We (I think Gary is in this we as well) were having a discussion about lack of good Mexican in Hawaii and why, it is a mystery...
I think I got my finger on the pulse of this issue last night at the market.
The checker was entering produce of the customer ahead of me in line. He holds up a produce bag, and asks the customer, "What kind of peppers are these?"
The customer thinks, draws a blank, reaches into his pocket, pulls out his lists, scans it, and replies "jalapenos"
He pronounced the J like Japan.
So, if people purchasing peppers and the guy working in the store don't even know what jalapenos are, it becomes much more clear why these people cannot cook Mexican food.