Hale ‘Opio Kauai Board President Randall Hee said on Friday that 50 years ago on this date — May 30, 1975 — Hale ‘Opio Kauai got its name that continues to serve the island of Kauai.
Hee joined Hale ‘Opio staff, including Executive Director Vonn Ramos, past Executive Director Laverne Bishop, other board members, and representatives of community partners in accepting congratulatory proclamations from Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and the Kauai County Council, represented by. Bernard Carvalho Jr., and Dr. Addison Bulosan.
The gathering demonstrated the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” with Mayor Kawakami inviting everyone to a photo of “The Village,” which is available to care for children.
Hale ‘Opio Kauai Executive Director Vonn Ramos invited everyone to share the accomplishments of 50 years by participating and benefiting from two significant events — the End of Summer Bash and Resource Fair on Aug. 2 and the HOK 50 Honorees Evening on Sept. 27 — that Hale ‘Opio will be presented during its 50th-anniversary calendar.
The End of Summer Bash and Resource Fair brings together the Hale ‘Opio family and its community partners for a family-friendly afternoon of fun and information at the Puhi Park open field, where The Grove Farm Market is held on Saturdays.
Although there is no charge to enjoy the Aug. 2nd afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m., registration for a free backpack of school supplies and activity tickets is strongly encouraged to ensure that as many students as possible can enjoy the school supplies. Registration for the End of Summer Bash opens on June 15.
To date, more than 25 vendors have signed up to offer a variety of goods, along with an array of family-friendly activities, including horse rides, face painting, bounce houses, Fun n Kwazy Rides, prize drawings, backpack giveaways, and more. Taiko drummers, Lady Ipo, and Lava Boys provide entertainment. Food trucks include Super Hero Sushi and Kanack Attack. There are more than 20 community partners offering resources and information.
Ramos said the 50th Anniversary celebration will feature entertainers Natalie Ai Kamanu — a six-time Female Vocalist of the Year, and Miss Aloha Hula — and Family, and Kuana Torres Kahale and allow Hale Opio to honor partners in five different categories, including Ke Ala Hou, or Youth Resilience &Transformation; Malama ‘Ohana, or Family &Community Support; Pu‘uhonua, or Advocacy &Social Impact; Kukulu Kumuhana, Community &Business Partnership; and Ho‘okele, or Lifetime Achievement in Leadership &Service.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event, which will be held at the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort on Sept. 27, starting with registration from 4:30 p.m. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to reserve a ticket, please call 808-977-8200 or visit haleopio.com.
According to information on the proclamations provided by the Office of the Mayor and the Kauai County Council, in 1974, a group of concerned community leaders (full names available on the Hale Opio Kauai website) in response to the need for a safe space for Kauai’s youth, particularly those involved in the family court system.
Recognizing the urgency of providing support and care for at-risk youth, the group established a group home and emergency shelter, laying the foundation for Hale Opio’s mission to develop the potential of young people by ensuring access to essential resources that foster growth, healing, and future success.
