Live Aloha. Living in Hawaii, many of us recognize the white bumper stickers with the ohia flower and have undoubtedly heard the "live aloha" phrase over the years. What is the backstory of this initiative and what does live aloha really mean? In this episode, we talk story with Rachel Alm to learn about the interesting behind-the-scenes details of the Live Aloha initiative which was established in 1993. As a child, Rachel was positively influenced by her parents, Robert and Cynthia Alm, as well as her father's friend, our dear Pono Shim. She recounts many Zippy's meals as a middle schooler, where she spent memorable time with him learning about aloha through his mentorship, years before he launched his first Aloha Response cohort. Rachel's awareness and personal aloha practice are a powerful embodiment of how to bring aloha into our everyday interactions with others and the greater community. Now as a young professional, she continues to contribute to the wellbeing of Hawaii - and beyond - from her home in Bend, Oregon.

Learn more about the Live Aloha program and the 12 commitments:

https://www.livealohakakou.org/

https://www.livealohakakou.org/12-commitments

Email address: [email protected]

Mailing address: 165 Waokanaka Place, Honolulu, HI 96817

@livealohakakou

Welcome to the Above the Sides podcast! Join us on our journey to

uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha. The inspiration for

this podcast is the late Pono Shim, former President and CEO of the

Oʻahu Economic Development Board. His stories capture the essence of

what it means to live aloha. He made it known that aloha is a lifestyle.

It is not a solution to problems, a marketing brand or to be used as an

advantage over anyone else. Aloha is to be honored and practiced.

The name of this podcast is in reverence of Hawaiʻi's Queen

Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "To gain the kingdom of heaven is to hear what

is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable –

that is Aloha. All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but

One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective,

the one that is "above the sides" as we strive for universal peace.

We welcome you to pause with us as we share the stories and voices of

Hawai’i business leaders, educators and community members who have

chosen to be lifelong students of aloha. Mahalo nui loa for listening.