PUHI — The Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association was pleasantly surprised, Tuesday prior to the start of its meeting at Kilohana. Judith Rivera, manager of Pioneer Hi-Bred, representing both the Waimea Research Center and the Kekaha Parent Seed plant, was joined by
PUHI — The Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association was pleasantly surprised, Tuesday prior to the start of its meeting at Kilohana.
Judith Rivera, manager of Pioneer Hi-Bred, representing both the Waimea Research Center and the Kekaha Parent Seed plant, was joined by Taryn Dizon, the Pioneer safety coordinator, in presenting KLA with a contribution from Pioneer Hi-Bred.
“This is absolutely fabulous,” said Dr. Monty Downs of the KLA. “We are most grateful for this fabulous contribution which will go toward solving one of Kaua‘i’s problems.”
Andy Melamed, a KLA coordinator for the upcoming benefit concert and a longtime supporter of KLA’s mission to maximize ocean safety in and around Kaua‘i’s waters, said in Hawai‘i, 65 percent of fatalities are ocean related with 5 percent of that total being residents.
“These funds are already being earmarked for various projects which will continue to maximize water safety around the island,” Melamed said.
Topping the list is the creation of a new ocean safety video which will take a three-pronged approach to ocean users, including the awareness of lifeguard tower locations and the need to check with lifeguards before hitting the water, the use and locations of the various Rescue Tube stations highlighted earlier during KLA First Wave, and what to do if caught in an ocean situation and there is no lifeguard or Rescue Tube available.
“We will be taking a more inter-active approach, using Kalani Vierra, the supervisor at the Kaua‘i Ocean Safety Bureau, and Dickie Chang of Wala‘au Productions as well as the help of the Visitor Channel,” Melamed said. “We want this video to be everywhere — on the airplanes, at the airport, in resorts and on television.”
He said the second major area where the Pioneer funds will be used for will be in supporting the Rescue Tube network from Po‘ipu through Polihale.
“It makes sense to have Pioneer, with offices located in both Waimea and Kekaha, be the major support of these life-saving devices on the Westside,” Melamed said. “The support will include installation and maintenance of these Rescue Tubes.”
The KLA 2nd Wave Celebration, billed as “Hawai‘i Superstar Sunday,” is rapidly approaching, the culmination of a program which started back in April and focusing on a variety of features, programs and organizations which support ocean safety for our residents and visitors, states the Kaua‘i Lifeguards website.
“Earlier in the day, KLA received funds from the Hawai‘i Hotel and Lodging Association, Kaua‘i Chapter, through the 2012 Visitor Industry Charity Walk,” Melamed said. “When I spoke with Sandi Kato-Klutke, the HHLA, Kaua‘i Chapter coordinator, she gets the importance of ocean safety and keeping our visitors (and residents) safe.”
Tickets for the Oct. 7 fundraising extravaganza are on sale at the Times and Big Save stores as well as online by visiting www.kauailifeguards.org, Melamed said.
On tap for the benefit concert at Kilohana are the music of John Cruz, Henry Kapono, Kalapana, Willie K and the comedy of Andy Bumatai, punctuated by no host food and spirits, a live silent auction, and donation drawings.
All of this is made possible by the contributions of many community groups and businesses, Melamed said.
When formed together as a KLA ‘Ohana, these organizations have a far greater impact than just the sum of their parts, states the website.
It will continue to help save lives.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
