By Hawaiians host New Yorkers

Did you know that this last year, more than 1,200 people from New York’s fire and police departments have been guests of the Hawaiian Islands? All of these people lost loved ones. Not many people know this story.

Gov. Ben Cayetano extended the invitation, Hawaiian Airlines donated the air tickets and over 13 hotels donated the rooms. As New York Fire Chief Joseph Pfeifer said, “For many, Sept. 11 continued on and on, and this is a new beginning.”

We were leaving Honolulu airport the day the first 500 arrived. They were greeted with red, white and blue water streamers from the Hickam Fire Dpeartment as the plane taxied into the terminal and Hawaiian Airlines employees greeted them at the gate with Hawaiian music, hula and flower leis.

We will never forget that day or the arrival’s reaction to this outpouring of love from the people of Hawaii.

George and Jo Estill

Estill International Travel Service

Los Altos