John "Mango Man" Cruz

[Tiabla]

Those who frequent Kailua are familiar with the homeless man with long dreadlocks who is known as Mango Man. We haven't seen Mango Man in a couple weeks - earlier this week a coworker and I were saying, "Hmm, haven't seen Mango Man in awhile." This morning I discovered that there is a rumor going around Kailua town that he was hit by a car a couple weeks ago. Whoever hit him thought he was dead, so they threw his body in a dumpster! Someone found him the following morning and he's now at Castle Hospital recuperating. The woman I spoke with did not know the extent of his injuries, nor did she know if there is a criminal investigation pending.

I know folks on HT are uber-connected; does anyone have any information about this alleged act or the condition of Mango Man?

[MadAzza]

I know Mango Man and have bought him Safeway sandwiches on occasion. The first time, he thanked me graciously in a perfectly normal voice, which kind of surprised me.

But what I want to know is, how could anyone physically "throw him" in a Dumpster? He's a big guy!

[LikaNui]

I know Mango Man and have bought him Safeway sandwiches on occasion. Same here, Maddie. And I too hope that he's okay.
Friends at the Kailua police station told me that he's ex-military and that he's never once caused them any problem, even though he looks intimidating and, as you said, he's a big guy.
I occasionally see him in Kaneohe too.

[Erika Engle]

Same here, Maddie. And I too hope that he's okay.
Friends at the Kailua police station told me that he's ex-military and that he's never once caused them any problem, even though he looks intimidating and, as you said, he's a big guy.
I occasionally see him in Kaneohe too.

I don't know if this is urban legend, but I was told he IS indeed, a military vet and that his sister/other family members have tried repeatedly to house him/help him ... but that he didn't want help.

If it's true he was hit by a car, I'm very sorry and hope he recovers -- and that more people are as generous and merciful to him as Maddie and Lika have been.

[Miulang]

If Mango Man is a vet, more than likely he's a vet from Vietnam and more than likely he's suffering from PTSS. We have many many homeless men up here like him who live outdoors and who also rely on the kindness of strangers. Too bad we couldn't help them and welcome them home with open arms when they first came back from Vietnam. :mad: I'm trying to be optimistic that today's returning soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan are getting all the emotional counseling they need to make that tough transition back to the real world.

Miulang

[Tiabla]

But what I want to know is, how could anyone physically "throw him" in a Dumpster? He's a big guy!

I thought the same thing! The Dumpster part sounds urban legend-ish to me, but I just spoke with someone over my lunch break who confirmed that he did get hit by a car.

I had no idea he's a military vet.

I live and work in Kailua and would see Mango Man on a daily basis and occasionally buy him food from Down to Earth. I hope he recovers soon.

[buzz1941]

John "Mango Man" Cruz, supposedly a Vietnam vet with issues, and who was a familiar sight on Kailua streets for the last couple of decades with his tattered Army jacket and long dreadlocks, died last week. He was the victim of a hit-and-run.

[Glen Miyashiro]

Ai-yah. :(

[LikaNui]

Damn. What a shame.
Thanks for checking that story for us, Burl.

[Palolo Joe]

That is messed up.

Any truth to the rumor that he was thrown in a dumpster following the incident?

[Menehune Man]

I've spoken with him over the past few years a few times and a very pleasant man is he. He lived this way by his choice, be it brought on by previous trauma or whatnot. I hope he's okay.

[Pomai]

John "Mango Man" Cruz, supposedly a Vietnam vet with issues, and who was a familiar sight on Kailua streets for the last couple of decades with his tattered Army jacket and long dreadlocks, died last week. He was the victim of a hit-and-run.Sorry to hear this. :(

Growing up in Kaneohe, we frequently saw "Mango Man" at various locations along Kamehameha hwy. Sometimes he'd be seen along Likelike Hwy. walking towards town.

"Mango Man" is an obvious derogatory nickname probably made up by a bunch of kids because of his appearance. But I've never heard of anyone getting into a confrontation of any kind with him. I once gave him some fast food at a bus stop and he was very appreciative with a nod of happy approval in return. He was very TALL indeed, usually wearing a camouflage jacket, dark long pants and dark shades.

I'm sure Mr. Cruz is in a much better place now. Deepest sympathy to his family. Rest in peace.

[buzz1941]

When he lived up the coast, Cruz was known as the "Kaneohe Walker."

The word is that he was struck by a car and suffered a broken leg. He refused help, and the bone splintered over the next couple of days, causing massive internal trauma to the limb. Finally taken to the hospital, the limb was taken off, but it was too late and he died.

I got this from a store owner who often talked to him. They often discussed Vietnam.

Cruz was intimidating looking -- all that dreadlock! -- but spoke perfectly normally, if a little reserved, the times I bumped into him. He knew he was odd but didn't much care.

Of course, one of my kids today heard that Cruz actually pulled through. Either way, he was a tough old bird.

[Menehune Man]

Oh He died, I'm very sorry. He'll be missed by many people that knew him and all the bystanders that just knew of him.

[cezanne]

Oh my goodness. He passed away? Like Pomai, I remember him roaming Kaneohe since the mid 70's.

My condolensces to his family.

[LikaNui]

Of course, one of my kids today heard that Cruz actually pulled through. So the report of his passing may have been premature?
:confused:

[1stwahine]

One thing I learned when my kids were in Iraq the same time...

"Rumors are worst than the enemy!""":o

Auntie Alyn

[poinographer]

If Cruz is still alive, well, the life of a homeless AMPUTEE is not going to be pleasant...

What a sad story, either way.

[buzz1941]

Overheard on the bus today, a couple of folks discussing Cruz in the hospital, as if Mango Man is still with us. Cross your fingers.

Also in the Kailua area, there are still a number of determinedly homeless folks — the Petticoat Lady on Keolu, the rather pretty girl who talks to herself all day long behind the bike shop, and that guy who's mean to his dog ....

[buzz1941]

Spotted in Kailua — John "Mango Man" Cruz, alive and well, but using a walker to get around. Got a new cammo jacket but the same old dreads. Rumors of his demise appear to be exaggerated!

[1stwahine]

That's great news! For those who don't know Mango Man, the thread that started it all: http://hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=8424&highlight=mango

Auntie LYNN :D

[LikaNui]

That's great news, Burl! Thanks for letting us know. I've been wondering ever since the other thread.