LIHUE — Zaimana Mawae-Cabinatan was so engrossed with the skills course he did not respond when his name was called as a winner of a new skateboard Saturday during the free Keiki Bicycle &Skateboarding Safety Day at the Wilcox Medical Center parking lot.
“He’s here,” said aunty Loel Kaikua‘ana, running through the crowd of youngsters and their parents. “He’s on the course. I’m bringing him over.”
Mawae-Cabinatan was one of the lucky recipients of the 26 free bicycles and 13 skateboard given away during the short morning event presented by Wilcox Medical Center and community organizations and taken advantage of by a steady stream of keiki and parents.
Keiki were treated to free helmets, bicycle and skateboard safety inspections by trained instructors, a skills course for both bicycles and skateboards, and drawings for the giveaway bicycles and skateboards.
“These bicycles and skateboards were given by many of our partnering sponsors,” said Faith Campbell, Wilcox Health spokeswoman.
“We had our own Wilcox physicians and employees contributing bicycles, and individuals from the community also providing bicycles and skateboards for the keiki. I also like how the crowd is steady so the keiki can get more individualized attention instead of the big rush where everyone is just crowded together.”
Community sponsors joined with Wilcox Medical Center to provide interactive exhibits contributing to a healthy lifestyle, and the Lions clubs from Kauai combined to help provide fitting for the free helmets. The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Kauai Region took the lead on the skateboard section, handling everything from registering keiki to the distribution of free skateboard pads, Campbell said.
“This is the first time we’ve come to this,” said Carolynn Lum, whose grandchildren received free helmets. “This is such an awesome event. Noah Smith, one of the grandkids, also got a new skateboard, and Gabby got a new bike.”
Entry to the giveaway meant completion of passports that required stops at participating sponsors like Hale Opio, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council Kauai District, state Department of Health and Hawaii Medical Service Association.
“I’m glad I got the boys to get up early for this,” Kaikua‘ana said. “They put up a fuss about waking up early, but look at them. They’re having fun, and Zaimana’s brother Jahsiah is waiting to win something, too.”
