“Local Boy” by Fred Hemmings
“Local Boy: A Memoir” (2017) by surfer and Hawaii State Senator Fred Hemmings (1946-) is an optimistic and nostalgic memoir about his life. “The years of my life defy my wildest dreams,” Hemmings writes, and humbly admits, “I consider myself a blessed person.” His brief, talk-story reminiscences draw us into his life, punctuated with family photos.
“Life’s treasures in so many ways are not necessarily any great achievement but, rather, the valiant efforts.” The memoir begins with “Small Kid Times” in the 1940s. Hemmings is the son of four generations of canoe steersmen and steerswomen. He lived in Kahala and Kuliouou and Kuapa Pond, surviving polio, and attended Punahou School. He reflects, “The true strength of any nation or culture can be found in the hearts of its people.”
“Enjoying the simple things – like the fellowship of surfing with friends – that are life’s greatest riches.” Hemmings enjoys the a life-long appreciation for the outdoors, as a surfer who grew up in the shadows of Duke Kahanamoku and his friends, a football player, a competitive runner who once ran a marathon on a bet, a canoe paddler who learned that you should always take risks when you are behind, and an accident-prone do-it-yourself yard worker. He even relates an unexpected meeting with heiress Doris Duke.
“Politics is not a dirty word.” Hemmings shares some of his experiences in the Hawaii State Senate (1984-1990), where he stood up against corruption and death threats. I was intrigued by his 2006 proposal to diversity Hawaii’s economy by creating a College of Sports at the University of Hawaii, with three areas of study: 1) sports management, coaching, and sports facility management; 2) sports medicine, science, and technology; and 3) sports marketing, merchandising, communication, and history.
Hemmings reveals a wonderful way to view the world and our purpose in life: “When I arrived where I wanted to be, I stopped my quest and pursued different challenges.” Or to put it in surfing terms, “One great wave is better than many good waves.”
For a preview of the book and videos, visit Hemmings’ website at http://www.fredhemmings.com.
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Better Hawaii 
August 4, 2018 at 6:14 am
I was acquainted with Fred during his days at the Hawaii State Senate from 2000 to 2010. One of the best things I remember was that he had nursed a one legged duck after it got injured or something. He brought the duck to work one day
I also remember his Senate office was like a museum to surfing. His first love is surfing and the ocean.
August 4, 2018 at 9:09 am
Hi Mel, thank you for sharing your memories of Fred! aloha, Rachelle
August 4, 2018 at 8:35 am
Fred is a great sportman, statesman, and kamaaina. We could all learn a few things from Fred.
August 4, 2018 at 9:22 am
aloha Boyd, thank you for your comments about Fred. take care, Rachelle