WAILUA — Following nearly three years of multiple COVID-related postponements and cancelations, the Kapa‘a High School Foundation brought the Smith’s Family Garden Lu‘au back to life Saturday with its annual fundraising event that included about 115 guests.
“We were pleased at the number of attendees,” said KHS Foundation President Art Fujita. “There are still many people, especially our kupuna, who are reluctant to come out to gatherings. But the people who attended had a great time reuniting with their classmates and friends. Plenty mahalo to all the supporters who contributed to our foundation and enabled us to continue helping Kapa‘a High School and its students even during the pandemic.”
Fujita, and Larry Rivera, one of the day’s entertainers, are members of the Class of 1951 that were “silly” during the day of music, laughter and excited chatter.
“The Class of ‘51, all energetic at 89-plus years old, boasted seven graduates in attendance,” said Carolyn Morinishi, the foundation’s communication officer.
Alumni and students from the Kapa‘a High School classes of 1949 to 2005 took “official class photos” to commemorate the event that included a slideshow of yearbook photos from 1947 to 1972 playing on a large screen to stoke memories of the rich history of Kapa‘a High School.
Bernard Carvalho Jr., an alumni of Kapa‘a High School, a former mayor, and current member of the Kaua‘i County Council, emceed the day’s entertainment that included Rivera and Wes Kaui and Friends and the giveaway of more than 50 lucky number prizes during multiple random drawings. The prizes features gifts valued at $50 and more that were contributed by Kaua‘i businesses.
At last check, donations are still coming in, Morinishi said. However, the annual lu‘au has raised about $20,000 that will go toward scholarships that will be presented to Kapa‘a High School graduates from the Class of 2023.
Additionally, the foundation supports the school with a $30,000 budget annually. The budget breaks down to allow $10,000 for senior activities, $10,000 for athletics and $10,000 for other school activities.
“Last year, despite not being able to host any fundraising events, the KHS Foundation was able to provide nearly $70,000 to 27 deserving Kapa‘a High School students,” Morinishi said.
Fujita and the KHS Foundation were showered with accolades and “definitely an event to remember” as the final notes of the Kapa‘a High School alma mater and “Hawai‘i Aloha” floated off with the trade winds.
“Our board members did such an outstanding job organizing all the details that made this lu‘au so successful,” Fujita said. “And, we also need to thank Kamika Smith and his ‘ohana for their generosity in allowing us to have this event at their beautiful garden.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
