Kalani Kamakea, David Kamakea and Michael Vea Jr. had just ridden their motorcycles from the Westside Sunday.
“It’s all right,” said Vea, a member of the Pacific Savagez motorcycle club, one of the newest clubs on Kauai. “It’s a good cause, and the weather is nice.”
The trio from the club that formed about six months ago was part of more than 70 motorcycle enthusiasts who hit the road in a poker run format as a fundraiser for the Life’s Bridges program, starting from Rob’s Good Times Grill in the Rice Shopping Center.
The group headed west to complete their respective poker hands before returning to Rob’s for lunch and an afternoon of camaraderie.
“This is very thrilling,” said Gina Kaulukukui of Life’s Bridges. “We tried to schedule around the farm fair that we thought was going to happen next week. These people could’ve been doing something else, but instead came out to support the Life’s Bridges program. We also had six other people who couldn’t ride, but stopped by to show their support. And there are more who said while they can’t ride motorcycles, they will be attending the luncheon that welcomes back the bikers.”
Russell Haluapo, an avid motorcyclist, was one of those not able to ride Sunday.
“You know me,” Haluapo said during a dinner break at the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair. “I would be there. But they need churches in the flood-affected areas of Wainiha and Haena. We’re going to be setting up church for those people.”
The Rob’s Good Times Grill Bikers Bridges and BBQ is presented through the help of community sponsors, including Kauai Harley-Davidson, Kuhio Auto Group, Dow Agrosciences and Kauai Coffee.
“This is Rob Silverman’s baby,” Kaulukukui said. “When he started this six years ago, there weren’t that many motorcycle rides around, and everyone likes good food and camaraderie. This is amazing because the services offered by Life’s Bridges touch so many people. There are bikers whose lives have been touched by Life’s Bridges, or they know of others who have received services.”
Life’s Bridges is a volunteer-run, grassroots organization that provides grief and bereavement services to youth, adults, families, community organizations and businesses during the most devastating and confusing time in their lives — the natural or unexpected death of a loved one, friend, co-worker, and sometimes, complete strangers.
“Most of the proceeds generated through Bikers Bridges and BBQ go toward services,” said Kaulukukui, the Life’s Bridges programs director.
“We have four of the six Bridges Emergency Support Team helping today. These are specially trained volunteers who are available 24/7, 365 days a year to respond to sudden and unexpected deaths.”
The B.E.S.T. is only one of the services available from Life’s Bridges. Youth services through its Good Grief Club and Suicide Prevention Program, and individual and group counseling are also provided.
Life’s Bridges is a participating partner with the Kauai United Way.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
