honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 2:52 a.m., Saturday, June 23, 2007

Volunteers to build playground at Waianae shelter today

Advertiser Staff

Lt. Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr. will join dozens of volunteers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today to construct a playground for the keiki at the Pai'olu Kaiaulu homeless housing facility in Wai'anae. The effort combines a generous grant from Mr. Jeff Stone at KoOlina Charities to purchase the playground from Pacific Recreation of Aiea, and the efforts of Ameron Hawai'i, and Stanley Tool Co.

Overall project coordination and volunteer builders are provided by the Hawaii Republican Party. US Vets Hawai'i Director of Public Relations, state Reps. Kymberly Pine and Karen Awana, Ko'Olina Resorts Chief Operating Officer, Honolulu City Councilman Todd Apo, and other lawmakers will attend.

"This team effort reflects a real commitment to community service. I applaud the volunteers who have contributed to making a positive difference in the lives of families who are less fortunate," Aiona said.

"Our members contribute in many ways to help those in need in our community," said Willes Lee, Chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party. "Along with our providing dinner once a month at the Kaka'ako housing facility and last month's book drive for seniors on Maui, I hope this inspires others to assist with our community projects."

Approximately100 children along with 250 adults live at the facility. The U.S. VETS operation was contracted by the Hawai'i Public Housing Authority (HPHA) to operate and manage the housing facility and provide social services and security.

U.S. VETS is partnering with several non-profit organizations to provide supportive services, including Wai'anae Community Outreach, Honolulu Community Action Program, Wai'anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Ho'omau Ke Ola and Hale Na'au.