LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i roadways rumbled with the sound of hundreds of motorcycles riding with toys for the island’s keiki over the weekend.
Saturday, John Copeland of Koa Puna Motorcycle Club braved the early morning rains in Puhi to load 850 wrapped presents into a truck at Kaua‘i Harley Davidson.
“Who would’ve thought it would rain?” Copeland asked. “They said its sunny and hot in Kekaha, and the kids are already waiting in line for these presents. We’re also riding Sunday to remember Russell.”
Following the delivery to the Westside, Koa Puna joined other motorcycle clubs Sunday for the annual Toys for Keiki run, a tradition started by Russell Haluapo in 1991.
“We’re riding to carry on the legacy left by Russell,” said Daryl Low, president of Kanaka Hekili, Kaua‘i Chapter. “Kanaka Hekili is lucky to have Russell’s bike, and his nephew who will be leading the run.”
Low, who was joined by Kanaka Hekili National
President Mr. B and Tiffanee, said Russell is best remembered for the toy run he pulled together to help keiki who were victims of the politics of toys for needing children.
“All of our toys are being turned over to churches,” Low said. “It’s now in God’s hands.”
Kanaka Hekili also had to fulfill its prior obligations and broke away from the main Toys for Keiki body in order to take care of keiki in Anahola that had scheduled a Christmas event without being aware that it conflicted with the Toys for Keiki run.
“Russell is with us,” said Paula Rosa of the Sons of Kaua‘i during the pule. “You can feel him, and you can hear his spirit say to enjoy life. Life is too short.”
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
Finally a picture without a bunch of masked people. Amazing!