November 1, 2017

Keiki Day Celebrates and Benefits Lanai’s Children

This Saturday, dozens will head to Dole Park to celebrate and benefit the future of Lanai: our keiki.

The third annual Keiki Day, sponsored by the Lanai High & Elementary School (LHES) Foundation, is a day of fun and festivities in support of a great cause. A number of booths will provide food, games and crafts to event attendees, with the proceeds going toward everything from STEM Club to youth sports.

“Keiki Day gives LHES the opportunity to let the community know all the good things that are happening at school,” said Natalie Ropa, director of LHES Foundation. “It also provides a chance for clubs, groups or individuals affiliated with the school to showcase their achievements and fundraise for their programs.”

The event has drawn approximately 200 people in the past to enjoy a day of food and fun. This year, Ropa hopes a later start time (the event is scheduled from 3–7 p.m.) will draw even more residents and visitors to attend.

Big trucks take top billing

The truck showcase, which runs from 3–4:30 p.m., is much anticipated by kids and adults alike, and serves as the foundation for the event. “The first Keiki Day started out as a truck display for the kids,” explained Ropa.

Pulama Lanai crews bring their “big trucks” — a tandem dump truck, mixer truck and concrete pump trucks — and the fire department rolls out its fire engine with its lights and sirens.

Drivers stand in front of their towering trucks to show off different features and teach children about what the trucks can do. Lucky keiki even have a chance to sit in the driver’s seat and talk story with the crew.

Fun and entertainment lined up

Other features to look out for this year include the STEM carnival, which LHES seniors are putting on for their elementary school classmates in the bowling alley. Keiki can make slime, build rockets or participate in other fun and educational activities.

Entertainment will include the Keiki Talent Show, open to LHES students. Students from different halaus will perform hula, and the Lanai Academy of Performing Arts will also do a number. Talented young keiki can also sign up for solos or to perform in small groups.

Finally, an LHES teacher will be honored with the Teacher of the Year award, voted by students in recognition of an outstanding job. One lucky teacher will win a one-night stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Lanai Resort. Ms. Erin Nakano, a middle school English teacher, brought home last year’s big prize.

With roughly 20 booths running games or selling food and other items, Ropa is hopeful all participants will be able to drum up support for their various youth programs and activities.

“Everything about Keiki Day is about benefiting the school and our children,” said Ropa. “It’s all about the keiki.”