Third Hawaii Story

"No Pilikia, sistah!"

("No problem, dearie")

How many people would say that to you after you nearly ran them over?

Years ago, driving in Honolulu, I stopped at a stop sign and looked left for oncoming traffic. Not seeing any, I began turning right and nearly hit a Hawaiian lady in the crosswalk. She was a magnificent lady with flowing, wavy hair and a long, bright cotton muumuu, walking with stately grace across the street until I made her jump aside.

I apologized profusely and repeatedly, to which she smiled and waved away my guilt with a languid hand saying, "No pilikia, sistah," and continued on her way.

Only in Hawaii? I have never seen such graciousness anywhere else.  Have you?