I joined Facebook on January 24, 2009.  I did so because Eric Lewis told me he posted some old pictures of the team on his page (I used to coach the boys and, later, girls soccer teams at Parker High School in Waimea.)

Time passed (years;) but I started to realize that this thing called ‘Social Media’ and, specifically things like Facebook, Blogger, Goggle+, LinkedIn and Twitter were probably going to be a way to communicate, market and interact in the future.

If so, I needed to understand what it was all about.

So, I made a commitment to learn what this was – and, the best way to learn was to get into the thick of it.

Realizing I needed “Friends” to see how this worked, I accepted previous “Friend” requests (they had previously sat unanswered for months.)  I then combed the lists and asked to “Friend” more people.

By adding Friends, I wanted to get enough people and a diversity of people, so I could see what happens in this thing called Social Media.

Boy, was that an experience. I see a name; then there is a rush of life experiences – from the early days growing up on Kāneʻohe Bay … until today.

Jumping to another name brings on a new set of people and events. Seeing names and reliving those life experiences had left me exhausted; but happy.

I called this stage ‘Facebook Fatigue’ – How many “I remember when” moments can anyone take? (I mean that in a good way.)

By adding Friends, I wanted to get enough people and a diversity of people, so I could see what happens in this thing called Facebook.

Then, on September 30, 2011, I made my first posted (it was my father’s birthday.)

In doing so, I made a commitment to post something every day, and I also committed to do it for a year.

Rather than an “I’m having lunch” kind of post, I tried to put together some more interesting kinds of posts (at least I think they are interesting.)

Because of my work in government, as Deputy Managing Director for Hawaiʻi County (2000-2002) and Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) (2003-2007,) I have been fortunate and had the opportunity to see some places and deal with some issues that many others have not had, nor will have, the same opportunity.

So, I planned to share some insights, events and places with others.

In addition to those, I also planned to share some of the stuff we have been working on with various land use planning/permitting and related consulting projects we have worked on across the state.

Writing short historical summaries on people, places and events is part of the planning work I am doing (it’s actually my day job.)

Really, I do have a real job dealing with Land Use, Planning, Permitting ,etc  across the Islands. (If you need help, let me know.)

I first included some of that work-related stuff; then, expanded to other historic events across the Islands (and beyond.)

So, there is a bunch of historical stuff, including images (I believe the images help tell the stories.)

As time went on, this matter of making meaningful posts turned into a daily research project.

My interest turned into a passion (or obsession, as Nelia says.)  It consumed all of my “spare” time – weekdays, evenings and weekends.

This really is kind of personal, I have been searching for more that I can learn about the place I and my family were born, raised and lived.

I have learned so much in the last few years about the place I live and love; it has been a great learning experience.

So, for those who have followed these posts, you have been participating in my learning experience.

OK … so, here’s the deal.

My “one year” is up – actually, as of today, it has been eight years.

Some may not realize the time commitment required to research, write and edit these daily historical posts – in addition to finding images and maps to help illustrate the message.

To those who read and appreciate these posts, thank you. I hope you have learned something new, too.

While some don’t “Like” or “Comment” on each post, I have heard from many of you privately about them.  To all, thank you for your kind words.

From records I have seen, over 10,000 are involved with these daily posts (actually, because the posts are ‘public,’ there are many of you we don’t know that have watched us over the years.)

It has been a great experience. I’ve learned a lot and I hope you have too.

What does that mean for the future?

I’m not sure.

But, as far as posts go, for now, this is it … All Pau.

Not today, but I have prepared and scheduled posts up to June 1, 2020 – that could be the last day.

Some have suggested I put these together into a book. However, rather than putting these into some traditional, bound, coffee-table paperwork, I see these posts as a new form for “books” (except I have had control over what is posted each day.)

I am working on getting the posts linked into Google Earth (actually, I have a version of that I have been working on, it’s pretty cool) and/or an App, so these people, places, times and events can also be seen on a map/aerial image, where they happened.

In the old form of books, once printed, the stories eventually end. By updating an App, or other format, new stories continue to be told.

Anyway, thank you, again; it has been a great eight years and a wonderful ride (a virtual “E” ticket.)

I believe I have learned what I initially sought to learn about Facebook.

Facebook really is a great way to communicate, market and interact. While we can’t always see each other in person, this venue allows us to quickly and easily keep in touch. That’s pretty cool.

However, we shouldn’t lose perspective – Facebook is only “a” way to communicate.

We still need personal interaction and those special moments of sitting down with someone and simply talking story (preferably, with a nice bottle of wine.)

We are fortunate people living in a very special place. Let’s continue to work together to make Hawaiʻi a great place to live.

I will still keep active the website where the full posts – you may continue to see images and maps and the short summaries at: www.ImagesOfOldHawaii.com.

But for now, at least on June 1, 2020, the daily historical posts will come to an end.

Thank you.

Peter.

… and a fun time was had by all.