Ten years ago members of a community group, coordinated by ALU LIKE, Inc. (Ho‘owaiwai Nā Kamali‘i) challenged themselves to create an event on the Wai‘anae Coast that would carry on the tradition of the Spring Fest in Kapolei.

With the blessing of Pūlama I Nā Keiki (the creators of the Kapolei event) and some of their lessons learned, the group began planning the first Wai‘anae Coast Keiki Spring Fest.

The planning committee consisted of a handful of Wai‘anae community service providers and April was chosen as the ideal month because it’s “The month of the young child” and “Child abuse and neglect prevention month.”

In April 2006, the community converged at the Kamehameha Schools Community Learning Center at Nānākuli site. Over 400 people registered and participated in various activities highlighting services on the coast.

Planning for this event now begins months in advance and for the past five years it has grown into the space at Wai‘anae District Park. The event has touched the lives of nearly 10,000 people and the community is invited to celebrate this momentous year.

The 10th Annual Wai‘anae Coast Keiki Spring Fest will take place on Friday, April 10 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wai‘anae District Park. Wai‘anae Coast ‘ohana are invited to this free event which features service providers and programs for keiki ages 0-5.

Families can learn more about preschool services, kindergarten registration, and other early education resources in their community. The event will feature over 25 hands-on displays and activities for parents and their keiki including the Book Mobile and Honolulu Fire Department.

Parents can also get information on financial aid, have their child participate in hearing or vision screenings and even get a Keiki I.D. Door prizes and other fun giveaways make this an event not to be missed.

For more information on the KS-sponsored Keiki Spring Fest, please contact Ka Wahi Kaiaulu-Wai‘anae Neighborhood Place at 696-4598 or visit the KS Ka Pua Initiative website.

The event connects area keiki and their parents with educational, developmental, and health service providers in their community.

The event began at the Community Learning Center at Nānākuli with around 400 attendees.

Over the last nine years, the event has hosted over 10,000 attendees and has grown into a new space at Wai‘anae District Park.

TAGS
special event,ka pua,preschools,early learning,early childhood education

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Newsroom, Community Events

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