Author, Speaker, Mentor Author: As a writer, I’ve been called “Hawaii-centric.” I guess that’s true. Every book I have written is set in the islands, probably because of the love I have for them. My Hawaiian roots run deep, my family having arrived in Kailua-Kona in 1820. Though I grew up in a far more innocent time, my challenges were much the same as for any young person growing up today. Some of those challenges did not play out well. What went wrong … or right? Through fiction my readers and I discover hidden treasures. Speaker: There are few things as enjoyable to me as an invitation to stand in front of a group of wide-eyed young people to relive the foolishness of my youth and revel in the honesty of their welcome. To me, that’s just plain old good fortune. I tell stories of choices gone awry, and the value of common sense. I often talk about World War II, and how that huge event played out in the islands. And for those who love to write, I talk shop and share my writing insights. As work goes, it’s right up there at the top of the list. Mentor: As I have grown as a writer of books for young people, I’ve come to realize that writing stories is only part of my responsibility. Sure, writing is an art, and I treat it as such. But when I am out among my readers, I find something far more important going on: connection. I have been especially moved by those with little to count on in their lives. When they look up at me with eyes of wonder, I am humbled. To them I am more than a writer; I am someone who cares. Caring is my mission.