KIHEI — In a heartwarming gesture of community support, eighty ‘ukulele instruments were graciously gifted to members of the Lahainaluna High School football team at Kihei Regional Park before their practice on Friday. This generous contribution is part of the ‘Ukulele Gift of Hope campaign, led by Roy and Kathy Sakuma.
The initiative was launched with the aim of returning ‘ukulele instruments to the hands of children and families on Maui who had tragically lost their homes and personal belongings in recent wildfires.
An impressive total of over 800 ‘ukulele instruments have been donated to various organizations, institutions, and community groups across Maui. This effort seeks to provide solace and healing through the power of music and the ‘ukulele to the children and families affected by the wildfires.
In collaboration with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, the majority of these ‘ukulele instruments have been directed to the Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center in Kahului. This resource hub will manage the distribution process to those directly impacted by the wildfires.
The ‘Ukulele Gift of Hope campaign commenced last week and reached its pinnacle during the 16th annual Maui Ukulele Festival held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Sunday.
Present during the heartfelt donation ceremony were Roy and Kathy Sakuma, distinguished co-founders of Ukulele Festival Hawaii, Kapili Akima, dedicated staff member and Lahaina resident representing Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center, Kaleopa’a Vares, digital media specialist from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and Jeff Kihune, the assistant coach of the Lahainaluna High School football team.
This compassionate endeavor underscores the resilience and unity within the community, showcasing how music can serve as a source of hope and healing during challenging times.
