ANAHOLA — An American flag stood quietly and proudly in the shade of the Anahola heat at the future home of Lisa and Kelepi Loketi. “This build, more specifically, today’s effort, is part of the National Day of Service and
ANAHOLA — An American flag stood quietly and proudly in the shade of the Anahola heat at the future home of Lisa and Kelepi Loketi.
“This build, more specifically, today’s effort, is part of the National Day of Service and Rememberance to remember the 9/11 tragedy, 13 years ago,” said David Bieker, Kauai Habitat for Humanity development coordinator.
A family, a father and daughter, volunteers from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, neighbors of the Loketi family and Kauai Habitat staff joined the effort Thursday.
“Helping is very easy,” said Peter Kooimin of Woodland, Washington. “I’ve been to Kauai three times since 2011 as part of the Global Village. When I called Bob (McNamara) and asked if there was something to do, Bob said, ‘There’s always something to do.’”
Kooimin said he is a farmer just outside of Portland, Oregon.
“My daughter Leah is getting ready to leave for college next week, and since this is one of those times I can step back, we’re here,” Kooimin said.
Rita Klofta of Cincinnati, Ohio is the daughter of Tom and Jackie Klofta, who have been here for the past two weeks.
“Today is Rita’s first day as an Americorps,” Jackie said. “We’ve been doing the visitor fun things while helping Rita settle in, but helping build homes is also a lot of fun.”
Bieker said volunteers are welcome to sign up at the Kauai Habitat for Humanity. Currently, he said there are homes being worked on in Kekaha and Anahola.
Once those homes are completed, the Eleele Iluna project should be ready to get underway with its first six to eight homes.
