December 12th, 2025
David C. Livingston
http://www.ThingsWorthSaving.com
303 Kipukai Place
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
808 542-4945 808 441-6836 Fax
NEW EMAIL ADDRESS
David@DavidLivingstonHawaii.com
“Things Worth Saving Vol 1202”
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TWS is Founded and curated by David C. Livingston
Managed by Darshaun Nadeau of Flowing Blue.
Currently managing 10,000+ corporate client relationships across his ventures, Flowing Blue drives growth through Google Ads, SEO, E-Mail marketing automation, AI-driven solutions, and custom software development — delivering smarter strategies and measurable results.
Merry Christmas from our home to Yours!
Follow the YMCA Project with this Link
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Chamber of Commerce
The Hawaii Chamber of Commerce held their Business After Hours Event at Flair European Steakhouse December 4th - Great food, fun and fellowship - enjoy the photos!
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Rotary Club of Waikiki with Rick Tabor
RYLA
Another great day in Rotary! Thanks Rick for the RYLA update -and thanks to Rotary and some special members for sponsoring 13 kids to RYLA!
Fred Brooks, Sally Blanchard, Carol Riley, Chad Adams and Dave Livingston each pitched in $250 to sponsor a student to RYLA - any other volunteers?
Enjoy the Photos!
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The Future of the Fed
There are two very important meetings about monetary policy this week but, so far, most of the public only knows about one of them.
On Wednesday the Federal Reserve will decide what to do about short-term interest rates and both the futures market and our economics team thinks the Fed will almost certainly reduce rates by another quarter percentage point, just like it’s done at the last two meetings in September and October.
That meeting will also bring forth a new set of economic projections for the next couple of years – don’t expect fireworks – and will end with a press conference with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, where he will provide hints about additional Fed moves, if any, in the early part of next year. We think Powell will signal that investors should assume rate cuts will come more staggered; like every other meeting, rather than at every meeting in early 2026.
But the other monetary policy event, the one that fewer are paying attention to, might be much more important in the long run. That’s a hearing to be held on Thursday, by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Rand Paul, titled “The Fed’s Big Bank Welfare Program: Oversight of the Fed’s IORB Regime.” (Full Disclosure: Brian Wesbury will be testifying at this hearing while the Fed is sending former Vice Chair of the Fed, Donald Kohn.)
One reason this hearing is important is because it dovetails with President Trump looking for a successor to Jerome Powell. As of this weekend it looks like Kevin Hassett, the head of Trump’s National Economic Council, has the insider track, but we wouldn’t count out former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh.
Either way, the new leader at the Fed, who would likely replace Powell by May, would have the power to shift the Fed in a very different direction. Monetary policy would still be made by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which includes the full slate of Fed Governors headquartered in Washington, as well as a rotating portion of the regional Fed bank presidents. But the new Fed chief would have a 4-3 Trump appointed majority on the Board.
That 4-3 majority is important because if the Board wants, it could vote to remove regional bank presidents. In theory, these removals are only supposed to be “for cause” but some regional bank presidents might not fight the pressure. It is true that bank presidents could go to court, like embattled Fed Governor Lisa Cook, but the courts might be less likely to fight a Fed majority asking for removal versus Trump asking for himself, like he did with Governor Cook. We don’t think courts have jurisdiction over the internal workings of the Fed and it’s hard to imagine them telling the Fed which votes it must accept on policy decisions.
In the meantime, Treasury Secretary Bessent has suggested changes to the antiquated system of regional Fed banks, a system which dates back more than a century. He suggested requiring any potential President of a regional Fed Bank to have been a resident of that district for at least three years. We would go even further and suggest reducing or even eliminating the regional banks and the duplication of all sorts of functions, to streamline the system and reduce spending at the central bank.
Another huge issue is that the Fed has been losing money hand over fist the last couple of years because it’s paying banks interest on the massive amounts of reserves it’s pumped into the financial system, while earning less yield on the debt securities the Fed itself owns.
Senators Ted Cruz, Rick Scott, and Rand Paul have bills to end these payments. We think these bills are a great start but the process needs to be handled with delicacy as the payments are the counterpart to the abundant monetary policy regime the Fed embarked on almost twenty years ago with multiple rounds of Quantitative Easing. Both these policies should be wound down at the same time and the Fed prevented from embarking on similar policies in the future.
Yet another issue investors need to pay attention to is that the Fed is in the process of reducing the liquidity requirements it imposes on banks while it is still cutting short-term rates and ending quantitative tightening. In turn, this set of policies could result in a pick-up in the growth rate of M2. The surge in M2 in 2020-21 was the harbinger of the inflation surge in 2021-22. Then the drop in M2 from mid-2022 through 2023 signaled the current slowdown in inflation.
The M2 money supply is up 4.7% from a year ago. That is consistent with some continued moderation in inflation. But if recent policy measures, like loosening the liquidity ratio, lead to a pick-up in M2 growth, then the Fed will be further delayed in getting inflation down to its 2.0% target.
Either way, this is a key week for monetary policy, both in the short-term and, potentially, the long run.
Brian S. Wesbury – Chief Economist
Robert Stein, CFA – Deputy Chief Economist
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MARFORPAC Band Concert
Lots of talent in this group! Thanks Marines for a great evening of entertainment!
Enjoy the photos!
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Kapono’s to launch new location in Hawaii Kai
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Kapono's At The Lounge will open Dec. 31.
KAPONO'S AT THE LOUNGE
By Virginia Noone – Reporter, Pacific Business News
Dec 5, 2025
A new music venue created in partnership with famed Hawaii musician Henry Kapono is slated to open in Hawaii Kai on New Year’s Eve.
The waterfront venue, Kapono’s at the Lounge, will be located inside Hawaii Kai marina recording studio, Island Sound Studios, in a venue formerly called The Lounge. Kapono’s at The Lounge is a collaboration between Henry Kapono, the Henry Kapono Foundation and The Lounge.
“This opening night carries special meaning: It comes exactly 20 years to the day since the original Kapono’s at Aloha Tower Marketplace bid farewell with its legendary New Year’s Eve celebration,” the company said in a statement. “The epic party marked the end of a remarkable 10-year run that helped define Honolulu’s live music scene from 1995 to 2005.”
The venue will now be home to the Henry Kapono Foundation, Kapono’s at The Lounge, Island Sound Studios’ two studios and The Velvet Monkey, a speakeasy.
“This partnership is more than a venue launch,” said Lezlee Kaʻaihue, executive director of the Henry Kapono Foundation, in a statement. “It’s about creating a true home for Hawaii’s music — a place where artists and audiences can come together to celebrate, uplift and inspire.”
Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue is a Grammy-nominated, multi-award-winning Native Hawaiian singer-songwriter.
Many award-winning artists have spent time at Island Sound Studios, including Beyoncé, John Legend and Eminem.
“For decades, Island Sound Studios has been a creative home for chart-topping and Grammy-winning artists,” said Bryan and Kyle Spicer, co-owners of Island Sound Studios, in a statement. “Kapono’s at The Lounge expands that legacy into a live venue and creative hub for Hawaii’s music community.”
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Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots Golf Tournament sponsored by the Navy League Kicked off the Season of Giving.
Enjoy the Photos!~
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Old Timers 2025 - Enjoy the Photos!
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Please help me Support A Drug Free Hawaii
Your Giving Tuesday effort through GiveBigHawaii fuels our mission at the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawai‘i: empowering youth, supporting families, and building safer communities for all.
Mahalo for helping us create a healthier future.
It's very easy, just share this link via email or on your favorite social media platform:
https://www.givebighawaii.com/organizations/coalition-for-a-drug-free-hawaii
You can use a Give Big Hawaii image, our logo, or one of your own.
Let's see if we can raise some money for prevention!
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Shared by Pacific Business News
River of Life reaches about 2,500 each month at its outreach events held at various sites throughout Oahu.
RIVER OF LIFE
By Christina O'Connor – Senior Digital Editor, Pacific Business News
Dec 10, 2025
Listen to this article4 min
Story Highlights
What’s This?
Keali'i Kane Gray became River of Life Mission's executive director.
The organization serves 2,500 homeless individuals monthly through hub events.
Kane Gray plans to add 4,000 more meals monthly by 2026.
River of Life Mission, a faith-based nonprofit in Honolulu that aims to help homeless individuals across Oahu, has appointed Keali‘i Kane Gray as its new executive director.
Kane Gray started in late October, and in her first few weeks on the job, she has led the organization through its 40th anniversary celebration, Thanksgiving meal services, and ramping up for Christmas outreach events.
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Sign up to volunteer or sign up your High School Student
To attend RYLA
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Love your comments!
Congratulations on receiving the highest Navy League national award, the Scroll of Honor.
You are an incredible asset to the community.
I'm glad to be your friend.
Sincerely,
Katherine Ellwood
Rotary isn't just about service -- it's also about people you meet along the way. If David's story inspires you to serve, connect, and grow with others, learn how to join Rotary today: https://rotaryd5000.org/page/interested-in-joining/
Video:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FBIU4wabDcgOpeg5RRTHG-kgTOXIaEjo/view?usp=drive_link
Janet Kelley Rotary District 5000 Public Image Chair
Hi David:
"Dave Livingston, received the highest Navy League national award, the Scroll of Honor"
Certainly Well Deserved!!, My, Friend!!
Stan Grube
"Because of you, each opportunity is elevated with a positive impact on your community. Your volunteerism and dedication has made a real difference"
I share this Tribute!!
Stan Grube
Nice job Dave. Well written as usual.
These are such beautiful photos. Thank you so much for capturing the memories for all of us!
On June 5, 2025 our very own Jane Ferreira and photographer and board member Dave Livingston, received the highest Navy League national award, the Scroll of Honor, each for their contributions to the National and Local Councils over the last 20 years. Bravo Zulu Jane and Dave. The Honolulu Council also cleaned up in other awards again this year!!! Mike Stevens – CEO Navy League of the United States
You brighten every event with your presence, and the photos as well.
We enjoyed our brief chats throughout the before and after.
Thanks you for what you do for the community.
Mahalo!
-- David and Nora (Bramlett)
Thank you for all the work you do for our community with the Rotary Club.
Your kindness was appreciated at the Ceremonies on Saturday.
Would it be possible to get some photos of HFD from you?
I believe that a Google drive would be best.
Mahalo,
Aaron Jones
Captain – Honolulu Fire Department
Engine 18 First Platoon
Kailua Fire Station
211 Kuulei Road
Kailua HI, 96734
(808)723-7418
Hi David,
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you so much again for your time in capturing the event last night! Your efforts contributed to making the night such a success. It was a pleasure seeing and chatting with you 
Have a fabulous weekend!
Ruvi Sirmans | Manager, Programs and Events | Young Professionals Coordinator
Phone (808) 380-2432 | Email rsirmans@cochawaii.org | Website cochawaii.org
733 Bishop Street, Makai Tower Suite 1200, Honolulu, HI 96813
Proudly serving as Hawaii’s advocate for business for 175 years.
These are great, David!! Thank you so much for your continued support and especially for sharing your talents with Make-A-Wish Hawaii!
Much Aloha,
Trini
The best newsletter you have ever sent. I enjoyed it very much.
Kathryn Henski
Dave - Thank you. You've outdone yourself!
So many photos and all great. Love the arcade shots. And the one near the end with you and Kendra is a winner.
Mahalo for all you do. Great event. - Jean Dickinson
Aloha David, and mahalo nui for including the DVAC golf tournament in your newsletter. It is much appreciated!!
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Public relations has started! I think you will enjoy this interview on HI Now (in the link below).
Here are the links to the segments on HI Now: https://www.hinowdaily.com/2025/04/02/clay-partnering-shapes-colleagues-into-collaborators/
Here is a Link to Download Segment
Would love to hear your thoughts and thank you for the support.
Jerry Clay
Clay Partnering, LLC- Founder
Good morning my dear friend!
Happy Volunteer’s Month!!!
I wanted to take this time to Thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for your amazing support, as an Outstanding Volunteer! Your hardworking commitment is admirable, and I am truly grateful.
Because of you, each opportunity is elevated with a positive impact on our community. Your volunteerism and dedication has made a real difference, and I couldn’t do it without you!
May today and everyday be filled with love and joy always!
With much love from the bottom of my heart,
Ellie
Aloha Dave,
Always great seeing you at March of Dimes! Thank you for always capturing the best moments of people coming together for a worthy cause!
March of Dimes Kickoff 2025 - Artistic Mindz
Dana Low
NMLS 639234
Branch Manager
Mililani Branch
808-844-8701
Fabulous photos Dave!! It looks like RYLA Oahu 2025 was a blast!
Mahalo for sharing,
Jen Tanouye
You REALLY DO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS - For lots of these folks, it's probably the most recent good photo they have.
And you never get anyone with their mouth open or chewing or eyes closed... or you do a great job at editing them out.
I know it is appreciated, even when people don't say thank you.
Nancy
Mahalo for sharing.
Best wishes to you and your 'ohana!
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Senator Mike Gabbard
Chair, Agriculture and Environment Committee
Hawai’i State Capitol, Room 201
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813
Ph: 808-586-6830
P.S. Click HERE to check out my Senate webpage
A‘ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia. “No task is too big when done together by all.”
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Richard Rankin <dickrankin@wwohana.org> |
Sun, Jan 5, 2025 at 8:52 PM |
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Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas, Dave from Tokyo.
Thanks always for the news from around …..always interesting and helpful for calendar planning for events to go to … or a recap and peak at events I missed and wished I had attended.
Nice wrap up on SME event and list of honorees. Nice update on Christmas in the islands. All good, always. Loved the Tesla joke!
Keep staying young my friend.
And Happy New Year to you!
MAHALO!
DAVE
Dave Erdman | Founder, CEO & President
808-469-4833| derdman@pacrimmarketing.com
Aloha and Mahalo Dave,
As always the photos are awesome, Mahalo for what you do. I'm glad you got to prove to your wife you were working.
Much Aloha
Warmest Regards,
Lis
Hi David,
Just sending you a note of aloha and thanking you for the many wonderful events, pictures, charities you have supported since we met back in 2007. Amazing!
Thank you for leading and setting a great example for everyone.
You truly are an "Artiste Extraordinare".
3 Cheers for you.!!!
Aloha
Carla von & Geoff Milford
Navy League event pals
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USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108)
USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) returned home to Pearl Harbor after 9 months at sea - Welcome home Sailors!
Enjoy the pictures!
USS Wayne E Meyers DDG-108 Returns to Pearl Harbor 2025 NOV 29 after 8 months of deployment. God Bless The USA; Hula
https://youtu.be/0u1RXJ4BZtg?si=CJUWgRAEWgGyfZvy
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Lauren Lawley Head, writer, as seen in TBJ Content Studio on Sept. 10, 2025. Lauren is a fulltime journalist 
and the founder and CEO of Lawley Head Media, LLC and a resident of Dallas, Texas. Ms. Head wrote an article about Mayo Clinic Cardiologist Dr. Stephen Kopecky who has recurring cancer after 14 years. Now with a wife and three little children, his goal is to see his children graduate from grade school. His motto is: Death is inevitable, but premature death is not …. Dr. Kopecky says that mental health has a significant impact on physical health. … The single largest psychological cause of heart disease mortality is pessimism; and pessimism has increased dramatically recently. Steps to increase optimism can yield big results.
A premature death has a way of putting parents and other family members in a state of complete devastation and becoming emotionally drained. This young doctor who often has a positive outlook for his patients, helping them to live longer, is now trying to have a more positive outlook on life for himself.
I have some good advice for him. We don’t know from the article whether he has a Pre-Plan or not, but it would make his optimism a little less difficult to achieve by knowing that he has already pre-planned for himself, his wife and children. In doing so, he can prevent some of their personal suffering and stress from getting any worse, while trying to arrange his sudden funeral/burial. He knows what’s in store for him, everything except the date. 
Stay optimistic by just giving me a call. I will help you with your and your family’s Pre-Plans for traditional/casket or cremation. You can make the decisions now as to where you will be buried, or whether your wishes are to be cremated and your ashes scattered, or whether you want a niche, a family plot, or have your own mausoleum, etc. By being completely prepared, you will be able to give peace of mind to those close to you and to yourself. I can help you just like I have assisted more than 10,000 Hawaii families and individuals make their plans for cremation or burial.
You can also add a lifetime travel plan for $599 in case you or your children should die while away from home. This life-time travel plan will bring your body back home—a procedure that can cost thousands of dollars and occurs more often than you may think. Please ask me about the Family-First Protection Plan to cover children and grandchildren until they are 21. Please do this while you still can, and those who love you can rest easy knowing your choices will be honored. A Pre-Plan is a positive thing to have. We hope Dr. Kopecky has his.
Linda Rose Herman
Pre-planning Advisor
Hawaiian Memorial Park & Funeral Services/Borthwick Mortuary
(808) 864-3505
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Joe Gedeon First Annual Golf Tournament
Joe Gedeon's friends and family were there to support his first Golf Tournament - Many more to come - Enjoy the photos!
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Find out what’s happening in Hawaii
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If you have anything you'd like to share in "Things Worth Saving" please e-mail me your text to David@DavidLivingstonHawaii.com (Word Files can also be cut and paste into this document or JPEG – No PDF’s) - Many thanks to all of the contributors over the years. The editing is done Thursday evenings - we start broadcasting late Thursday Night to all 22,000 readers - If I get an article after Thursday it goes in the next issue (Unless it's outdated). To take yourself off the "Things Worth Saving" distribution list Hit the unsubscribe button on the Newsletter! To add your friends to this newsletter https://flowingblue.com/things-worth-saving-newsletter/
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