Rokstars help Kauai PONY 13s

KALAHEO — The spirit of Zumba will be with the Kauai PONY 13s when the team leaves Kauai Thursday.

“Troy Lazaro of Rokstar Fitness wanted to do something for the boys,” said Cynthia Edralin, sister of Kauai Protect Our Nation’s Youth 13s coach Kirk Correa Tuesday at Kalaheo Neighborhood Center during a two-hour Zumba event. “The boys are practicing right now, but they’ll drop by after practice.”

Stanley Lazaro of Rokstar Fitness said originally they were going to donate the proceeds from the Wednesday class, but the coaches said the team was leaving Thursday so it was not going to work.

Getting help from Theresa Koki of the Mayor’s Anti-Drug office and Ron Wiley of KQNG, the two-hour Zumba event was pulled together on short notice, Stanley said.

“Everything we get tonight is donated to the Kauai PONY 13s,” Stanley said. “We’re expecting at least a hundred people with more coming after their practices. Everything was done on short notice — Theresa was able to arrange the use of Kalaheo Neighborhood Center, and Ron did all the promotion.

Joining Troy and Stanley Lazaro, Rokstar Fitness instructors Koko Itami, Tammi Kauahi and Toni Kauahi took the group through its paces.

Troy said Rokstar Fitness will be celebrating its second-year anniversary during the first week of August.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Stanley. “We have classes six days a week and we have people from all walks of life — from doctors and professional people to students. Even Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinaala dancers come to Zumba for their fitness.”

Stanley believes the popularity of Zumba is because it changes people both inside and out.

“Zumba is not just changes from the outside,” Stanley said. “Look at all the people. They all leave with smiles. Just leave your inhibitions at the door, and let it go! Dance!”

• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.