This is Mango Man. He is the most famous person in Kailua--when President Obama is not vacationing here! Mango Man's real name is John. He was hit by a car a few years ago and had to be taken to the hospital. He refused to let the nurses cut his hair--he won that battle. It is a matted nest! If you look closely, you can see the strand on the left side of the shot stands on it's own. He often holds his hair--probably, his most treasured possession.
He spends his days in the same couple of blocks and never begs or asks for money. Hawaii is a beautiful place, but it is very expensive to live there. There are lots of homeless people, but I think Mango Man is the most famous--someone started a Facebook Page for him! He's been living
on the streets of Kailua for at least 30 years!
Wow! Most excellent Hawaii street, LH! My first thought was, we're not in Hawaii any more, Toto. I was positive this was an LA shot until I read your commentary. Well done, my dear friend! Fave!
A street photo to be proud of! Thanks for the story - Mango Man is one amazing character. Perhaps he thinks he'll lose his strength if he gets a hair cut.
@sjodell@jenrobcarr@espyetta He is a vet -- my guess from Vietnam and he never recovered. I assume he gets $ from the gov't., but obviously not the mental health help he needed. My nieces have spoken to him -- he's kind of grumpy, but pretty much keeps to himself.
