LIHU‘E — The Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School Band was supposed to perform at the Kukui Grove Center south parking lot on Monday during the Pau Hana Market, but the inclement weather forced a change of plans.
On the new, specially decorated stage at the food court, the band and their instruments found protection from the rain and played for mall-goers.
Sarah Tochiki, CKMS musical director, announced that CKMS is inviting the community to the school’s first-ever Drive-Thru Light Parade, Friday and Saturday.
“This is our way of showcasing the hard work and dedication of our students while keeping everyone in the community safe and healthy,” Tochiki said.
The CKMS Leadership Class, CKTV Media Productions, Art Department, Band and Chorus will create light displays for attendees to drive past on a route through the campus from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. There will be a break from 7 to 7:15 p.m. each night.
“The CKMS Band and Chorus programs will be providing live music,” Tochiki said. “We will also be sharing literacy strategies through out Title 1 Program.”
There are special considerations for people attending the event. Attendees are reminded to be respectful of students and staff.
Cars are asked to drive down Nuhou Street from Kaumuali‘i Highway to the entrance of the route that starts with a right turn into the school’s bus terminal located between the Chiefess Kamakahelei statue and the roundabout.
Parade attendees will be asked to exit the campus by taking a right turn on to Kaneka Street.
People not planning on attending the parade are encouraged to avoid the area by taking an alternative route to destinations in the area of the school.
During the parade, all attendees must ride inside vehicles. No people are allowed in the beds of trucks, and face masks must be worn properly — nose and mouth covered — during the time they are on campus. Drivers are asked to drive slowly and carefully. There is no stopping.
“Be safe, and come for a great time,” Tochiki said.
Tochiki will also appear Sunday at the KGC with the Kaua‘i Community College Symphony Orchestra for a 1 p.m. concert.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
These kids have holes in their masks to play through. This is insane. Just let them take their mask off. A hole in the mask isn’t any safer than just removing the mask.
I heard about a play on Island a few weeks ago where the children had to act and sing with masks on. I thought that was quite puzzling? Now we see children with holes cut in their masks so they can play a musical instrument? After picking myself up off the floor from laughing hysterically, I realized that we as an Island must seriously ask ourselves: How many intelligent adults are left here on Kauai? Our children are being abused for nothing!
Sarah Tochiki – you are a rock star!! Kauai is so fortunate to have you here, teaching our youth.