HANAPEPE — Shigeru Okihara never misses an opportunity to go to the beach, said Josie Pablo, the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Kauai Region recreational director.
“Normally, he’s very shy,” Pablo said. “He doesn’t usually show up or participate in activities, but he never misses being able to go to the beach. He grew up and lived around the beach, fishing and playing.”
Okihara, enjoying the fresh breezes wafting through the shade of ironwood trees at Salt Pond Beach Park, even had his special container to pour ocean water over himself in the event the weather prevented him from enjoying the water.
Okihara’s roommate, Shigeru Murakami, also enjoyed the beach so much, he participated in the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital outing earlier in the summer.
Both residents of the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital were part of the day trip to the Salt Pond Beach Park where they were met by the Hanapepe fire station shift crew, and a team from the Waimea High School JROTC, and other volunteers including the residents’ family.
“This is always a big undertaking,” Pablo said. “This, and a lot of other activities we do, is important to the residents. It keeps them connected to life, to be able to enjoy the things they did when they were younger.”
A bon dance is set for Aug. 9 at KVMH, with proceeds benefiting the KVMH Auxiliary.
The volunteer effort begins with different departments lending expertise and help.
“This is such a good event, I took the day off so I could come and help,” said Keala Werner of the KVMH kitchen. “I try to come to every one they do.”
Peter Sapinoso came to help because his mother is a KVMH resident, arriving with a dish for the potluck lunch.
“I have to go to work, too,” Sapinoso said. “But I’m a Westside boy and you have to come help.”
Pablo said the community help is essential to creating the life experience for the residents.
“We couldn’t do this without everyone sharing,” she said. “The Department of Parks and Recreation people for putting in the Mobi Mats, the hospitals’ auxiliaries for being able to raise money to help pay for all the things we need, and even Mahelona Hospital — we couldn’t get The Kauai Bus, this time so Lalane Rabaino drove the Mahelona bus all the way over to help transport the residents.”
Gavin Kennelly, enjoying his first experience with the hospital outing, was glad the Hanapepe Fire Station was invited to participate.
“There are so many benefits of being able to enjoy the ocean, and this is such a nice way to connect with the community,” he said. “I’m glad we were able to be available. And, it’s just once, or twice a year.”
