What do you do when more players turn out than you have uniforms for? That was the problem Kaua‘i High School JV football coach Jon Takamura faced. After coaching at the Pop Warner level for about a decade, Takamura was
What do you do when more players turn out than you have uniforms for?
That was the problem Kaua‘i High School JV football coach Jon Takamura faced. After coaching at the Pop Warner level for about a decade, Takamura was almost defeated as he faced the dilemma of only a limited number of uniforms and his personal desire of not wanting to deny any child the opportunity to play.
That left Takamura with the task of trying to find funding so all the players could be equipped.
During a conversation with Shawn Smith, Takamura’s friend and former unit partner at the Kaua‘i Police Department, Smith offered to see what he could do.
Smith, who works as the General Manager for Falko Partners, knew that Larry Bowman, the owner of Falko Partners, had a passion for youth activities. When he discussed Takamura’s situation with Bowman, the result was a $7,000 pledge of support from Falko Partners.
“Jon has been donating his time as a Pop Warner coach for more than a decade,” Smith Said. “His volunteerism and enthusiasm with the kids of Kaua‘i is simply amazing and inspiring to me.”
But that did not cover the entire cost of equipping the team, so Smith called on Benji Garfinkle of the Opaekaa Land Company.
Garfinkle and Smith share seats on the Kula School Board, and Smith said Garfinkle also supports youth activities. That call netted the additional $5,000 Takamura needed to equip the players.
When the JV Raiders rolled onto the field with their high level of energy and enthusiasm Friday, Smith was on the field.
“When I found out Jon needed help to outfit and protect the Kaua‘i High School kids, I was happy to help, and this is why,” Smith said. “I know I speak for both Mr. Bowman and Mr. Garfinkle when I say nothing is more rewarding than helping those who give to others.”
