Inouye’s rep sees fruits of federal grant

‘ELE‘ELE — A playground, funded in part by the 3Rs federal grant, was enough reason for Jennifer Sabas, representing U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, to stop and visit with ‘Ele‘ele School staff and other community volunteers last Wednesday.

“I didn’t think we could get any grants,” said Sarah Styan, one of the ‘Ele‘ele School mothers. “But Dr. Leila Nitta said we should just do it, and guess what? We got the grant.”

The 3Rs grant helped the school acquire some much needed playground equipment.

The need was clearly demonstrated as children clamored over the play structures during Saba’s visit that coincided with that section’s lunch recess.

That playground acquisition was also helped in part by the school’s PTSA, Pioneer Hi-Bred International and the McBryde Community Federal Credit Union.

Dr. Cindy Goldstein, representing Pioneer Hi-Bred, said the firm helped the school through its Pioneer Community Investment Grant.

“We’re neighbors, so how can you not help?” said James Fuji of the McBryde Federal Credit Union.

Ginny Agena, the president of the ‘Ele‘ele School PTSA, said they help the school fund a lot of things, and the playground was just part of what they do to help the school.

“I guess if people don’t know you need money, they won’t give,” Styan said. “I’m going to keep writing more grants.”

As part of its fundraising efforts, ‘Ele‘ele School will be hosting its annual craft fair on Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., said Donna Fuji, coordinator of the event.

“We are currently seeking vendors for this event, and crafters have until Friday to take advantage of the early registration discount,” she said.

For more information on the craft fair, call Donna at 335-2117.

• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com