PUHI -�� The deafening roar of a big-bore dragster shattered a otherwise quiet Saturday morning. Spectators and participants at the First Annual Associated Students of the University of Hawai��i-Kaua��i Community College “Show Your Wheels” car show stopped what they were
PUHI -�� The deafening roar of a big-bore dragster shattered a otherwise quiet Saturday morning.
Spectators and participants at the First Annual Associated Students of the University of Hawai��i-Kaua��i Community College “Show Your Wheels” car show stopped what they were doing, attention piqued by the thundering roar.
That gesture was part of Ron Wiley’s on-air interview for KQNG Radio, and Shelly Gerrardo said she heard it while making her way to the KCC campus.
“This is to raise awareness of the college’s automotive and auto body program,” said Nelson Batalion, one of the event planners. “The culinary arts program has their brunch and gala to highlight their program, but the automotive people have nothing.”
Despite the weekend’s flash-flood warnings, people turned out in force to check out the wheels on display.
Harvey Maeda of the Classic Cars group said there have been several car shows put on by the group, but nothing of this magnitude.
“There are over 85 cars, trucks and motorcycles on display,” Batalion said. “Additionally, there are several vendors and lunch wagons who are selling things.”
Clyde Kaluahine was one of the multifaceted individuals of the event �¿��¿�¿� his Big Toe III pickup pulling attention as it rumbled over two compact sedans, and his Big Toe shave ice machine helping to quench the thirst of the hot sun.
“It’s for the kids,” Kaluahine said. “Whenever they need help, we try to be there for them. The truck is something they can all stop and take pictures of.”
Kaluahine also operates his shave ice machine at the KIF football games, where he contributes part of the proceeds back to the respective home school.
For the crew of Tim Geis’ Exotics Auto Detail Specialist, the event was a good training ground as the boys scanned the show area and picked out situations where their car care product could help out.
Geis shared a trailer/shade combination with several other car care vendors including John Terui of 20/20 Tint Specialist.
Participants at the inaugural show could browse through a show area set up specifically for motorcycles, sport trucks and 4×4 SUVs, muscle race cars, classics and sport compacts and street rods and Jr. Dragsters.
Spectators could vote for their favorite with live entertainment embellishing the experience. Da Tree Performance, Natural Harmony, Kai Roots and Kalakas Boys filled in the entertainment slot.
It was also a chance for car enthusiasts to admire each others’ prized possessions, and talk story.
Dave Shipman, who had a Model A truck on display, chatted with Harvey Maeda, who brought four cars, including a pair of vintage Fords.
John Constantino, the trades and technology counselor at KCC, said the show was also designed to establish scholarships for students in the automotive and auto body programs.
The Automotive Mechanic Technology program is a competency-based program built on the standards specified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
Students who successfully complete the AAS degree will have received training in eight NATEF areas including automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, electrical/electronics systems, engine performance and engine repair, heating and air conditioning, manual drive train & axles and suspension and steering.
Students enrolled in the auto body repair and painting program learn the latest technology and techniques used by industry repair shops. They also learn job readiness skills, working effectively with others and communicating through writing and speaking and computer skills.
For more information about the KCC Transportation programs, contact Constantino at 245-8245, or e-mail at johncons@hawaii.edu.
�¿��¿�¿� Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
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