Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 9, 1 September 1987 — Oahu's Handicapped Have "Fun in the Sun" [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Oahu's Handicapped Have "Fun in the Sun"

Special People 'Hookeel' at Annual Tournament

By Kenny Haina, Editor Ka Wai Ola O OHA

It was billed as "A Day of Fun in the Sun" and that's what it turned out to be as more than 500 of Oahu's "special people" participated and enjoyed the proceedings of the 10th Annual Handicapped Fishing Tournament Aug. 7 at crescent-shaped Pokai Bay Beach. Many were hooked on the primary reason for being there, casting their lines with the assistance of volunteers into the surf to catch the big one. There were others who diverted their attention to the fun walk and run, a petting zoo, body painting and a search for talent program among four of the handicapped centers — Ruger, Goodwill, Special Education Center of Oahu (SECO) and Waimano School.

A touch tank of sea animals and military displays got the attention of still others. Many crowded the large tents to listen to entertainment by the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Band, Maxine Kidder's Halau O Kupa and the country western capers of No Ka Oe Dancers. An added thrill was a beautiful exhibition of parachute jumping from a helicopter at 10,500 feet. Five jumpers from the Tropic Lightning Parachute Jumping Club thrilled an estimated crowd of more than 3,000 with their precision performances.

While it was heart-warming to see these "special people" have themselves a ball, it probably was just as inspiring to see virtually the entire Waianae-Nanakuli community eome together onee more in working with the military to see that Oahu's handicapped cherish memories that will long linger in their hearts. It didn't matter that an eel qualified as the top catch of the fishing tournament. It was the enjoyment and delight in bringing in that catch and the subsequent awarding of a trophy that mattered for the winning contestant.

There were just as many volunteers as there were participants. They worked hard in their respective assignments and handling of the participants, turning in an outstanding job. Participation by the WaianaeNanakuli merchants, business and community organizations and individuals was also very mueh in evidence. Among those participating in simple opening ceremonies conducted by Donald Akiyama, Waianae eomplex superintendent of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, were state, county and military officials.

Personally on hand to be recognized and to help cast out the lines were Councilman John DeSoto and Rep. Peter Apo. Other officials sent representatives. In his message for the 10th Anniversary Tournament, Chairman Bill Bathe wrote: "In 1978, Mana Maunakea envisioned 'A Day of Fun in the Sun' for the handicapped community. Little did he realize then the eventual outcome of such an act of his unselfishness. Ten years later, that act still touches the hearts and souls of so many caring and giving citizens from all over the island."

Maunakea, a son of noted Kupuna and lauhala artisan Katherine Maunakea of Nanakuli, was on hand for this year's program. He is currently a resident of Colorado and has eome home for the tournament when his schedule permits.

One of this year's most amusing incidents occurred during the fishing phase of the program when a frisky young participant opted to go for a swim rather than trying to fish. He jumped from his chair several times to go swimming and eaeh time was retrieved by his handler who also got soaking wet. The youngster finally settled down and participated in the fun walk and run. In addition to Bathe, other volunteer officers and

board members are Bella Oclinaria, vice chair; Kaye Stange, corresponding secretary; Richard Bartlett, recording secretary; Vera Wissenger, treasurer; Sergeant Major Albert Dalao, military representative; Seraeant First Class Douqlas Cox, fishinq supplies;

Toni Batino, fundraiser; Theola Silva, entertainment; Gabe Kila, security; Yvonne Angut, special events; Merrie Aipoalani and Akiyama, public relations; and Maureen Cox, T-shirt sales. Monies raised from the sales of T-shirts, caps, promotional buttons, prize drawings and other functions are used toward the purchase of therapeutic and recreational equipment for the handicap community.

Getting their lines ready is this group on the Makaha side of the breakwater.

Large field gets ready for the fun run, walk and wheelchair competition.