Michael Jackson
August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009
A special "local style" tribute for his fans!


You had to be hiding in the deepest crevices of an earth far removed, to have not known that one of the most influential music legends of my generation, in my opinion, passed away on June 25. It was one of those moments, that those alive during the JFK assassination, 9/11, or the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, can compare its significance of "Where were you when ... "  

For me, I was at work, on the second floor, and remembered exactly what I was doing when our Research and Communications Director walked in saying, "Michael Jackson died!"  After all of us yelled, "WHAT!?!?" it was complete silence for a little bit as each of us jumped on our computers and/or turned on any form of communication(s) to see if what seemed to be something almost impossible, was actually true. I stayed on top of the breaking news and when it was confirmed he passed, an extreme sense of loss passed over me.

No, I never knew him. And no, I didn't know every line of EVERY song ever performed by the Jackson 5 or by Jackson himself. But I know many lines, and have danced along to many songs of his, in my lifetime. I grew up in the 70's and 80's and can recall moments, such as the "Thriller" video (I was scared out of my mind when I first watched it), or idolizing the "man with the glove," and every song that I could sing along to. It was something that was widespread-Michael Jackson, and anything he touched ... became gold. I remember my older brother and I doing skits varying between moves we watched Michael Jackson and/or Ozone and Turbo from "Breakin'" do ... and it was hilarious. All in all, I think every silly skit or dance move we tried to learn, we always tried to have the suave and smooth styling of Michael Jackson. Needless to say it never happened, but it made for hilarious and wonderful memories of his songs and videos.

So you wonder, why discuss this in my "Around Hawaii with Kim" column this month?"  Well, his death affected many of us here in Hawaii. And while there were tributes done both locally and around the globe, including his wonderfully done memorial, I figured I'd give the opportunity to those of you who wanted to express your special memories of Jackson's impact on your life, or to offer public condolences, Hawaii style. I don't know about you, but I felt sadness, emptiness, and a sense of loss - of truly one of the best entertainers of our time. Although a record breaking more than 30 million viewers tuned in to his memorial, many people didn't really have the opportunity to have any type of closure ... or for those us of thousands of miles across the Pacific, an "Aloha" sendoff. This was written for you folks-fans!  Please feel free to leave your comments below!

*Note:  Any negative, offensive, or derogatory comments WILL be deleted.

Some of your favorite Hawaii celebrities shared with me their favorite Michael Jackson moments.

James Roache, Da Braddahs:


Diane Ako:


My first album ever was Thriller, a Christmas gift from my best friend in school. I loved it! I also remember waiting with excitement for the debut of the thriller video that Halloween. Michael Jackson's birthday is two days after mine, by the way! Virgos unite!

Mark Mauricio:


I grew up listening to the Jackson 5, and loved trying to imitate little Michael. When he left his brothers to pursue his own career, I had no doubt that he would go far! "Off The Wall" was an instant hit, and made disco dancers (like myself) enjoy the beats of "Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough" and the melodic ballet of "She's Out Of My Life". I collected MJ memorabilia that still clutters my attic 'til this day! With the release of "Thriller"... I knew I had an idol! Not only did his music have the most unique sound, but his stage presence and style were truly one of a kind!! He stood out! He proved that you could be different and still be 'Cool'. Something that many young people at the time were feeling, especially me. His thinking was really "Out-Of-The-Box", which made him someone I looked up to. Being a magician, I knew I had to be different to be cool, and Michael paved the way.
 
Although I started magic at a young age, and performed for many audiences, it wasn't until June 1995 that I decided to perform before other magicians. I wanted to do something totally "unique", something that would make me stand out, something that would make the other magicians remember me, something I knew no other magician could do!!! So what did I do? I put together a magic routine using Michael Jackson's music, where the finale was when I actually turned into the King of Pop and danced! I received rave reviews and from that moment on, people in the magic community knew that I was a performer who thinks outside of the box. (I actually have video of that performance and will upload to YouTube very soon!)  
 
Although scandal often plagued MJ's life, his music, dance moves, stage presence, persona, and love for the world will live within many people's hearts.

Augie Tulba, Comedian:


As for my favorite Michael Jackson song i have so much but for this article "Wanna be startin something, growing up boxing we trained to that song and it would light up the gym and get all the fighters pumped up ... now i use that song in pre-recorded music before my comedy shows it still pumps me up the same way it did as a kid growing up.....good times great memories.

Jason "Pipi" Rezentes:


"Human Nature" had to be my favorite; I love the beat, and its so true. Has a great message. No one can ever do like Michael could ... "

Natalie Ai Kamau`u:


I can remember cramming in front of our 21 inch television in great anticipation for Michael Jackson's brand new video which was to be aired on TV, not MTV. My heart raced as we waited. When it began, I can recall thinking "Is this a movie? I thought it was a music video." Because I was (am still) a scaredy cat, I covered my eyes as the story began to unfold. I was seriously ready to run out of the room especially after that horrific scream.....then the music began. I slowly dropped my hands. He was amazing. The choreography, the costuming....my brothers and I sat there with our eyes glued to the screen. When it was over, we rewound the beta max tape (which we had recorded it on) and watched it again and again and again mimicking him.

There will never be another entertainer like Michael Jackson. He created; he inspired and continues to do so. His death has brought on a rebirth of his music to a brand new generation. I find myself reliving memories through his songs as my own children blast it now. But who would have thunk that I would have to explain "Billie Jean" to an inquisitive teenage daughter?

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