Several hundred Kauaians gathered at a fundraising concert at the Kukui Grove Saturday Pavilion Saturday to help raise funds for Hokuanu Aki. Aki’s family is paying many of the bills for the 18-year-old’s medical expenses and rehabilitation following a shark
Several hundred Kauaians gathered at a fundraising concert at the Kukui Grove Saturday Pavilion Saturday to help raise funds for Hokuanu Aki.
Aki’s family is paying many of the bills for the 18-year-old’s medical expenses and rehabilitation following a shark attack in March in which he lost his lower left leg.
At the request of Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, United Airlines flew in Nancy and Dave Roberts from Littleton, Colo. to Kaua’i at no cost so they could be with Aki Saturday.
The Colorado couple helped bring Aki safely to shore and helped provide initial treatment after the March 25 shark attack at Brennecke Beach on the South Shore. The couple was visiting Kaua’i at the time.
Wearing leis and a white T-shirt and sporting sunglasses and short-cropped hair, Aki said he was touched and gratified by the support, adding “I am very fortunate.”
The shark attack will not keep him from reaching a life goal – becoming an entertainer, said Aki, a member of a halau led by Kaua’i businessman Wallis Punua.
The idea for the fundraiser came about 2 1/2 weeks ago and came off as smoothly as did only because of the help of “my ‘ohana, my wife (Raene), uncles and aunties,” said Hoku’s father, Harmon Aki, a tire department manager at the NAPA auto store in Lihu’e.
He said he hoped to raise at least $30,000 during the Saturday fundraiser. It was the first of several fundraisers planned.
“Not all the treatment or the availability of prosthetics are here in Hawai’i, so we need to raise the funds so we can send Hoku away, in case we need to, for help,” Harmon Aki said. “I want to do the best for him, just as any father would do for their child.”
Hokuanu Aki is one of eight children. He lost an older brother to a fatal motorcycle accident on Oahu 1 1/2 years ago.
That loss and the thought that “I could have lost a second son” motivates him to do whatever he can to help Aki, Harmon Aki said. “I know the pain,” said Aki, his voice faltering and his lips pinching. “That is why I am doing what I do for him.”
The event started at 11 a.m. and was anticipated to end at 8:30 p.m.
Those attending paid a $15 donation to help Aki with his recovery.
Music was provided by Starla Pimental, Heiura Tahitian Halau, Na Molokama, Opihi Pickers, Ka La Hiki Ola, Chico and Gabby, Papa’a Bay Boys, Shilo Pa and Sean Carillo, Island Vibes, Lifetime Band, Pacific Vibes, Soul Harmony and Revival, and Na Hoku Hanahano award-winner Natural Vibrations from O’ahu.
Harmon Aki said his cousin, Cheryl Paogofi of Kaua’i, played a major role in helping to assemble the bands.
Food vendors pledged to donate a portion of their sales to Aki.
Kusaka’s administration worked with businesses in staging the event.
Some people who didn’t know Hoku Aki came out to support him.
Waimea resident, Harry Wright, who has respiratory problems and was hooked up to a oxygen tank, said he sympathizes with Aki’s plight and came to the fundraiser because “I want to help the man, Mr. Aki.”
Sitting next to him on a bench was Sandy Davis of Kapa’a, who said she wanted to help “one of Kauai’s own.”
Among those who knew Aki, Kane Pa of Lihu’e came to the fundraiser with his three-year-old daughter Pua Ho’onei Uhane because the “Aki family is my ‘ohana.” Pa added he wanted to help a young man “who needs it right now.”
Kusaka credited the county’s Office of Economic Development and her cabinet for taking on extra duties to help make Aki’s fundraiser a success. They arranged to have equipment and stands for the event.
Among the businesses or organizations that help support the event were Lee Rentals Tents, Garden Island Inflatables, Big Toe’s Shave Ice, Da Imu Hut Cafe of Hanapepe, American Red Cross, American Medical Response, Myron’s Filipino and Local Foods, Pizza Hut, K.J.’s Lunch Menu of Lihu’e, Mark’s Place, United Airlines, The Garden Island newspaper, Radisson Kaua’i Beach Resort, Kaua’i Coconut Beach Resort, Polynesian Adventure Tours, Keoki’s Paradise Restaurant in Po’ipu, Toolmaster, Kaua’i Termite Fumigation Inc., Garden Island Disposal and Pacific Wireless Communications.
