• The ‘new’ YMCA The ‘new’ YMCA Through an across the board effort involving a cross section of Kaua‘i’s community, the YMCA broke ground this week in Puhi on the site for a new $8.7 million community facility. Once built,
• The ‘new’ YMCA
The ‘new’ YMCA
Through an across the board effort involving a cross section of Kaua‘i’s community, the YMCA broke ground this week in Puhi on the site for a new $8.7 million community facility.
Once built, the center will greatly benefit the community, in particular the youth of the Island.
The age-old adage on Kaua‘i is that “there’s nothing to do” for our youth. Soon a chunk of that excuse will no longer be valid.
Dr. Thomas A. Tannery, the executive director of the YMCA of Kauai congratulated former mayor Maryanne Kusaka for her work in bringing the project to fruition. Kusaka was asked to be the spokesperson at the groundbreaking.
The center still has a long ways to go in the realm of financing, with only $900,000 raised so far, and a first-phase budget of $2.5-million. The initial construction plan calls for building a multi-purpose building and an Olympic-size swimming pool with a wellness center. The wellness center would help a wide range of local citizens, including the seniors who like to exercise in the easing waters of a swimming pool.
With all the county building and zoning permits needed in place, it’s just a matter of more fundraising to begin the project.
A guest of special honor at the groundbreaking was Sachiko Yoshimoto, 94, who is affectionately called “Mrs. Y,” She served as camp cook at the YMCA’s Camp Naue located on the beach in Ha‘ena on the North Shore.
The Baldwin family, who was represented by Peter Baldwin, the son of the late W.J. “Bunt” Baldwin and Ann Baldwin of Koloa, have provided a generous donation to the building fund.
With federal grant funds on the way, and the support of Sen. Daniel K. Inouye in Washington, the project is well on its way to success.
The County of Kaua‘i is also helping out with a $1-a-year lease for the land, which was to have become a county park.
The entire community needs to support this worthy project, one that will benefit not just the current generation of youth on Kaua‘i, but generations to come.
