LIHU’E — The Kaua‘i Police Department is nearing an agreement with the Philippine Cultural Center to lease nearly 3,000 square feet of space for keiki athletic programs.
The Kaua‘i Police Activities League is a nonprofit organization devoted to developing character, self-discipline and healthy lifestyles among Kaua‘i’s youths, as well as strengthening police and community relations.
For years, KPAL operated out of a 2,500-square-foot shed at Vidinha Stadium in Lihu‘e. However, as years passed, the building fell into disrepair.
“I think the paint is holding that thing together,” said Kauai Police Department Chief Todd Raybuck. “And so, it was not safe for us to continue to utilize it for activities.”
KPAL moved their operations to a 4,400-square-foot space at Kukui Grove Center in 2019, where officers and instructors taught keiki boxing, wrestling and jiu jitsu.
“Acting Assistant Chief (Mark) Ozaki and his team did exemplary work in building that place out with boxing rings and everything,” Raybuck said. “It was incredible.”
Unfortunately, the location was short-lived — the lease the police department had signed for the space was short term and expired during the COVID-19 pandemic. While sites remained in Kapa‘a and Hanapepe, Lihu‘e has been without KPAL facilities ever since.
Recently, though, the police department has been in communication with the Philippine Cultural Center about leasing space there for hosting youth athletic activities and events.
And on Tuesday, Kaua‘i County Council members voted unanimously to approve a set of provisions related to the proposal, signaling the lease agreement may be nearing its final stages.
“I know the Filipino community had this vision and worked on this for years — and they have a really clear set of having a place for all,” said Council Member Addison
Bulosan during the meeting. “For it to have KPAL there is just a long time coming.”
Under the agreement, the police department would lease out more than 2,800 square feet of dedicated space in the cultural center for three years, according to Raybuck. The space consists of two side rooms in the center — one for boxing and general exercise, and one to be fitted with mats for wrestling, jiu jitsu and yoga, among other activities, according to Ozaki.
According to Raybuck, the police department would initially pay $6,480 per month for the lease, with monthly costs increasing to $6,741.79 by the third year. Raybuck also noted the lease would be paid for using a portion of the county’s federal stimulus package granted in 2021. However, additional funds will likely be needed for facility equipment.
Still, Raybuck suggested that if KPAL’s Kukui Grove operation was any indication, the organization would find a way.
“It was so incredibly impressive,” he said. “And the majority of that was all sweat equity, their heart, hard work — and in many cases, their personal funds to purchase the necessary materials to build that out. And so, I’m confident we’ll find ways to make ends meet.”
Ozaki said after finalizing terms with the cultural center and procuring equipment, he anticipates having the new facilities open sometime in March, adding that he hopes to expand the organization’s activities in the future.
“We used to do cheerleading,” he said. “Gymnastics, too — even a dance class, hip-hop dancing. So, we’ve got big plans. We want to get back to where we were, or even better than before.”
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Jackson Healy, reporter, can be reached at 808-245-0427 or jhealy@thegardenisland.com.
