PUHI — The new pavilion which will have multi-purpose uses at the YMCA of Kaua‘i got a boost from First Hawaiian Bank when Pat Childs and Tom Tannery accepted a $10,000 contribution from Mike Murakoshi, senior vice president and Kaua‘i Regional Supervisor for FHB, Thursday.
Tannery said with the contribution, First Hawaiian has contributed more than $50,000 to the YMCA of Kaua‘i.
The pavilion which will be helped along by the Thursday gift will replace the rusted out framing which dons a tarp skin during days when swim meets and other functions take place.
“The new pavilion will be used for shade during the swim meets, water polo, and diving events,” Tannery said. “But in addition to providing badly-needed shade, the facility will have other features that will make it a nice place for small gatherings like meetings and get-togethers.”
Groundbreaking for the new facility will take place in the fall when school starts and the hectic summer activity at the Puhi ‘ohana facility subsides, Tannery said.
He is hopeful the pavilion will be available shortly thereafter.
The first YMCA on Kaua‘i was established in 1916 in ‘Ele‘ele. By 1924, it had grown to 516 members participating in 35 groups around the island, people having recollections of the Hi-Y and the Gray Y group clubs offered by the YMCA.
Following 90 years of service to the community, the YMCA of Kaua‘i opened the doors of the Kaua‘i ‘Ohana YMCA facility in Puhi on July 1, 2008 with the aim of providing a place for family enrichment, a youth center, childcare facility, sports, swimming and fitness program for all ages and abilities.
Some of the programs under the YMCA of Kaua‘i umbrella include The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Teen Center, E Ho‘omau Hawaiian Festival, Camp Naue, swimming lessons, the Annual Youth Fun Run, the Kaua‘i All Girls Rodeo, YMCA Facility Development, roller hockey, HSF Surfing Federation, KSA Ocean Festival, Save Our Seas Sea School, local surfing contests, Hoe Wa‘a paddling club and the North Shore Dance Club.
Visit www.YMCAofKAUAI.org for more information, facility hours, and how people can help.
