LIHU‘E — As a kid, Keanu Saito had such a love for animals that his family called him “Dr. Doolittle.”
He would bring home bunnies, ducks, chickens, even a cardinal, to the point that the family had “a whole farm,” living with them, his mom, Desaray Saito-Brown, remembers.
As he grew up, he developed a passion for film, photography and surfing, and is remembered by his family as a loving son and brother.
Saito passed away tragically on Aug. 27 five years ago, but Saito-Brown hopes he can be remembered for the way he lived.
“We go on in remembering him, in loving and caring for him,” said Saito-Brown.
Each year, she makes a donation to the Wai‘ale‘ale Project at Kaua‘i Community College in memory of her son. This year she provided the program with Aloha ‘Aina gift cards, which will be used in their efforts to retain students.
The Wai‘ale‘ale Project is a community-funded program that helps students who may be reluctant to take college classes due to financial constraints. They provide academic and financial support to students through their first year of college.
Saito-Brown supported the Wai‘ale‘ale program, in part because her son participated in it, and in part because she liked that it supported a wide range of kids.
“I don’t want there to be just one winner,” said Saito. “We can touch so many, and that program is so awesome.”
The gift cards will be given as awards in a survey game that the program uses to help increase communication through winter break when student retention is difficult.
Student Support Specialist for the program, Kalei Carvalho, worked with Saito when he was a student at KCC and remembers him as “sweet, kind, and an amazing kid”.
“The first time I met him I was amazed by how respectful he was to his parents,” said Carvalho. “To see him have that kind of respect really left a lasting impression. You can tell that he came from a solid foundation.”
Cavalho hopes that Saito’s story can be used to help other people who are struggling find support.
“Too often we get caught up in the small aspects of life,” said Carvalho. “There are people out there, who are willing to help and who truly do want to help these students.”
Saito-Brown shares a video with the student along with her donation, with a message about the long-term effect of life choices, and the value of reaching out for help when a person is struggling.
“I don’t want anyone to ever feel like they don’t have anyone,” said Saito-Brown.
• Info: kauai.hawaii.edu/waialeale-project
