Palolo paints picture of excellence
By James Gonser
Urban Honolulu Writer
If you look closely at the colorful mural above the bleachers inside Palolo District Park's gymnasium, you will see several names written in the 'ilima lei border.
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The names belong to the nine winners of the Na Waiwai 'O Palolo Award, presented annually to students in recognition of their contributions to the community, and more names will be added each year.
Kristine Carden, one of last year's award winners for community service, had her name painted along a gym mural.
"For me, it's an honor to be on the mural," said Ken Tatafu, a 15-year-old Kaimuki High School student who sings with the group 'Ohana 'O Mele. "I hope it will inspire other kids."
The project began last year when a group of Palolo residents sought to recognize the efforts of its young people, and they founded Na Waiwai 'O Palolo, or Treasures of Palolo Valley.
The group commissioned artist Meala Bishop to paint a mural of valley scenes to beautify the gym and recognize the young volunteers. The first awards were presented during the annual Palolo Pride community celebration in September 2000, and additional awards were given this year.
The students each received an engraved plaque and a $25 gift certificate donated by Barnes & Noble Booksellers.
This year's winners are Kaimuki High sophomore Mary Chanthabandit, and triplets Rachael, Tahra and Sara Hussey, Kaimuki High June graduates.
Last year's winners were Tatafu, Cecilia Sefo, Fa'auliuli Moetoto, Kristine Carden and Kevin Sai Kuen Doo.
The students have been involved in many projects, from tutoring children and coaching sports to stream cleaning and fund-raising for nonprofit groups.
"This tells other kids that this is something to aim for," said committee member Jay Yukumoto of the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center. "They seem genuinely honored that somebody is noticing how they contribute. It's not for doing just one thing, but for a pattern of volunteer work."
The Na Waiwai 'O Palolo committee say they hope to continue the 80-foot mural around the interior of the gym.
The Rainbow Aquatic Youth Swim Team, which uses Palolo pool, recently held a pledge drive for the project and raised more than $1,000, said coach Mary Wada.
Bishop said Palolo is known for its murals and she is proud to do her part in recognizing the students. "This is how they want to acknowledge those students and I was honored to be part of that," he said.
To nominate a student or contribute to Na Waiwai 'O Palolo, call Lynette Cruz at 738-0084 or Maura O'Connor at 735-8419.
