I was stationed at Pearl from '79 to '81 and lived out on Wheeler Air Force base with my brother and his wife. I can relate to what you mean. To meet someone in Hawaii who said that they were born in Kenya would seem to be something that could be seered into your memory that is for sure. Be safe!
Ever go up to K-Bay to bodysurf??
I trid to body-surf Waimaia Bay without flippers once...ONCE!
Great place, but DONT do it without flippers!