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In March 2008, the Konishiki Kids Foundation and their founder Konishiki (with the help of their aloha spirited friends) donated $70,000 to seven elementary schools in the Waianae area. The goal of Konishiki Kids Foundation, "to give our youths a fair chance in the Hawaii’s education and working society," has made the impact on the people and principals of the schools at Waianae. We talked to Mr. John Wataoka, principal of Waianae Elementary School, to hear his voice about the children in Waianae and Konishiki Kids Foundation.
Principal of Waianae Elementary School: Mr. John Wataoka
"We want children to be proud of group from West Oahu."
[ Poverty, Homelessness, and Drug Abuse (Hidden behind the Beautiful Landscape)]
It takes about an hour to go to Waianae from Waikiki by car. Located at the western region of Oahu, this area has the classic blue ocean and the white sandy beaches. However, people have sad images of Waianae, such as poverty and homelessness, that people can hardly imagine from the beautiful scenery of Waikiki.
Hawaii Leeward Coast |
Homeless tents at the beach |
The spread of Crystal Meth abuse is another serious problem in the area. Crystal Meth is a very toxic drug, damaging people physically and mentally. In the worst case, Crystal Meth kills people when abused. Unfortunately, Hawaii has a higher rate of Crystal Meth usage as compared with other states in the USA.
Principal Wataoka spoke, with a bitter expression, very unlike his usual warm smile, "About 80% of students from our school come from the families having economic challenges. In addition, some of our students live with their families in tents on the beach and come to our school from there."
People who do not have their own houses pitch these tents. These people use the showers and restrooms at the beach.
[ Konishiki Kids Foundation Reaching out its Caring Hands to Children ]
 "I don't think that there is no quick solution for the problems in Waianae. We need help in the long run. What Konishiki Kids Foundation has done is an important stepping stone in order to solve those problems." Mr. Wataoka continued.
"We don't want to limit economically what the children are exposed to. We want them to use the newest technology, for example, IT technology (PC), when they come to our school, technology that cannot be ignored with the education of today."
Lasteisha, Kailee, Shaunessy (from the left) with projectors purchased from the donation. |
A part of the donation by Konishiki Kids Foundation, Waianae Elementary School purchased a projector for each class.
"I admire the commitment of Konishiki Kids Foundation, for their investment for the children, their families, and schools. These activities are definitely worthwhile. They benefit the children so very much.
Konishiki Kids Foundation and Konishiki are changing the negative image of Waianae to a positive one. They also bring a positive image of Waianae to the community, children and families, giving them a sense of pride.
The activities of Konishiki Kids Foundation, such as the donation and Japan Trip Cultural Exchange Program, provide great opportunities that give children motivation and dreams to help open up their future. In addition, an event on July 4th 2008 (Independence Day) at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, 'Ohana Day,'will be a great chance to let people of Waianae be proud of their community and themselves to build a bright future for Waianae.
These support contribute to educating the children's minds, such as working hard, thinking analytically, and exercising their leadership skills.
At the same time, we need the assistance of the government, Konishiki Kids Foundation, and support from people who agree with the education of our keiki (children). "
[ To Be proud of group from West Oahu. ]
In spite of those challenges, poverty, homelessness, and drug abuse, Waianae has some wonderful sides.
Mr. Wataoka says,
Kaneana Cave at the Leeward
Coast
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 Kids fishing at Waianae Harbor |
"We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We also have the best points for fishing and mountains for hiking. Waianae is surrounded by beautiful nature.
One of the special things about Waianae is that the people are filled with the sense of Aloha. They really care about each other, friends, and family.
People in Waianae are trying to improve its reputation that the media has tarnished with its bad stories and events on their front pages. We would like children to be proud of group from West Oahu."
[ Message to Children in Waianae "Just Believe." ]
Mr. John Wataoka , principal of Waianae Elementary school talked about goal |
Mr. Wataoka has a goal for his school, his students, and their families.
"I want more than 80% of our school graduates go to college. I also want them to bring what they learned at college back to our community and use that in order to make the community better. The children are our hope."
And, finally, he told us a message to children in Waianae Elementary School with his warm heart.
"Just Believe. I believe in you, and you should believe in yourself. You can do anything you want to do."
Believing yourself and having a dream for the future... Children, the hope of Waianae have started on the path to success for the community.
 Waianae Elementary School
Waianae Elementary School is one of the oldest schools in Oahu. It is located on Leeward side of Oahu, along the beautiful Leeward coastal shoreline. Most of the children in the school are descendants of Hawaiian ancestry. The school offers a variety of programs and classes, such as English for Second Language Learners and Counseling.
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:: Editor's Note
Mr. Punehana gave us lots of Mangos |
After we left Waianae Elementary School, we noticed a house near the school. In the backyard, there was a big mango tree, ripe with delicious-looking mangoes. When we stopped to admire the mangoes, a man came from his house. His name is Punehana. He was an alumni from Waianae Elementary School. He is currently working as a teacher at Maili Elementary School (one of the schools having received the donation from Konishiki Ki ds Foundation).
Even though we were strangers, he kindly talked to us and gave us a lot of mangoes. His gentle smile reminded us what Mr. Wataoka told us during the interview.
"In Waianae, people are filled with the sense of Aloha. They really care about each other, friends, and family." That was the very moment that we faced the pure sense of Aloha. Amidst the shrouded news, people in Waianae have the Aloha spirit in their minds and firmly planted in their souls. |
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[ Ohana Day ]
On July 4th, 2008 (Independence Day!), Konishiki Kids Foundation will have a party at Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park! You can enjoy dance contest, Hawaiian music live show, and the great fireworks!
Come join us and enjoy your Independence Day at Hawaii!
Charity Event Ohana Day
We appreciate your help for Konishiki Kids.
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