Tradition shines bright on community
by Sharon Higa | Nov. 30, 2022
Rising like a beacon in the night, an illuminated Christmas tree shines above Kaimuki town every year around the holidays. It’s a brilliant sight that has been around for more than two decades thanks to a group of supporters and some Hawaiian Electric volunteers who have kept the tradition alive. Together, their efforts have brought hope to the community especially during some of our state’s most challenging seasons.
“Sit right back and I’ll tell you a story,” laughs Todd Mayeshiro, an assistant business manager at IBEW Local 1260. Todd admits he may have the longest consistent history with the tree through several career changes. This includes a stint as a line electrician for the city and nearly two decades at Hawaiian Electric — as a lineman, troubleman, project manager, and community relations specialist — before recently joining the electrical workers union.
“I actually did a lot of special projects for the city in the early 2000s. One project was to assist with preparations for the holiday season, which included setting up a metal Christmas tree at a small park above the Kaimuki fire station on Koko Head Avenue.”
According to Todd, the idea was to help the community with its signature tree lighting ceremony as the culmination of an annual holiday parade. The challenge was to string lights on the tree that sits about 40 feet above the ground.
“Over the years there have been seasons where the tree wasn’t always at its full glory due to various issues. I remember one year when Jake Shimabukuro (the ukulele virtuoso and composer who lives in Kaimuki) brought to my attention that the tree wasn’t lit at all and was deemed inoperable,” Todd said.
“To get the tree working again, a friend and I quickly repaired wires and replaced burnt bulbs using only a ladder for equipment. Then, Jake decided to celebrate the occasion by holding an impromptu concert at the park, complete with milk and cookies, as we lit the tree just days before Christmas. It was called a Christmas miracle by many in the community.”
During the pandemic, Todd and the Hawaiian Electric ohana were determined more than ever to ensure the tree was lit especially as holiday parades were cancelled across the state. Wearing masks and personal protective equipment as they worked, Hawaiian Electric’s utility crews in bucket trucks repaired broken LED lights, replaced light shields, and restrung the colorful reels on the metal tree structure. In a year of virtual darkness, the energy-efficient lights shone bright and resilient.
It’s that time of the year again and these unsung heroes quietly went about their work before Thanksgiving to ensure a special tradition remains a source of community pride throughout the holiday season. So, sit right back and wait for that moment when the sun sets, the breathless anticipation as a switch is turned on, and the night skies bloom as an illuminated Christmas tree at a small park in Kaimuki reminds us to always have hope.
Mahalo to all the past and current Hawaiian Electric volunteers, Kaimuki Business & Professional Association, Keep It Kaimuki and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for making the holidays brighter!
Sharon Higa is a senior communications consultant at Hawaiian Electric Company.
