Why Vandalize Keiki Playgrounds?
It baffles me why anyone deliberately would want to vandalize places where our keiki play. But that’s just what happened at Puhi and Anne Knudsen parks in recent months. Thieves removed sizeable portions of new synthetic turf on the playgrounds, which will cost taxpayers thousands of dollars to replace. I’m just happy there are groups like Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii that volunteer to help beautify these public places, as they did last month at Puhi Regional Park. Some 20 members of the organization, along with Grace Peralta, the group’s youth development specialist, painted over graffiti in an effort to inspire young people to become responsible citizens.
“Hopefully, the vandals can learn from these fine young people about respecting public facilities,” says Lenny Rapozo, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
At the Koloa Landing celebration honoring kumu hula Kaleinani Hayakawa (from left): Ike Cockett, Hayakawa, LeAna Cockett and Michiru Umezu. Photo from Koloa Landing
Others can help by participating in the county’s Adopt-A-Park program. Volunteers can assist by getting involved in removing graffiti, picking up trash or planting flowers. There are entire parks and areas within them that can be adopted, including sports fields and pavilions. Anyone interested in the program may contact Eddie Sarita, Adopt-A-Park coordinator and manager of Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall, at 241-6623 for more information …
Get in the holiday mood by attending Kapaa Middle School‘s Choral and Ukulele Band‘s Winter Concert Wednesday (Dec. 10) at the school’s covered court. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. and follows a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 6:15. The choir is directed by Mary Lardizabal and the ukulele band by Loke Sasil. Email kmschoir123@gmail.com for more information. The event is free …
Koloa Landing Resort and Spa honored kumu hula Kaleinani Hayakawa at a private reception last month. Her 50 years of sharing her love for hula with Japan was celebrated with some of her students and longtime friends, including Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. Her many accomplishments throughout the years include opening Japan’s first hula school in 1976. More recently, she was honored at the Grand Hula Celebration for Joban Dance Academy‘s 50th anniversary at Tokyo International Forum, to which she invited some of Hawaii’s top musicians, such as Chinky Mahoe, Blaine Kia, Moon Kauakahi of Makaha Sons and Pomaikai Keawe Lyman, as well as Kauai dancers Troy Lazaro, Kekoa Tango, Pali Caberto and Miss Hawaii 2014 Stephanie Steuri to perform. This year, Hayakawa also was presented with a cultural and humanitarian award from Mayor Fumiko Hayashi of Yokohama …
Kauai celebrated Hawaii Fashion Month in style Nov. 25. A fashion show was presented featuring KaiKini Bikinis by Taryn Rodighiero and clothing by Louda Larrain. The event also celebrated the grand opening of the new KaiKini Bikinis’ manufacturing space. Congrats, ladies …
Kauai Planning and Action Alliance will host its winter membership meeting Friday (Dec. 12) from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Kauai Community College, OCET Building, Room 106C/D. The meeting will highlight the “2014 Kauai Youth Report” published by Keiki to Career Kauai initiative, which will present data on youth development, including academic success and health and well-being. The event is free and everyone is welcome. Registration and refreshments start at 2:30 p.m. Email kpaa@kauai-network.org or call 632-2005 for more information …
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