The Milkman Will Deliver.

Riding a bicycle is fun. And should always be an activity that is enjoyed. However, riding on the streets of Honolulu are not always fun. Some people will attest that it is “dangerous.”

Jorge Portillo is twenty-years-old. Jorge attends the University of Phoenix on full academic scholarship after graduating from Kalihi’s Farrington High School. Jorge is still at Farrington High School now as a staff member in the IT department. Anyone who has ever met Jorge knows of his passion for robotic technologies.

A few months ago Jorge discovered bicycles. He found an old Raleigh road bicycle frame from KVIBE and built it up. Jorge confided that he began riding bicycles because he wanted to meet friends.

And boy, did Jorge meet friends! At first Jorge rode on Tuesday evenings with a crew of kids from Pearl City. Then Jorge found HNL Bike Polo. This was when Jorge really began to shine and was nicknamed “The Milkman” because he ordered a hearty glass of milk at a bar. Jorge’s bike polo friends are a rowdy, jubilant, loving group of friends that embraced The Milkman and his passion for bicycles.

Last evening around 11PM Jorge was riding his bicycle in the center Ewa-bound lane of Dillingham Boulevard just before Kalihi Street when he was hit from behind by a truck. The driver of the vehicle did not stop to render aid and fled the scene. A hit-and-run by every definition.

Jorge was listed in critical condition upon his arrival at Queens Medical. Since then The Milkman has woken up. And despite this good news, Jorge will still have a long tough journey to travel.

This is a plead to the community of Kalihi and all motorists: Please put down the mobile. Please keep your eyes in front. Please do not drive over the speed limit - the speed limit exists for a reason; its an island where does one need to rush to? Please understand that driving is a privilege and not a right. Please Drive with ALOHA.