January 21st – Hawaii Kai Safe Sidewalks Project – Phase 2 – Repair

On January 21, 2023, seven Hawaii Kai Lions and one CIS repaired the sidewalk cracks on Wailua Street, which is a major thoroughfare between Hawaii Kai Drive and Lunalilo Home Road for both cars and pedestrians. Scott Goto, from the City’s Division of Road Maintenance’s Malama O Ka Aina (MOKA) community volunteer program, was present and demonstrated how to mix and apply the concrete-like material (Polyfast) to the cracks. Jerry Nagatani, District 50’sSafe Sidewalks chairperson, was also present to provide additional support. Two teams were formed, with each on opposite sides of the street, working until 10:30 a.m., with a total of 35 sites/sidewalk cracks being patched.

Lions participating in this event included Jeanne Alices, Kendrick Chang, Cynthia Chun, Ellsworth Fujii, Alvin Hayashibara, Yolisa Ishibashi, CIS Anthony Nakamura, and Marja Leivo.

While patching the sidewalks, a Hawaii News Now videographer came by and took videos of the Lions working, as well as interviewed the event chairperson. The news clip was shown on the Hawaii News Now station during their 5:00 p.m. newscast, highlighting the project’s safety aspects. On another note, a few people expressed their appreciation for our patching the sidewalks and a random car driver dropped off two boxes of Leonard’s malasadas for the Lions to enjoy. It’s great being able to serve our community, as well as the community acknowledging what we do for them.

Thank you to those Lions who showed up to work early on a Saturday morning. With their enthusiasm, as well as others who participated in the past, it seems like we’ll just have to continue this safe sidewalk project in the future – coming soon to a street in our neighborhood.