Former Mayor Maryanne Kusaka is, quite simply, the reason YMCA of Kauai officials and volunteers were able to break ground Wednesday for a new, permanent facility in Puhi, the group’s executive director said. Dr. Thomas A. Tannery, YMCA of Kauai
Former Mayor Maryanne Kusaka is, quite simply, the reason YMCA of Kauai officials and volunteers were able to break ground Wednesday for a new, permanent facility in Puhi, the group’s executive director said.
Dr. Thomas A. Tannery, YMCA of Kauai executive director, said Kusaka’s vision, support, and knowledge that the facility would be good for the island’s children, while she was in the mayor’s office, were instrumental in leading to this week’s groundbreaking and dedication.
“Without her, none of this would be possible,” Tannery said. She wanted to do something for the children, their families, and YMCA programs, he said. “She stood behind it, knew it was needed, knew it would be good for the island,” Tannery said.
For all those reasons, Kusaka was chosen as the groundbreaking guest speaker, he added. During her remarks, Kusaka said that many, many hands were involved in getting the project this far.
Tannery said Kusaka continues to talk to people about making donations to the YMCA to help build out the multi-building complex adjacent to Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Puhi.
“It takes a community effort to make this happen,” Tannery said.
So far, $900,000 has been raised for the $8.7-million facility, with the first phase having a $2.5-million budget. The first phase will include a multi-purpose building ($685,000) and Olympic-size swimming pool ($1.8 million including the pool house and wellness center).
All of the necessary zoning and permits are in place, and, hopefully, the multi-purpose building and pool will be completed at about the same time, Tannery continued.
The project has moved from the dream phase to the “can they do it?” phase to the reality phase, he said.
Ground was broken earlier this week for the first of several buildings that will eventually be the permanent home of the YMCA of Kauai. The current office is at Kilohana, in a former plantation service worker’s quarters.
The multi-purpose building is the first to be built, at a cost of around $685,000. The entire project includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool (over $1.8 million including the pool house and wellness center), batting cages ($600,000), gymnasium (nearly $4 million), administration building ($480,000) and daycare center ($685,000), for a total project cost of over $8.78 million.
Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste, all of the members of the Kaua‘i County Council, Kusaka, and many other dignitaries were in attendance. Former County Council Chair Ron Kouchi was the event master of ceremonies, and is a YMCA board member.
The oldest person to attend the ceremony was Sachiko Yoshimoto, 94, affectionately known as “Mrs. Y,” who used to be the camp cook at the YMCA’s Camp Naue in Ha‘ena.
Kumu hula Wallis Punua, another YMCA board member, performed the Hawaiian blessing, and long-time YMCA supporter, volunteer and member of the East Kaua‘i Y’s Men’s Club, Jennie Yukimura, offered the Christian blessing.
Donna Schulze of Kilauea, another long-time YMCA volunteer swim instructor and current board secretary, had the task of rounding up 27 shovels for government officials, contractors, board members, Tannery, and other dignitaries to use while planting the ti plants near where one of the buildings will eventually stand.
Peter Baldwin, whose parents the late W.J. “Bunt” Baldwin and Ann Baldwin of Koloa made a sizable donation to the building fund drive, said his father would be proud of the project, but a bit embarrassed that one of the buildings will be named for him.
Community Development Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the county Agency on Housing in the Offices of Community Assistance will be used for facility construction costs, and U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye was responsible for securing additional federal funds for the endeavor.
Lihu‘e attorney Patrick J. Childs is YMCA board president, and Ron Agor is vice president. Christine French is treasurer, and other members not already named include John Ferry, Fred Atkins, Helen Rask, Judge Clifford Nakea, Andy Nickles, Patrick Ibbs, Beverly Olsen and Dr. Mitsugi Nakashima. Following the blessing, invited guests went across Kaumuali‘i Highway to the Kilohana living room of Gaylord’s Restaurant, for pupus, drinks and fellowship. YMCA leaders enjoy a $1-a-year lease on the county land along Kaumuali‘i Highway that was originally slated to become a county park.
Paul C. Curtis, associate editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or pcurtis@pulitzer.net.
