LIHU‘E — Skateboarder Tim Bechard, who also works for The Garden Island, was eager to meet one of his idols, the man who jumped over the Great Wall of China. Bechard’s boss gave him Wednesday morning off, so he could
LIHU‘E — Skateboarder Tim Bechard, who also works for The Garden Island, was eager to meet one of his idols, the man who jumped over the Great Wall of China. Bechard’s boss gave him Wednesday morning off, so he could see and hear Danny Way’s update the Kaua‘i County Council on what’s going on with a county/private citizens partnership to build at least two skate parks on Kaua‘i, designed by Way.
“I’ve been following him every since he was in the go-cart circuit,” Bechard said. “Danny Way still remains a powerhouse in the skateboard world.”
But Bechard’s excitement quickly turned into disappointment.
“I do have a correspondence that I need to share with you,” Council Chair Jay Furfaro told his fellow council members and the public present at the council chambers.
“Mr. Danny Way is not available on the skate parks’ update,” he said. “He is not back from the Mainland until (Dec.) 22; he has asked to be able make his presentation on Jan. 9.”
Way is a professional skateboarder who lives part time on Kaua‘i. He became famous mostly for his daredevil stunts such as jumping from helicopters, dropping into gigantic ramps, and of course, leaping over China’s most famous monument. Way has also broken several world records.
But the man who county Parks and Recreation Director Lenny Rapozo called “the Michael Jordan of skateboarding” apparently also helps to build skate parks, and will lend a hand to the county in designing two parks, one in Lihu‘e and one in the Westside, all pro bono.
Visit www.kauai.gov and keep watch on the council’s agenda for January, to make sure to not miss Way’s presentation at the council.
“I’ll be there, so he better do me proud,” Bechard said.
• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@ thegardenisland.com.
