PUHI — Mother’s Day provided an opportunity for students at the Kawaikini Public Charter School to share what they’ve learned and raise money at the same time. “One of the missions of the school is to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture,
PUHI — Mother’s Day provided an opportunity for students at the Kawaikini Public Charter School to share what they’ve learned and raise money at the same time.
“One of the missions of the school is to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture, and lei making is part of that culture,” said Kumu Rebecca Cate. “But besides the educational component, the students are raising funds to help pay for their week-long educational field trip to Los Angeles, Calif., in early June.”
Saturday proved to be an ideal time to sell lei and lauhala roses as shoppers to the Kaua‘i Community Market poured over vendors’ offerings in search for a Mother’s Day gift.
Additionally, in the way of the plantation days lifestyle and kanikapila, the girls broke into impromptu hula using tunes from a cell phone between customers and making lei.
Melissa McFerrin of the Kaua‘i Farm Bureau, coordinator of the fair said Kawaikini Charter School kids were on hand to offer lei while raising funds for their trip.
“We’re still short, and this is our last chance,” Kumu Cate said. “After this, if people want to help, they can call the school and donate that way.”
Kumu Cate said the educational trip is part of the school’s Hua Ka‘i Ma Ka‘i Ka‘i, or summer program, and will involve eight students — two freshmen, two sophomores, three juniors, and one senior — traveling for a week to visit museums, colleges, and do a beach cleanup in Los Angeles.
“I want clean beaches,” said Aulii Ka‘auwai-Herrod, one of four seniors who will be graduating Kawaikini this year. “I’ve never been to L.A. before. I’ve been to Las Vegas and Japan, but never to California.”
Shanie Quereto, one of two freshmen making the trip, said she is looking forward to visiting the campuses of the University of Southern California and the University of California at Los Angeles.
“This is a new experience for me,” said Kalelei Rogers. “This is my first time and I’m excited — a whole week away from the boys!”
Kumu Cate said to help these students, call Kawaikini School at 632-2032 and ask for her.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
