'Ewa Beach pride surfaces
By James Gonser
Advertiser Central Bureau
'EWA BEACH — When Frances Rivero was a student in Campbell High School's first graduating class in 1965, both sides of Fort Weaver Road leading into sleepy 'Ewa Beach were lined with sugar cane.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
Today, the busy four-lane road is lined with shopping malls, gas stations and housing developments. The population has skyrocketed from the days before development, and area children urgently need positive activities to occupy their free time after school.
As children from Ilima Intermediate run nearby, director Frances Rivero stands outside the new 'Ewa Beach Boys and Girls Club. The 'Ewa Beach Community Association will honor Rivero for her role in overseeing the club's development.
That's where Rivero, director of the 'Ewa Beach Boys and Girls Club, is making a difference, and the 'Ewa Beach Community Association has decided to honor her efforts with its fourth annual Community Service Award. A testimonial lu'au is set for Nov. 3.
The lu'au is a fund-raiser for the nonprofit community association, which sponsors several events including the annual Christmas parade, Easter egg hunt, Halloween haunted house and dances for youth.
Rivero has worked for the Boys and Girls Club since 1990 and oversaw the group's $2.7 million effort to give 'Ewa children a safe place to have fun and to develop physically and emotionally.
"The goal is to have a permanent place for kids in the area," Rivero said. "The city Parks Department and the YMCA have a few things available to kids, but we need to have something for them to do all the time, keeping them off the streets and out of trouble. Teach them the skills to take them through life."
At a glance
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Who: The 'Ewa Beach Community Association
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What: Testimonial lu'au to honor Frances Rivero, director of the 'Ewa Beach Boys and Girls Club.
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When: 6 p.m. Nov. 3.
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Where: James Campbell High School cafeteria.
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Cost: $15 per person, or $250 to sponsor a table of 10.
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Information: Call Sen. Brian Kanno's office at 586-6830.
After years of operating under a tent-like structure, the club's new facility is now the largest building in 'Ewa Beach. The new center, between Ilima Intermediate and Pohakea Elementary schools, will open by the end of the year. The 13,500-square-foot site includes a gymnasium, game room, library/study/computer lab and administrative space. The organization provides after-school activities and tutoring for children ages 7 to 17 and has 800 members. The group expects to double membership with the opening of the new facility.
Sen. Brian Kanno D-20th ('Ewa Beach, Makakilo, Kapolei) said Rivero is a long-time resident who really cares what happens in the community.
"Having her leadership at the Boys and Girls Club is a tremendous resource in the community," said Kanno, an association board member. "When you look at the services in 'Ewa Beach community, clearly the Boys and Girls Club is the most important program to providing after-school activities for young people."
Rivero decided to work with children after her own daughter complained about not having enough time together.
"I remember growing up in 'Ewa Beach, and we didn't have anything to do after school," she said.
"I've seen the development in the area and the changes in the community. There are a lot more kids now who can't wait for our new building to open."
