KEKAHA — When Michelle Walker heard the Keala Foundation planned to open a site for youth in Kekaha, she was delighted.
The Waimea woman has seen the organization’s impact on the South Shore from its Poipu location and believes it may do even greater things on the Westside under the guidance of founder and co-director, Aaron Hoff.
“I think it’s really, really amazing that he’s doing that,” Walker said. “I think a lot of kids will benefit from it.”
Walker said a facility like the one through the Keala Foundation that offers youth a free place where they can exercise, talk story, set goals and learn from role models will keep them busy and active — and out of trouble.
“When we get bored, we get into bad things. That’s how I got into bad things,” she said.
“This is another opportunity for the younger kids to have a good influence and do something fun and physical, be surrounded by people they can look up to,” Walker said. “I’m stoked about it.”
So are Hoff and co-director Rory Zambard.
A grand opening for the new Kekaha location is set for noon Saturday. There will be a blessing ceremony, food, music and a silent auction. All are welcome.
“We want to invite everybody to come and see what we plan on putting all over the island,” Hoff said. “We want to have one of these on every corner of the island.”
The 4,000-square-foot location near Menehune Food Mart is filling with sports equipment, with a goal of raising $100,000 to fund it for the first year.
The Westside site will follow the same successful script as the one that operates at the Southside Sports Center at Kauai Christian Fellowship.
There, Hoff leads a team of volunteer CrossFit coaches to teach keiki about health, fitness and nutrition. The year-round, nonprofit program attracts about 70 keiki daily after school and an estimated 250 each month. The idea is to give them a positive direction and create opportunities for activities that keep them from drugs and alcohol.
“We are creating that community that gives kids a chance to become the best they can be,” he said.
So committed is Hoff to the concept that it’s all free. Even transportation is provided for youth who need it, from Hanapepe to Hanamaulu. He wants to be sure every boy and girl, aged 5 to 17, have every opportunity to be included.
“Every kid needs to be a part of what’s going on,” he said. “It has to be free and we have to provide transportation. We have to be the people that bridge the gap for them to be able to participate.”
The program recognizes that when kids leave school and head home, there can be a gap of time with nothing to do. That gap can lead to problems, as Hoff knows. That’s how he often got into trouble in his younger days.
“I see it every day. I’m the guy in the trenches,” he said.
Raised on Kauai, Hoff battled substance abuse in his youth. He overcame through faith and a renewed focus on physical and mental fitness. He’s been sober for more than two decades and wants to do all he can to keep keiki on the right path.
“It’s personal for me,” he said. “I’ve literally witnessed so many deaths and drug addictions.”
Hoff is a firm believer that healthy habits must start early in life, which is why he works with families.
He created a safe environment for youth at the sports center. The fitness program for keiki is what he calls “the bridge that gets them through” what can be a perilous time in paradise.
The island’s drug problem isn’t going away on its own, Hoff said.
“I’ve watched this for years,” he said. “My phone rings all the time, friends having troubles, families needing help with kids. This motivates me.”
He believes the Keala Foundation and its programs encouraging fitness, camaraderie and confidence are the “prevention side” that can lead to lasting change in youth.
Keiki learn about weightlifting, rowing, gymnastics, running — “anything you can think of in the fitness world, we do it all,” Hoff said.
“I’m basically creating what’s not even in existence on the island — and it’s successful. It works,” Hoff said.
Zambard said, “we found a solution to the problem and we want everybody to be part of it.”
“It starts with relationships. It starts with community,” she said. “Everybody has something to gain.”
Zambard said a great thing about CrossFit is it doesn’t highlight those who excel, but rather, those who try hard, who might even finish last but who give it their all and get the most cheers.
It’s about kids rooting each other on.
“We’re building character in our kids that has very little to do with fitness,” Zambard said. “It’s the kid who pushes himself harder than he ever has before. It’s the one who shows up every day no matter what and shows dedication.”
But money is needed to make it all work.
A major fundraiser for the foundation is the annual Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run, which attracts around 1,000 participants and is overseen by Hoff.
Donations can also be made at crossfitpoipu.com.
Kauai County Councilmember Derek Kawakami is a believer.
He’s known Hoff for several years and saw how he transformed his life.
“Not only his life, but I’ve seen him transform communities through CrossFit and through health and wellness,” Kawakami said.
The Kawakami family is leasing the space for the new facility in Kekaha to the Keala Foundation.
“I have roots on the Westside,” Kawakami said. “When Aaron mentioned he was doing something in Kekaha, I said, ‘We have the perfect space for you in the perfect community.’ I see this as a great opportunity for keiki, so we got him in there.”
Kawakami can’t wait to see the impact the center has on the Westside.
“There’s a lot of kids there,” he said. “I’m really excited for them. Health and wellness helps build communities.”
Walker said her niece and nephew will go to the Kekaha site and she appreciate’s Hoff’s efforts on behalf of keiki.
“What he’s doing is just awesome,” she said.
