Aloha, Rev. Mits Aoki

If anyone could be prepared for the end of his earthly existence, it was the Rev. Mitsuo Aoki, who died last week at 95. A documentary in his later years spotlighted his work with terminal patients, helping them to find peace and happiness with family and loved ones. But for University of Hawaii alumni of a certain age, Aoki was best known as a professor of religion with a flair for the dramatic. Sometimes he’d use a theatrical delivery to underscore his point. "Judaism is … God in HISTORY!" he might bellow, reaching to the back of Varsity Theater, where big lecture classes were held back then. Aoki did help people confront their mortality, but as a teacher and pastor, it really was all about living.

Shane: Little League fave

Gotta love the home team — and we do, as Hawaii fans root for the Waipio All-Stars to go all the way in the Little League World Series.

As for the Waipio lads, they were nearly united in their admiration for a certain homegrown major leaguer. Asked in a televised opening montage to name their favorite baseball player, most of the Waipio teammates, one by one, replied: "Shane Victorino." "Shane Victorino." "Shane Victorino." Yes, the Maui boy done good playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, has made quite an impression on Hawaii’s budding stars.

As for the LLWS bid: Waipio next plays the Georgia-vs.-Ohio loser, in hopes of climbing to the top via the elimination bracket. WAI-PI-O! WAI-PI-O!