Aloha Steve Tearney
Steve did weekly shows at the J. Watumull Planetarium at Bishop Museum, so he followed the schedules of celestial bodies pretty closely. In late 2000, the new International Space Station unveiled its large solar array, used to power the station. Steve knew that this array would make the space station much more visible here on Earth because the sun’s light would be reflected by the giant solar panels. When the newly-outfitted space station made its first visible pass over Hawaii, Steve—being the space buff he was—didn't want to miss it. On the morning of the fly-over, he woke up before dawn and walked outside his apartment building to Wilder Avenue near Punahou School. He looked at his watch and waited.
A man at the nearby bus stop turned to him and asked, "Which number you waiting for?"
Steve replied, "Oh no, I'm not waiting for the bus."
He then added, nonchalantly, "I'm waiting for the spaceship."
The guy looked at Steve—who he sees now is still in his pajamas—and shakes his head.
Just then a bright light emerged over Makiki Park. As the space station's panels caught the early morning light it quickly became the brightest spot in the sky. The man stared in awe as the glowing ship flew straight overhead and disappeared.
Steve quietly turned around and walked back toward his apartment. Only then did the man realize he missed his bus.
Well, who knows if the last part is true, but it makes for a good story.So, Steve, your spaceship has finally arrived. Godspeed, and thank you for the light you shared.
For more than 20 years, Steve Tearney served as a Sierra Club volunteer in the Hawai‘i Chapter office. He has the distinction of having worked with every director of our chapter to date. Sadly, he passed away last month at the age of 74. Steve was an important part of the Sierra Club’s success over the years. His diligence and accuracy at the most tedious of tasks allowed us to accomplish important goals like poll all new electoral candidates, input and track mass amounts of petition signatures, and verify every vote in each Sierra Club election.“Steve was one of our most reliable in-office volunteers,” remembers David Frankel. “He did all the very important, but very boring tasks necessary to keep our office running.”“We could always count on Steve to do the important behind-the-scenes work of our chapter,” said Jeff Mikulina. “His guilelessness and subtle sense of humor made him enjoyable company in the office.”“Steve was our Eeyore--dependable and blue--and we all loved him for it,” said Marti Townsend. “He may have been melancholy, but he knew a good joke when he heard one. His giant smile and genuine laugh were office treasures. Our Hundred Acre Wood isn’t going to be the same without him.”“Truly one of a kind, critically needed, and deeply appreciated,” added Robert Harris. “Steve is definitely missed.” Steve received the distinguished “Kokua Award” for faithful volunteer service to the Club in 2008 at the Chapter’s 40th Anniversary. In addition to volunteering at the Sierra Club office, Steve was also the voice of the planetarium show at the Bishop Museum for many years. He was a frequent contributor of letters to the editor and was a go-to-guy for reporters seeking the perspective of the “man-on-the-street.” Prior to retiring, Steve worked as a middle school science teacher.- Former & Current Chapter Directors David Kimo Frankel, Jeff Mikulina, Robert Harris, and Marti Townsend