.
09:19
So the meeting’s going to be at 5 o’clock. If you know any teenagers that would like to be a part of it, invite them to come. They’re going to vote in the rest of their officers for this coming year. And hopefully we’ll have them. What is Ordona’s name? How do you first name Ordona?
09:39
One of the co-chairmen? Oh, Pono Ornez. Pono. Pono Ornez is one of the co-chairs. He will be at Baltimore High School. He’s going to be a senior at Baltimore High School. And the other is Bobby Evans. He’s also a senior. Is there a phone number if people want to get in touch with Taz?
09:57
Well, I think probably they could call me. Okay. What’s your number? 667-7541. Very good. Thank you. May I make a report on the TARs, please, Patty?
10:13
Briefly, I want you to know that the Tars were fabulous at the Hatch Party. They were so handsome and so beautiful. And they won all kinds of prizes. So I’m very proud of them. And I do thank all of you who sponsored them and who helped to bring them. They were just beautiful.
10:57
Come on. Come on, Diane.
11:12
. . . . .
11:32
Come on, guys. Great. Hi.
11:59
Wow, more bears than can fit in the table. This is Petey, our spokesman. Oh yeah? Yeah. He only speaks when spoken to, is he good? No, he speaks when spoken to. Petey? Petey. Yes sir. Hi Petey. Hi.
12:27
And she spearheaded this. This is one of her ideas. She brought it before our executive board. And we thought it was such a great idea because we would like to get our names out into the community because Republicans are very caring people. And we would like people to know that. Because according to the press, oftentimes you don’t hear that.
12:56
So Diane worked very, very hard getting this together. She spent a lot, a lot of hours. And we would like to introduce her. And she’s going to present the paper. Thank you, Diane. Well, as Terry said, we decided we wanted to do a project, a public service project. And we thought that this might be a really good, fun one to do because
13:25
We all know people who’ve had traumas of some kind or another. And there’s nothing more comforting than hugging a teddy bear. We all know that. So that’s what we decided to do. So what we plan to do is go out in the community
13:50
And we’ll have wanted posters like this so that we can get people to donate bears for money because we can buy the bears. And so we’ll have some of these around. And we’re going to ask you all to help us distribute them. And then we need to get locations where we can get the bears dropped off. We’re hoping the police station is one, of course.
14:19
And if they have some kind of a container or something for them to… A bear cage. A bear cage. A bear cage or a den. The fire stations have been very cooperative when I was doing a benefit for Hawaii when they were blowing fire stations. Oh, yeah. Try that.
14:41
Well, eventually, if we get enough bears going, we’d like to be able to supply the fire station, too, as well. The fire station and the EMTs and everybody. Because we feel it’s really an important part of…
14:57
Everyday living. So, anyway, I guess what I’d like to do at this point is present to you all these pairs that we brought today. Oh, I appreciate it. And you get to take them all home with you. And I’d love to have you say a few words. I certainly will. Okay? Thank you. Thank you.
15:22
I don’t want to take your place here. No, no. I’m not a very spontaneous guy, so I put together a little, just a real short spiel, because unless I have a beer in my hand, I’m not very funny.
15:36
But certainly, Mrs. Johnson, and whoever was involved in the intricacies of this, because I’m not quite sure. I don’t want to leave anybody out. I did the calling. She is the 10th mother. And to all of you, the Maury Eagle Republican voters, on behalf of Chief Phillips and certainly Sergeant Moses Conahan, who, by the way, was being humbled.
16:02
He’s our community relations sergeant, and he’s done an excellent job over the years with a wide variety of programs, Neighborhood Crime Watch, DARE, a lot of summer programs, great training.
16:14
And this guy who I was blessed to work with in the early years of my career when I had hair. He’s a truly beloved, great partner of mine who taught me a lot. We went through a lot of interesting times when we grew. But on behalf of our entire police department, we certainly want to extend a heartfelt mahalo for your efforts to help light small candles of hope and emit rays of light for the many people
16:44
who find themselves in unfortunate situations. In the hustle and bustle of daily life and its many rigors, we are reminded by people such as you that the human heart is good and we can never let the negative issues of the world overcome the power of good and hope. Your efforts are one of hope, of compassion and caring. Thank you for taking the time in your busy world
17:12
to help your police agency and the many victims who need comfort in their trauma. As the saying goes, it is better to light one candle of hope than it is to curse the darkness. God bless all of you. Thank you. Now it’s your turn. I think both of you.
17:41
As Deputy Ocana has said, I’ve been involved with children and victims. I was an investigator investigating sexual assaults of juvenile children. And we used to go down to the Children’s Advocacy Center when we did our interviews.
18:10
Sometimes the child bringing up what had happened to them is a very, of course, dramatic experience. Suddenly in front of a guy like me, 10,000 pounds, they have animals, bears, and just having them comforting themselves really, really helps.
18:38
And I know for a fact that it does help our peace officers, too, as they come upon a situation where a bear can go home. And thank you very much for inviting me. But Debbie and I, have we enjoyed your lunch? Oh, good. Thank you.
19:08
Again, Diane and Joanne, I’m sorry. Thank you for all your hard work because I think this is a really, really wonderful project for the community and children. And our special guest, thank you. Okay. 829-122. 829-122. July meetings.
19:36
Cabinet’s night will be held here on July 20th at 6 p.m. $25 per person, I’m sorry, but that’s, you know, the least we can get at July 20th at 6 p.m. That includes your dinner? It includes dinner.
19:50
And I’ve already talked to Tim Kennedy. One of them is Russ Francis, who is a fabulous man. I think he has a really great chance of, you know, putting up a good fight. I love Stan for the issues. And a wonderful, very soft-spoken man. We took him to the airport on Sunday.
20:10
You’re so gentle. This man hounded people. He’s just a great, great candidate. So it will be a really wonderful evening. I mean, we expect the candidates to speak for 10 minutes, depending on how many we have. And then we’ll open the floor for questions so that you can ask what you really need to have answered. And they’re there for you and very willing to come speak.
20:35
to us all. So put that on your calendar, a very important night. And then also our July 11th lunch meeting, which will be here. What we want to do, we’re inviting Sam Sloan. And here is an incredible speaker. I’ve never heard of him myself. He just came, talked to EcomoMind, and did a very, very good job. He answered lots of good questions. So keep that on your calendars.
21:04
One last thing to remember as a mom who has a child in high school, this is the second, we’re second in the country for private school registration. That really says something about the education and the state. So we can really help. We can’t sit here, we have to do. We cannot be silent anymore. So, with that, I guess that’s it. Thank you very much.
21:34
Thank you.
22:04
This is a great thing that you’re doing, and I know that the warmth that comes from hugging a bear just can’t be denied.
22:24
No matter where you go, no matter what you do, take that Maui style with you. Cause if you ain’t Maui styling, you just living on an island. Maui style, don’t let me down. Maui style, don’t let me down. Maui style, don’t let me down. Maui style, don’t let me down. There is sunshine in your heart.
22:53
It’s been with you from the start. Lift your head, look to the heaven, and you will feel brand new again. Don’t stop me now, my least island only.
23:24
Reach out your hand and help each other Your mother, your father, your sister and brother There is love in this family Pick yourself up and get on your feet Don’t stop me now, my wings fly away, away away
24:04
A country stylin’ Campo stylin’ Ka Hana Pali stylin’ Hana stylin’ Paihu stylin’ Paihia stylin
