NAWILIWILI — The Kauai Summer Jam, a benefit for Kauai Interscholastic Federation sports, got a big boost Sunday from Matson Navigation. Matson Navigation, following a presentation of a $2,500 grant, became the only sponsor to date for the Aloha Kauai
NAWILIWILI — The Kauai Summer Jam, a benefit for Kauai Interscholastic Federation sports, got a big boost Sunday from Matson Navigation.
Matson Navigation, following a presentation of a $2,500 grant, became the only sponsor to date for the Aloha Kauai Sports event, which serves as a major fundraiser for the KIF sports programs.
“Football is a major source of income for KIF sports,” said Daniel Hamada, principal of Kapaa High School. “Although the KIF football games will be allowed to play Friday nights up until Sept. 15, games following that date will move to Saturday afternoons. The KIF fundraiser will attempt to close the gap over the losses suffered by lower attendance during the Saturday afternoon games.”
Hamada said the fundraiser not only benefits the football program but almost all of the other KIF sports programs as well, because football is the biggest income generator due to its attendance.
“Last year, we added wrestling to the offering for youth at a high cost,” Hamada said. “There is talk of trying to add surfing in support of our kids. These take a lot of money. It’s not as simple as just adding it to the list.”
Rumi Masumura, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, and cousin Kimi Masumura, a graduate of Kauai High School, are owners of Mailani Bakery in Waimea, a wholesale bakery specializing in assorted pies, cupcakes, and other “cute things.”
They form the base of Aloha Kauai Sports, the presenter of this year’s Kauai Summer Jam.
“I just met Rumi over the phone Thursday afternoon,” said Dewayne Kong, the manager of Matson’s Nawiliwili port. “She is the fundraising coordinator and expressed her inexperience at doing this. Wow, what a bold and spirited venture. Rumi said they need to raise a whole bunch of money just to break even.”
Rumi said the headline group for the Kauai Summer Jam is The Green, an Oahu-based group that recently released two new songs, which are being aired on radio stations across the state.
“JP Kennedy and I were in school together,” Rumi said. “He got the group to agree to play here for us to help the high school sports program. They are really excited about coming.”
Joining The Green on Aug. 10 at Vidinha Stadium are Kimie, and Camile Velasco, a Honolulu girl who appeared on American Idol and finished 9th during the third season of the reality talent-search program.
Gates to the concert open at 3:30, rain, or shine, and is free for children 10 years and under. People over 10 years old are $25 in advance, or $35 tickets at the door.
“There is supposed to be a pre-season football game between Waimea High School and a team from California, but that game is moved to 2 p.m. so people can attend the concert,” Rumi said. “There will be food, drinks, and a keiki fun area during this drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free event.”
Tickets are available now at Pono Market in Kapaa, Deja Vu Surf Hawaii at the Kukui Grove Center, Sueoka Store in Koloa or Da Booze Shop in Waimea. Tickets are also available by visiting www.thegreen808.com, the website of The Green.
“Everyone is getting excited,” Rumi said. “JP said he’ll be here the week leading up to the concert and is hoping he can make appearances at all the radio stations with giveaways.
Additionally, The Green is scheduled to release its newest album 10 days following the Kauai concert.”
Contact Rumi at kauaisummerjam@gmail.com, or visit www.thegreen808.com for more information.
For those who need an American Sign Language interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary support, contact Rumi at kauaisummerjam@gmail.com at least seven days before the event.
