TNZ-230821 Jason Schwartz Biden Was Here Day . At the Very Hour President Biden arrived on Maui to view the Disaster Maui Wildfires in Lahaina & Upcountry
Summary & Transcript
Industry Report Summary: Cultural, Environmental, and Community Resilience in Maui Post-Wildfires
Based on the Video Transcript of Jason Schwartz’s “Maui Neutral Zone” Talk Show, August 21, 2023
– [00:00 → 07:13] Key Findings and Context
The transcript opens with an urgent community response to the devastating wildfires that struck Lahaina and surrounding areas on Maui. The arrival of President Biden to assess the disaster underscores the severity of the event and the national recognition of its impact. The speaker, Jason Schwartz, frames the tragedy as a collective loss, emphasizing Maui’s identity and resilience. Despite not being physically in Lahaina during the fires, Schwartz expresses deep connection and commitment to the island’s future.
The wildfires have left a profound mark on Maui’s cultural and social fabric. Notably, historic and spiritual centers such as Maria Lanakila Church survived the flames, symbolizing hope and continuity. Schwartz acknowledges the longstanding efforts of community leaders and organizations addressing local needs long before the disaster, illustrating the island’s tradition of mutual aid and care.
– [07:13 → 16:39] Trends in Community-Led Recovery and Sustainability
Schwartz highlights an emerging model termed “Dream Maui,” which advocates for self-sustained community development integrating Hawaiian culture, environmental stewardship, arts, and technology. This vision promotes economic and social sustainability by balancing traditional values with modern innovations. The approach seeks to reduce external dependencies, particularly in food and housing, and aims to create a replicable blueprint for island resilience.
The transcript references the evolving music and arts sectors as pivotal drivers of economic recovery and cultural preservation. The recent strikes in global entertainment industries underline a shift in how artists are compensated, with an emphasis on fairness and sustainability. Maui’s model aspires to incorporate these lessons, creating new revenue streams for local artists and musicians, fostering a creative economy that supports the broader community.
– [16:39 → 27:22] Opportunities in Integrated Cultural and Environmental Initiatives
The discussion underscores opportunities to leverage Maui’s rich cultural heritage and natural environment as foundations for sustainable development. Schwartz envisions an integrated system involving local government, artists, environmentalists, and independent community groups working collaboratively.
Key opportunities include:
- Utilizing the arts as a platform for community healing and economic empowerment.
- Developing decentralized, transparent systems for resource management and economic participation.
- Promoting Hawaiian cultural values such as Aloha as central to community identity and global appeal.
- Creating robust networks for sharing local talent and environmental solutions globally.
The arrival of national leadership is seen as a pivotal moment to accelerate these initiatives, with hopes that federal attention will translate into meaningful support and recognition of Maui’s unique challenges and potential.
– [27:22 → 36:53] Challenges and Community Dynamics
The transcript candidly addresses challenges including governance complexities, balancing tourism with local needs, and overcoming historical injustices against Native Hawaiians. There is an acknowledgment of lingering tensions and barriers that must be dismantled to foster unity and collective action.
The disaster has exposed vulnerabilities in emergency preparedness and infrastructure, prompting calls for thorough review and reform. Additionally, the transition from short-term to long-term housing solutions highlights ongoing struggles with affordability and displacement exacerbated by the wildfire aftermath.
Schwartz’s reflections reveal a community at a crossroads, seeking to harness its diversity and strengths while healing from trauma. His long-term engagement with Maui’s political and cultural landscape provides a unique perspective on how grassroots efforts can complement official recovery programs.
– [36:53 → 50:24] Cultural Preservation and Creative Economy as Pillars of Recovery
The transcript underscores the importance of cultural preservation as both a healing mechanism and an economic opportunity. Schwartz references collaborations with key local musicians and artists who embody Maui’s spirit and serve as cultural ambassadors.
The creative economy is positioned as a key sector in rebuilding efforts, with plans to establish sustainable funding models that fairly compensate artists and support cultural programming. This approach aligns with broader global trends seeking to protect indigenous knowledge and arts from exploitation while enhancing community prosperity.
Schwartz’s personal narratives about Maui’s musical heritage and his vision for future cultural showcases emphasize the role of creativity in fostering resilience and identity amidst adversity.
– [50:24 → 56:07] Recommendations for Long-Term Recovery and Resilience
The closing sections of the transcript offer concrete recommendations for Maui’s recovery strategy, grounded in community participation, transparency, and innovation:
- Build an integrated, independent entity (such as the proposed Mama Maui Arts and Music Association) to coordinate cultural, environmental, and economic initiatives.
- Establish sustainable revenue models that reinvest in local infrastructure, housing, and environmental restoration, ensuring that aid benefits the community equitably.
- Leverage public access media and digital platforms to amplify local voices and cultural narratives globally, attracting support and fostering solidarity.
- Promote environmental stewardship as a central pillar of recovery, balancing tourism with ecosystem preservation and climate resilience.
- Prioritize healing and inclusivity, using arts and culture to bridge divides and honor Hawaiian traditions while embracing innovation.
Schwartz emphasizes that this moment is a global opportunity to showcase how a small island community can lead by example in sustainability, cultural respect, and collaborative recovery.
Summary of Key Findings
- Devastating Wildfires: The Lahaina wildfires represent a profound loss for Maui, affecting its people, culture, and environment.
- Community Resilience: Maui’s strength lies in its community bonds, cultural heritage, and local leadership, which are central to recovery.
- Dream Maui Vision: A self-sustaining, integrated model combining environmental care, cultural preservation, and economic innovation offers a pathway forward.
- Creative Economy Potential: Supporting artists and musicians fairly can drive economic recovery and cultural healing.
- Challenges to Overcome: Governance, housing, emergency preparedness, and historical inequities remain pressing issues needing collaborative solutions.
- National Attention: The presence of federal leadership creates momentum and resources that must be harnessed effectively.
- Global Model: Maui aspires to be an example of sustainable island living, balancing tradition and technology for prosperity and well-being.
Industry Trends
- Shift toward community-driven, decentralized development emphasizing sustainability and cultural integrity.
- Growth of the creative economy as a vital sector for small communities recovering from disaster.
- Increasing recognition of indigenous knowledge and practices in environmental and social policy.
- Emerging models for fair compensation and digital monetization of arts and culture.
- Heightened focus on climate resilience and disaster preparednessglobally, with local case studies informing best practices.
Challenges
- Coordinating diverse stakeholders across government, nonprofits, and grassroots groups.
- Addressing affordable housing shortages and transitioning from tourism-dependent economies.
- Overcoming social fragmentation and historical injustices to build inclusive recovery processes.
- Ensuring sustainable funding streams that remain local-controlled and transparent.
- Integrating modern technology with traditional cultural values without commodifying or diluting them.
Opportunities
- Position Maui as a global leader in regenerative island living and cultural revival.
- Develop innovative public-private partnerships supporting arts, environment, and community welfare.
- Utilize media platforms like Maui Neutral Zone and Akaku to amplify voices and attract global support.
- Foster education and training programs focused on sustainability, arts management, and cultural preservation.
- Create scalable models for other vulnerable island communities worldwide facing climate crises.
Recommendations
- Formalize the Dream Maui Initiative as a central coordinating body to unify recovery efforts across sectors.
- Invest in long-term housing solutions prioritizing local residents and sustainable development practices.
- Expand funding mechanisms for artists and musicians through digital platforms, sponsorships, and community contributions.
- Enhance emergency protocols and infrastructure to prevent or mitigate future disasters.
- Celebrate and promote Hawaiian culture as a core asset in tourism, education, and community identity.
- Cultivate global partnerships that respect local autonomy while sharing resources and knowledge.
- Maintain transparent communication channels to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
This comprehensive summary synthesizes the heartfelt reflections and visionary proposals from the transcript, offering a roadmap for Maui’s recovery that honors its past while innovating for a resilient, vibrant future.
Industry & Market Reports Summary
Summary of Video Transcript: Jason Schwartz’s Maui Neutral Zone Show (August 21, 2023)
[00:00 → 06:38] Introduction and Reflections on the Maui Wildfires and Community Response
- [00:00] The show opens with host Jason Schwartz greeting listeners on Monday, August 21, 2023, while acknowledging the devastating wildfires in Lahaina and Kula, Maui. President Biden’s arrival to assess the catastrophe is noted.
- Jason expresses the need for global prayers and support for the people affected by the fires. He mentions originally scheduled guests who could not join due to their involvement in recovery efforts.
- Though not physically in Lahaina, Jason shares his deep connection to Maui, especially Lahaina’s Front Street, where he spent formative years.
- He offers prayers and blessings for those who passed and those grieving, emphasizing the strength and sensitivity of the Maui community.
- Jason recalls important local landmarks like Maria Lanakila Church, which survived the fires, and the work of community leaders such as Terry Watanabe involved in feeding the homeless.
- The host highlights the ongoing efforts of locals fighting the fires and supporting displaced residents.
- He acknowledges questions about emergency protocols and the need for a thorough inspection and systemic reset in response to the disaster.
- Reflecting on his arrival in Maui in 1991, Jason discusses his evolving understanding and respect for Hawaiian culture and the island’s people.
- He hopes this tragedy will lead to greater recognition and respect for Hawaiian culture, referencing President Clinton’s 1993 apology regarding Hawaiian sovereignty.
- Jason introduces his long-term vision of “Dream Maui,” a self-sustaining community model that integrates tourism, local needs, technology, and culture.
- He stresses the importance of “adding to” rather than “taking from” Maui, emphasizing sustainability, cultural respect, and community inclusion.
[06:38 → 14:11] Vision for Dream Maui: Self-Sustainability, Culture, and the Arts
- [06:38] Jason elaborates on Dream Maui as a blueprint for a sustainable future that marries traditional Hawaiian values with modern technology, emphasizing decentralization, transparency, and no waste.
- He envisions Maui as a global example for food production, housing (especially for elders), arts, music, and culture.
- Drawing parallels with ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry (Actors Guild, Writers Guild), he underscores the necessity for fair compensation for artists and musicians amid changing economic models.
- Dream Maui aims to create a funding system supporting environmental projects, cultural activities, and local jobs through an integrated, self-sustaining model.
- Jason expresses hope that President Biden’s visit will bring meaningful support and awareness.
- He invites listeners to engage with Team Aloha, a group working on music and art shows that generate income for environmental and cultural projects.
- The concept of removing “self” from the economic equation is highlighted as a pathway to abundance and community well-being.
- Jason reflects on past media coverage and interviews promoting Maui’s potential, expressing optimism that this disaster will serve as a catalyst for positive transformation.
[14:11 → 20:37] Personal History, Community Building, and the Importance of Unity
- [14:11] Jason shares more about his personal history on Maui, including early jobs and involvement in renewable energy advisory groups.
- He recalls collaborations with notable figures such as Willie Nelson and Roger Dubin, and the challenges faced in promoting arts and culture locally.
- Despite setbacks, Jason remains committed to maintaining an independent voice for Maui’s future.
- He reflects on the magnitude of the Lahaina wildfire tragedy, emphasizing its impact not just on the place but on his personal journey and community.
- Jason recounts the founding of the Mama Maui Arts and Music Association and the Lion Art Society, organizations aimed at fostering community through arts.
- He stresses the power of crisis to bring people together and hopes the world will continue to support Maui beyond the immediate aftermath.
- Jason describes a recent visit to Oahu, contrasting urban development with the devastation in Lahaina, and reiterates the need to preserve and promote Maui’s unique culture.
- He envisions Maui as a global hub where artists and musicians can thrive economically and culturally, influencing sustainable development worldwide.
[20:37 → 27:22] Climate Change, Environmental Focus, and Integrated Economic Model
- [20:37] Jason stresses the significance of climate change, noting the unusual and catastrophic nature of the wildfires on remote Hawaiian islands.
- He proposes an economic and environmental model grounded in a “thirds” concept: one-third for the environment, one-third for the creators of art and music, and one-third for marketing and administration.
- This tripartite approach aims to create fairness, sustainability, and a holistic integration of culture, ecology, and commerce.
- Jason emphasizes the energetic and spiritual importance of the event and its lasting impact on the community.
- He expresses hope for spiritual and inspirational leaders to emerge and help guide healing.
- The show is a call-in talk format, inviting listeners to share thoughts and engage in dialogue.
- Jason highlights the role of Maui Neutral Zone and its archives as resources for ongoing community education and engagement.
- The goal is to transform the acute crisis into a chronic, sustainable system that supports artists, musicians, and environmental efforts.
[27:22 → 32:02] Community Engagement, Donations, and Support Systems
- [27:22] Jason calls for community participation in Dream Maui’s matrix, emphasizing decentralization and collective ownership.
- He recalls a past concert organized to resurface a playground, illustrating how community events can serve multiple beneficial purposes.
- The integration of environmental care with arts and culture is seen as a core strategy.
- He outlines plans for local video and audio production studios linked with educational institutions to foster local talent and generate revenue.
- This revenue is envisioned as reinvested into the community to support housing, environmental monitoring, and long-term sustainability.
- Jason discusses the transition of short-term rentals to long-term rentals as a positive trend for housing stability.
- He encourages listeners to explore the extensive archives of past shows and to participate through calls and online engagement.
- The show promotes unity and cooperation among diverse groups, including the Unity Church, which supports people of all denominations.
- Jason acknowledges long-time supporters and sponsors, emphasizing the collective effort needed to rebuild and strengthen Maui.
[32:02 → 37:36] Station Support, Community Announcements, and Call to Action
- [32:02] Jason explains that KAKU 88.5 FM is a listener-supported station reliant on donations and underwriting from the community.
- He encourages listeners to donate to keep the voice of Maui strong and to support programs like The Neutral Zone.
- Community PSA announcements, including messages from local organizations like Cub Scouts and Goodwill, are aired.
- Jason reiterates the reach of the station and encourages listeners worldwide to connect via the internet and other platforms.
- He highlights the mission of Dream Maui and Maui Arts and Music Association to promote environmental solutions, Hawaiian culture, and sustainable economic development beyond just tourism.
- The show aims to break down limiting beliefs, foster cooperation, and showcase Maui as a place of love and resilience.
[37:36 → 52:58] Music Feature and Reflections on Maui’s Musical Legacy
- [37:36] Jason plays an award-winning song by Louise Lambert called “Peace in Our Hearts,” setting a reflective and hopeful tone.
- He shares stories about Hawaiian musicians he has known over the years, including Lono, a Hawaiian artist who now teaches and performs in Molokai.
- Jason honors the memory of musicians who have passed and reflects on his long personal journey in the music business.
- He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to combine his passion for music and community activism.
- Jason encourages collaboration among local artists, emphasizing the role of art and music in environmental and community healing.
- He hopes President Biden’s visit brings appreciation and support to Maui, though he remains cautious about the political scrutiny that will follow.
- Jason continues to invite listener involvement via call-ins and online platforms.
[52:58 → 56:07] Closing Remarks and Call for Global Attention
- [52:58] Jason plays “Unlock the Hope,” a song wriitten by my friend Lono, which calls for change and collective action.
- He reminisces about past collaborations and the dedicated staff at KAKU and AKAKU who help deliver community media.
- The host emphasizes the historic importance of this moment for Maui and the opportunity to showcase it globally.
- He encourages ongoing participation in the Dream Maui initiative and stresses that the Hawaiian people’s voice and culture must be central to this rebuilding effort.
- Jason closes the show thanking listeners and inviting them back for future episodes, reinforcing the call for unity, healing, and creative action.
Key Insights and Themes
- Community Resilience and Healing: The speaker underscores Maui’s strength and the importance of collective healing after the wildfire tragedy.
- Cultural Respect and Revitalization: Emphasis on honoring Hawaiian culture and integrating it into future development.
- Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency: Dream Maui is proposed as a decentralized, transparent, and environmentally sustainable model combining tradition and innovation.
- Arts and Music as Economic and Cultural Drivers: Recognition of artists and musicians as vital contributors deserving fair compensation and central roles in community renewal.
- Integrated Economic Model: The “thirds” approach (environment, creators, marketing/admin) aims to create fairness, sustainability, and abundance.
- Global and Local Collaboration: Dream Maui encourages input and cooperation from local residents and the global community.
- Media and Communication: The role of community media like KAKU and AKAKU in raising awareness and fostering dialogue is highlighted as essential.
Conclusion
Jason Schwartz’s program is a heartfelt, wide-ranging reflection on the devastating wildfires in Maui, the importance of cultural and environmental stewardship, and the power of arts and community collaboration to rebuild and reimagine Maui’s future. Through Dream Maui and related initiatives, he envisions a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant future rooted in aloha spirit and shared responsibility. The broadcast serves as both a call to action and a platform for healing, unity, and creative empowerment.
Transcript
00:00
[Music] good morning everyone it’s 11 o’clock on Monday August 21st 2023 I’m Jason schwartzell here at the neutral zone welcome to the show everyone we are a call in talk show 808-873-3435 we are Maui strong Lahaina strong dream Maui strong uh good morning right at this same time uh if you were looking at the TV you might see that akaku Maui Community media television there is covering the arrival of President Biden who’s here to see the horrible catastrophe wildfires that are here I
00:50
imagine in Lahaina and Kula I don’t know where he’s going to go I know that um we need everyone’s prayers from around the world and everyone’s support from around the world and we’re glad that you’re tuning into this show hope you’re live if you are you’re welcome to call 808 873-3435 with any thoughts and opinions I have a couple of guests that were scheduled for today one didn’t get back to me but Bodhi B of doorway into light who’s um beautiful man I didn’t expect I might hear back from
01:27
him because he’s so occupied with that transition and burial process he’s a great guy and then of course Reverend alelani Hill who again a real close connection with the Hawaiian community over the years and a reverend and Beautiful Soul but neither of them are here and so you got me and I have a lot to say first thing is you know this is still Ground Zero although myself and others weren’t in Lahaina the tragedy remains of what’s going on and we’re part of Maui and Hawaii but
02:13
we’re Maui and I mean I had my most formative Maui years on Front Street in line I lived at 1414 in business 880 and had a whole thing that you’ll hear about now but you know that’s a whole separate thing first thing is prayers and blessings to the people that have left our Earth Here those that are grieving for them hope that’s everybody and I hope that uh President Biden and his wife coming here is significant and all in a good way um you know I was thinking Maria lanakila Church
02:53
I remember rehearsing music there I remember where my musical friend and partner Louise Lambert was um uh playing with her daughter America who was singing there beautiful situation and how that made it through that Wildfire is amazing a blessing in every way and I thought that might be a stop along the way and when I think of that church I think of Terry Watanabe who’s the I don’t know what he’s the Monsignor whatever I’m not Catholic I’m a Jewish kid but I know that I remember through
03:37
the years he’s host there at Saint Teresa’s in Kihei for uh as how a cow cow doing Feed the Homeless feed my sheep they have going on in different parts of the island and I know that before this catastrophe we had great needs that were being filled by some great people and we have great people on Maui people that are strong but we are very sensitive and many of us are out there in different ways supporting this effort for West Maui and for Kula and for everyone that’s lost their home and has
04:18
fought these fires and still fighting them and um I have nothing but love and respect for everyone and especially in this situation I hope that we can carry that forward I know the questions that people have about was the alarm pulled and should it been and all the repercussions of that and a real earns deep inspection of all our situations and protocols here it’s almost like a global reset it is a global set and we’re being compared on a level that we should be you know I I only can remember
05:04
way back when I first got off the plane and I first came here to visit my ex-wife who was here and this was 1981 91 91 90. right in there I came here April 91 and then September to live and lived on Front Street and started it all there beautiful Town beautiful people didn’t really understand the cultural thing but honored it but got to really appreciate it over time and the people I’ve met that are very beautiful loving sensitive people many of them we see now in in a more active uh aggressive role because it’s making sure
05:58
that they have a seat at the table I love and bless them and their losses and all of our losses and I hope that out of this can come great healing in lots of things and one is I think the Hawaiian culture you know we saw the apology from President Clinton in 1993 reflecting 100 years earlier when Queen Lulu Kalani inappropriately did that whole thing or not inappropriately got signed over under that military thing going on here and and there were a few words to say except now what well now what I’m sure that the
06:38
Hawaiian culture is going to be honored like never before and I hope to be very much in the center of that you know those have been following me have been seeing that I’ve been on this dream Maui thing about self-sustained Community model to the world helped tourism help the local people I have all kinds of things that over the years because I don’t know if it was because I came political or be and ran for an office or just because I was a new and Outsider and the experience of people coming to this
07:13
island and taking taking taking and not giving and giving but I came with the notion to add to not take from so I’m very happy to say that I’m here and I imagine I’m not ready to die but I’m going to die here now he’s been my home and I want to continue to create a beautiful thing here that can be a reflection to the whole world dream Maui is a way to get to mauiartsandmusic.org mauinutralzone.com is where all the videos are not only for Maui neutral zone the neutral zone show this one but
07:52
there is a menu there that you can search over the last three decades I left out some of the political shows I’ve been doing interviews of candidates for election here on Maui and in Hawaii for 15 election Cycles as an independent and it was independent of environmental groups and independent of all kinds of groups that maybe wanted personal Allegiance but I had a very more Universal Unity Vision where it all comes together and that’s what I hope when the dust will settle we can all come under a common brand
08:32
Mama and Papa and dream Maui be part of a matrix to rebuild and make this place as good if not better than before because you take the wise traditional things and marry them with what technology has to offer but not in any controlling way let it be decentralized let it be clear and transparent and let there be clearly no waste Maui could operate and can operate self-sustainably we may choose that or not to to be able to do things that are from off Island isn’t sacrilege but the ability to be an example of how to grow
09:12
our own food have our own housing situation for our elders be able to have music and art lead the way you know again this may not be the time to go in detail but artists and musicians need to be fairly compensated we see the Actors Guild and The Writers Guild all going on strike because of the change in the internet and the change the way money is made in the business now Spotify and all the different hits and the way people are paid totally different from before when there were royalties in a different
09:44
way and all the things have changed where live performances are very expensive because that’s the way artists are making money well we’re going to change a lot of things and not change them but add to in a way that’s going to create a fund to create self-sustainability and jobs in art and music and culture and Elevate things and help in technology and development and showcasing of people and things here and all over the world and be that Global example place of cooperation that doesn’t have any competition with
10:22
capitalism because that’s still a part of everyone’s mix that chooses to go that route but when you pull self out of the equation and look at this whole thing I you know I don’t know what God had in mind or some people say when the laser had in mind or whatever the the people what now we have a clean slate we have people from around the world who are looking and who and what we are and who and what we are you know as I’m doing this I hope President Biden is doing and saying something valuable and important I’ll
11:00
check that out later you may check me out later but I hope that you will remember team Aloha at iCloud get in touch with us we’re doing music and art shows we’re going to be doing a place to Showcase artists and musicians online where they can make money it brings money for projects for the environment and has money to run the game Run the operation and that means there’s money in it for everyone if you pull self out of it and create a working integrated system you will realize that’s what
11:36
self-sustainability and abundance is all about there is plenty and we can do it right from here and some of the people that I’ve met and interviewed and some of the people that I will be interviewing and will be interviewed by some of the growing team here at Mama Maui Arts and Music Association and papa people aligned in positive action it was participatory action patrons of the Arts I read an article from 1994-5 written by Lady Richie for the now no longer South Maui times owned by Kirk Monroe who at the time or right
12:15
before owned koi radio station before John dets bought it years ago and there was an article about me and Arielle and bringing my message that I’d been here a couple of years already bringing it to television we were there with picture with Tom deserne at the Maui Austin cultural are doing an interview about possibilities what we could do and over the years I’ve stood tall well this is a time to stand tall again all of us and the world with us sponsorship and contribution that goes into creating
12:52
an economic and environmental model that can be duplicated anywhere in the world but will be lived here as an example what a beautiful thing you know over these years I don’t know if I could have stayed grounded into the eye into the idea of not being angry and that all the things that are happening that aren’t perfect and they’re not cutting down the fields like they should and they’re not taking care of the wild grass and they should do this and they should do that I you know I could go on
13:30
um I can do that we all can do that but I hope that it was the Ariel part of my life that really added that grounded loving inclusive energy she might say it’s me but it’s it’s been a really big blessing in my life and now things are changing and I’m going to be someone said you have to live your life and not be afraid you know sometimes we limit ourselves our limiting beliefs well this is a time that we can all stand and not be afraid where we can be the greatest that who we are and who we
14:11
know we are you know I I know that this is a time for me to be like Gene Roddenberry of Star Trek find the right team who will Elevate this it may be that people off Island can be a catalyst to be able to create the need so that here you know that the government has its own Focus they’re running this moving thing of services and they serve the people the musicians and the artists they have all their own Focus the different special groups they have their own Focus well what if there was a group
14:46
in the middle that was independent of that but integrated all of that in a way that created these things that we want and that’s what we’re going to explore and some of you have watched me over these years I start to be a broken record I I think sometimes even to myself you know I I I really find that an extraordinary time living on Maui I’ve got to see when I got here I remember when people said to me oh you don’t really know Maui from when it was before but my before is that 1988 and when I
15:25
got here and spent time in in Lahaina you know I remember the job I did it great Jane’s Eatery driving a scooter delivering lunch well I was 37 38 years old came from the mainland had my plans for solar and all the things you’ll hear about if you don’t already know about me and my renewable energy aspirations and activity on the mainland in California solar exchange of the energy exchange the time here on economic being on The Advisory board at Maui Electric and independent group mostly it was state and government and
16:04
heco and Mikko employees a couple of Independents looking at the long-range Energy Future before there were windmills up the side of the Hill before we were talking about ocean thermal energy conversion before they were looking at water out of the Earth uh something on this course a long time and so I’ve seen a lot of things come and things have come to me because of this stance and because when I was political and wrote things things came to me and here in Maui we can live that and so somehow we’re gonna Begin by
16:39
getting visibility you know I people that live here like Willie Nelson you know I had a friend Jim Kimmel May rest in peace I should honor August 25th Jesus is his birthday from the Urantia book and uh Jim Kimmel was good friends of Willie Nelson for years and we were going to talk about this idea of mine and how it could be and I remember talking with can you imagine we were going to have Roger Dubin who became the head of the Maui visitors bureau was going to be the head of Maui Arts and Music Association
17:12
and then he got a job I couldn’t deny it was a really great offer he should take Maui visitors bureau chief and he reserved four pages in The in this CD booklet Insider double CD DVD as time has gone but then at the first board meeting they blocked Schwartz I never knew if that was political or otherwise but it created this long period of putting out ideas staying neutral until something would happen maybe this is that catalyst where the world will start to look and see just how ideal this can be and keep it
17:52
independent where the people of Maui and an independent group through Mama and Papa can help have that input to be able to make Maui even better than when we came you know God did a horrible thing or no other way to put it wiping out all the people and the place and Lahaina and all that history and tradition it really just it’s just growing on me just how massive and major it is not only in life but in in my life that’s where Mama began that’s where the lion art Society was there at the
18:38
um the heinart society right under the Banyan tree and in the building right there in the Allina arts society and and the meetings and Sherry Cardin was the president at the time and she wanted to have my help I was happy to help and I gave a lot of thought and what’s come out of these old ideas is creating an environment where the world is catching up to an idea that was ahead of its time well so to me that means that now if this is the right time to have everyone see and focus on just how
19:17
extraordinary this place is and can be and it all can be if we get out of our own way and drop our barriers to helping everyone and I think those things in life that keep us apart can be dissolved it’s said that crisis brings that out in people I’m hoping that the world doesn’t forget little Maui when I think about having gone to Oahu this week with a friend who had a medical emergency and standing on the 17th floor of the Ala Moana Hotel and looking out at you know The Hawaii Prince Hotel and a couple of major
20:00
Towers realizing that in just those Towers that’s all of the people in the west side well you know I’m just that area there is then when you look at on the flight back and seeing there that little darkened area and right in front of it near the ocean that’s the hinatown all gone and see all the things we want to stay present to the world and our art and our music and how we can cycle up and link up with people throughout the world on many different things and be that location of showcase
20:37
and be a way to be paying artists and musicians in a new and Powerful way that will change and help you the basis for some of the changes that are happening with acting and with writing and all these things and be part of something that gives our people here in Hawaii both an equal shot and a way of being self-sustainable in a global economy that is also very personal and needs to be standing by itself and showing the whole world how to do it wherever they are whatever their climates through our
21:14
example there are lots of examples in the world but we’re already the number one travel destination we you know I thought the fact that Josh Green got back from his trip and contacted President Biden with paperwork and six hours later God approval was a pretty strong awareness of what was going on from Joe Biden the fact that he’s here I’m sure they’re clearing a path for him to see it and um you know I I’ve never seen a war zone in my lifetime you know my family has World War II I
21:50
know that uh many people have and but um this is a major thing and it’s important that we stay focused on what happened here how significant climate change is on a global basis who would think that the most remote land masses in the world would have a swirl of air and a spark like I say put all the combination of possibilities together and it’s true that we have to get it that the environment is important enough to be a third of what we do and another third to the people that created the art and the music and another third
22:31
to the people that are marketing it and sharing it and doing it in the administration that third or third or third concept will create beautiful things will also create a lot more fairness and understanding and appreciation of the creative elements we’ll also have an ability to draw things together that again don’t seem like they’re all part of one integrated system but they are you know that question of whether if a tree falls in the forest does it matter if no one hears it it matters
23:12
it matters to me and I’m sure that energetically it matters to the beings that get in touch and I say beings things that are Way Beyond my understanding but this event is not going away so we’ll have lots of chance to talk about it I wanted to bring some guests that would help bring healing and help be spiritual and inspirational leaders I hope others will come forward to be part of this you know I I just look at the clock and I realize I’ve been talking whoa 20 something minutes 28 minutes
23:51
and I think it’s time for me to take a momentary break and play a little music and then play some of our uh what do we if we don’t call them sponsors we call them donors we call them supporters here at Kaku radio we are supported by you and we may have sponsors but it’s the people and they also you have the opportunity to call in here and in all these shows uh Tony brought a midnight is it on every day one o’clock wonderful guy wonderful up Spirit let’s be part of this Kaku we’re so blessed to also be simulcast I
25:24
show is Maui neutral zone was going to be candidates but we wouldn’t be able to bring all the candidates on equally so we went to issues which gave me a chance to talk to all kinds of people about things and some candidates came on as we got past the primaries but the thing about who’s listening maybe now people will start looking at our archives and see what we’ve got talking in here and how we can use pieces right now pay for it with money that we get in and create through promoting our art and music
25:58
these live shows are good but they’re the acute problem we hope to be this chronic thing we hope to be a system an integrated action plan that over time will replenish and renew the artists and musicians and do it in a fair and honorable way and do the same as an example for um the environment you know the Third a third might not even be enough with the time but if everyone links arms together as a net third to the environment can be used wisely and it’s also going to employ all of us and get all of us
26:39
on a path that is not only sustainable but feels good because we’re helping each other we’re elevating all of our personal Consciousness we’re honoring I mean everyone around the world who doesn’t really know what Aloha is are seeing it through the Incredible strength and giving of the Maui and the Hawaiian people and people from all over the world but the local culture and that idea of Aloha and how it’s really the central Focus is a beautiful thing that we hope to share with the world dream Maui what is
27:22
your part in this Matrix is Matrix that means a lot of pieces together but it doesn’t mean that someone’s going to control this Matrix it means us yeah that’s me but it’s also you and your input will be part of this and the things that we’re going to do are going to be new and exciting and will have you in it and I remember writing an article way back might have been 92 or 93 about doing concerts knowing that we want to resurface the playground but if we tell people we’re doing a concert to recircle
28:04
surface to play and we may or may not get as many people but if we say we have these groups and then at the concert share with the audience how incredible they are because through this concert we’re able to resurface the playground that idea that we need to give people what they want and in that create the good that’s why I wanted to build in the environment we can pay the art and musicians we can get the environment involved we can pay all the people creating these situations for the artists and musicians we can have a
28:39
local industry creating video and audio and a whole studio here and with our College you know I mean I know Brian Cohn came in and we’re using um Adobe Premiere and here they use Final Cut Pro two different kinds of things Final Cut Pro you you get the system and you use it Adobe Premiere you buy a subscription to something that keeps improving you know we have to find a way of integrating it all I’m sure there’s obvious ways and integrating that revenue from all this just goes back
29:18
into this system to create more and create abundance to be able to make housing and to be able to make all kinds of different things part of this system so that we can give advantage to local people we can also help monitor more easily than we do now you know this this situation with Lahaina and having people needing to find places getting Financial supplement from the state and federal government but those long-term rentals that were short-term rentals this idea that we want to take short-term rentals
29:52
and turn them into long-term rentals that’s kind of happening now maybe we can find a way to be able to make it better we know we can don’t we Maui don’t we world let’s do this together you know let’s do this together nice to see my guests but I know that they had other things important to do and I would hope that people will get to know that this is a call and talk show to talk about anything but also to talk to the guests that we have and if you look at our archive right there you’re
30:26
going to see 150 Plus shows with some amazing people the first one that comes to mind is Michael Smith but uh I guess I should probably think of taking a break should I very soon yeah I’ll take a break and then we’ll get back and I’ll share some of these shows maybe point you to some things to look at as we start to gel and get more art and music in the mix in what we’re sharing I want to be getting together this week Louise Lambert because we’re talking about how to activate mama in a way so the artists
30:59
and musicians will get involved and be part of this thing to expand our Solutions and be able to make sure that the musicians and artists are paid not only ones that lost their jobs but all artists musicians but all these things can happen at the same time and that’s that’s what we’re going to be creating here and we want you to be part of it so if you see a place to say yes to a newsletter or sign up for an email at the website dreammawi.org do it please no one’s charging to be a
31:30
member we’ll have different levels of membership and all that stuff but most important if you want to give money you can we have donate buttons you can put label on what you’re doing uh Unity Church wanted to also mention that they will help people of all denominations because Unity Unity on maui.org I think is there but a office at Unity these people are um beautiful and the idea of unity is what we all want to share and they sure are a beautiful group there are a lot of beautiful groups here but I just wanted
32:02
to make sure not to forget them or my friend and long time sponsor comma Aina Loan cash for gold Richard Dan and to think of all the time in Rick Tolan at uh nokaoi rentals Maui Noah car rentals and I remember buying a 300 Maui Cruiser when I got a six hundred dollars and I lived on Front Street there’s so many memories going on let me take a break give me a break give you a break from hearing me do some monologue so let’s see here hi I’m Jason Schwartz host of the neutral zone ka-k-u is a listener supported station
32:50
this means that all the great programs you hear like mine are sponsored by you as well as our Underwriters if you would like to help keep the voice of Maui talking loud and clear go to kakufm.org donate today and give and don’t miss the neutral zone Mondays at 11 A.M on 88.5 FM the voice of Maui and let’s see if it went by itself loving everything you might be buzzed you know what I’d love a ride when it’s time to head out if you see a buzz warning sign call for a ride when it’s
33:34
time to go home bus driving is drunk driving a message from Nitza and the Ad Council hello there my name is Maddox and I’m a Cub Scout I’m here to talk to you today about becoming a Cub Scout like me Cub Scouts get badges for doing fun activities and we make friends Scouts go camping climbing fishing and swimming together we have fun we play sports and go to parades Scouts also help people and become the very best versions of themselves visit biascout.org and you’ll be able to find a pack near you get your questions
34:05
answered and sign up online Saturday night at eight and Sunday night at nine on Kaku 88.5 FM we experience dead air that kind of dead air we’re talking Grateful Dead Grateful Dead music for an entire hour Saturday night at eight and Sunday night at nine with me Corey Daniels on Kaku 88.5 FM hi I’m Vince Bode co-host of the biscuits and gravy show Kaku is a listener supportive station this means that all the great programs you hear like mime are supported by you as well as our Underwriters if you would like to
34:45
help keep the voice of Maui talking loud and clear go to kakufm.org donate today and give and don’t miss the biscuits and gravy show Wednesdays at 11AM on 88.5 FM the voice of gravy sweet strawberry icing you’re in Goodwill and just past that vintage denim jacket you spot miniature donut earrings you lean in Ah that’s the scent of shopping success because at Goodwill every item you buy funds local job training and more so bring home those donut earrings and bring home so much good to your
35:23
community Goodwill bring good home brought to you by Goodwill and the Ad Council well this is Jason Schwartz ka-k-u 88.5 FM Maui Hawaii also AK Aku akaku Maui Community media channel 55. we are here with you whether you’re on Maui in Hawaii or anywhere around the world we are at 11 A.M Hawaii Standard Time every Monday and you can check it on the internet aka-k-u.org you’ll see links there too visually our simulcast you’ll also see Kaku radio you also find us on many of those on phone mediums that have
36:12
stations so you’ll find us there we’re at mauinutralzone.com you’ll see our archive we are also at dreammawi.org which is Maui Arts andmusic.org which is us that means you and I we have 501c3 since 1991 and we have been talking about and being in what do we say trying to encourage people to join us to promote art and music and culture and educate people about Environmental Solutions Elevate the Hawaiian culture be able to share things that will have the world coming here for more than just the
36:53
suntan and be able to be the best that we can be get away from all our limiting beliefs about ourselves about our culture take away all these differences that seem to have erupted over the last numbers of years and show the world what can be through Aloha and co-operation because this community is full of love and full of love I’m gonna play a song that I was going to play last week this was written by Louise Lambert it won an award I don’t know if it was Toronto or some kind of a festival but
37:36
it’s a beautiful song it’s called peace in our hearts and I think many of you have heard it but you’re going to hear it more [Music] [Applause] [Music] seems like now the world’s so small we see it all right here on our TV seems like the more we Bridge the distance the harder it becomes for us to see Raptors [Music] [Music] summer Street and it starts with peace [Music] we’re building bigger weapons it’s always closer than it ever was before [Music] we say [Music] [Music]
40:08
peace [Music] there’s something we forgot something real close to home [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] in our house wow [Music] [Music] [Music] you know I’ve uh lived a lot of years here there have been some terrific musicians I’ve met years ago I met um John Woodhouse on the phone and I was talking about art and music and getting things here organized to be sharing with the world and he said you should speak to Heather Castellanos Lenny’s wife Lenny plays with Mick Fleetwood now base
42:14
and um the long story short there I met a guy named Lono and Lono beautiful Hawaiian man did western and more conventional musical also did Hawaiian music and I remember on his first album he was so honoring put my little quote in there I recognized him as someone special someone who could be an ambassador of Aloha to the world I hope that now that can happen he’s over in Molokai teaching ukulele and writing and playing in Hawaiian um he always used to let me get on stage and sing you know and some of the people
42:56
here didn’t know Bobby Ingram people here know Bobby passed away a lot of the people that were of my contemporaries at the time have passed and some of them are old it’s like when I talk about the music business and someone hears me say Linda Ronstadt or Chuck Laurie or people they and they you know my life had an interesting period there before I came to Maui which really set up and uniquely is qualifying this vision to be able to be as encompassing and integrating it’s been a an interesting
43:36
ride that we’re here now together I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to be sitting in this role and knowing there are people in our in our Island who’ve been here a long time who are going to be arm-in-arm with me and with others to make what we’re doing here at Mama dream Maui Papa whatever you want to call it and enjoy it for what it is it’s people aligned in positive action using art and music in a creative way to be able to help our environment and save our world and be an example and
44:17
live in it I’m glad that President Biden could be here and I don’t know if he has time to have a swim down in Kihei where we could use a little water cleaning which should we talk about that stuff anyway I’m sure it’s all going to be talked about we’re going to be scrutinized by everybody the one thing I hope they’ll see is that we have a lot of love and that we have shows like this that can interface with people out there 808 873-3435 a call and talk show that stands and Stands Strong to involve the
44:53
world with us to make this a better place thank you for this opportunity I’m going to play another couple of songs this one uh I like the this was written in Lahaina by Walt rozanski and me he wrote lyrics and I fixed them up and did my little thing Walt worked at Lahaina rent a car which was owned by Duke Carroll and had another guy there named Michael Condon and uh a couple of songs came out of there this one I wrote with Walt you’ll hear the other one dreamer at some point Michael wrote Michael Condon may he rest in
45:33
peace and walk may he rest in peace these people had a vision we’re going to be living it with them Sunny Side a reality [Music] [Music] [Music] so if you’re looking for me [Music] where you’ll find me that’s where I wanna be [Music] sunny [Music] what are you [Music] [Music] foreign [Music] [Music] [Music] Pharmacy just you and me [Music] [Music] on his side [Music] [Music] yeah that was a sunny side of reality that was a great time I know that um Walt rozanski had the right idea he was just a beautiful guy
49:09
just live in a simple life in in Maui in Lahaina there were a lot of people there that kind of gave up on the mainland thing and we’re working simple jobs selling activities to the tourists I’m sure that goes on all kinds of places but before time share it was just I remember going out on activities with people that were working that had to go on all the activities to be sure they knew what it was all about well I’m sure that none of them thought there’d be a helicopter riding over
49:45
Lahaina like we’re seeing on TV now my God but here we are you know I think we just need to realize that we’re going to be the best that we can be and I hope that this like I said this trip brings great appreciation for Maui and Hawaii because in a few minutes I’ll be watching probably from the outside all this kind of stuff I am going to play one more song that Lono wrote when Jack Lewin was running for governor so somewhere around the 2000 or a little before or a little after I don’t even
50:24
remember it starts to get a little a little fuzzy but you will remember this song If you were that old it’s called unlock the hope [Music] the time has come to make a change the time has come to unlock a home that lives in each and every one of us and we must do our part we hold the Visions God dreams of our hands can heal the ones we love let’s gather rounds and let us speak like us for you and me unlock the hope and there’s a better life unlock the hope there’ll be no turning back but nothing
51:30
changes unless we unlock the horse [Music] yeah the time has come to make a change the time has come to unlock the hope that lives in each and every one of us and we must do our part we hold the Visions God dreams of our hands can heal the ones we love let’s gather round and let us make a stand for you and me unlock the hope and there’s a better life unlock the hope there’ll be no turning back but nothing changes unless we unlock the whole but nothing changes but nothing changes [Music]
52:58
unless we unlock the whole [Music] unless we unlock [Music] the home [Music] unless we unlock the hope foreign [Music] o let me sing that one and a couple in the studio with Studio Renato Studio Renato and his wife Patty now living in Italy but he was here and had a studio in Kihei I had interesting times there were some there’s someone coming oh it’s Lou the TV we have a great crew here at this place k-a-q-u and aka-k-u Kaku have a really dedicated staff that have been delivering news to you
54:13
and social stories for a long time and we the public who have access to these stations Public Access that’s all I did and I just kept doing it and doing it and doing it and kept doing it and doing it and doing it and we have sponsors and we’re going to have sponsors now because we’re going to be sharing and this station is going to get a lot of visibility all around the world that’s what we’re doing we’ve got Monday at 11 and we’re going to invite the world to join us in this Crusade this
54:45
campaign to save our planet and love each other in every moment well we only have a little bit of time left a two-minute warning if we were playing football you know it’s it’s a pleasure to be here every week with you and um I sound a little repetitive because I am Maui neutralzone.com you have a a chance there to have a search engine put in names of things that were on our show or just go looking around we have hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of shows showing the last 30 years of Maui I remember seeing a friend
55:28
of mine and though isn’t that him it was 30 years ago when um you remember the harmonic convergence well we were here in Maui doing a video tape and we had all kinds of interesting things there’s another great filmmaker that may rest in peace Todd Swan and others who have so many videos that can share this beautiful place for all these years and we hope to be that outlet for the world to come through this portal dreemaui.org Maui Arts and Music dot org and wherever we want we’re going
56:07
to brand with the world and have the world realize just what an incredible credible place we were we are and may the Hawaiian people find this to be a way to get detention to all that they wanted to share for so long and um kind of funny that this is the day that President Biden is coming here well we’re almost off the air for today I’m Jason Schwartz your host thank you very much for joining us I hope you’ll stop in again and be part of what we do I hope that’s playing [Music]
