Holding Hands

Boy Scout’s passion for service makes pathway to preschool a reality June 17, 2011

Boy Scout’s passion for service makes pathway to preschool a reality June 17, 2011

The bumpy grass and dirt field that led to Ka Pa‘alana’s yurts used to pose quite a challenge for families pushing strollers and carrying toddlers to preschool. No more. Today you see a wide cement pathway leading our families to our preschool. Several years ago Aunty Kanani Bulawan (founder of Wai‘anae Community Outreach) asked for just such a walkway to be built, but without funds the project remained a dream.

In December 2010, John Sakamoto, a senior from ‘Iolani High School visited Hope shelter with a local Parish to give Christmas gifts to the families here. After learning of our preschool and the “off-road conditions” to get there, John took on the challenge of building our walkway. This practical service project became John’s “eagle project” as he pursues the final step toward becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts and a rank only attained by a small percentage.

Six months in preparation, John raised $5000 from family and churches, secured the donation of the cement from Ameron Hawai‘i which was valued at $1600, and coordinated the project, including hiring the contractor who did the project at a discounted price. The walkway was finally laid on June 9, 2011 and now all our families are enjoying the safe and inviting pathway to Ka Pa‘alana.