KAILUA-KONA — For 22 years, the Keiki Surf for the Earth event at the Bay at Kohanaiki has united communities to promote togetherness in a “zero waste” environment, while also helping to clean up the beach area.
With so many years of service, Keiki Surf for the Earth has now become a multi-generational event with mothers and fathers watching their sons and daughters compete just like they did so many years ago.
Dominic Del Rosario started competing in Keiki Surf for the Earth the second year the event was held. On Saturday, he watched his son, Kahakai shred some some of the same waves that provided him great memories growing up.
“It is so awesome seeing him out there, it is the best thing he could do,” the elder Del Rosario said. “He’s out there, he is stoked and his friends are happy. We love it.”
Dominic Del Rosario added that the event is great for the community and allows kids to hone their surfing, while challenging their friends and sharing “good vibes.”
As for Kahakai Del Rosario, he just wanted to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves.
“It was really fun out there and I enjoyed surfing,” he said. “I hope everyone else had fun too.”
For Karen Eoff, a city council representative for District 8 (North Kona) and one of the founding members of the group which started Keiki Surf for the Earth, seeing the kids from the former generation of surfers enjoying themselves at Kohanaiki was the plan from the start, and one of the main reasons the event was put together in 1995.
“The event wasn’t as large as it is today, but it was a group of dedicated parents who were working to protect this beach for future generations,” Eoff said. “Our efforts created a beach park in partnership with the county, the community and home owners. It was a win-win all-around and it worked out perfectly.”
Keiki Surf for the Earth had a modest start with a handful of kids competing, but it has now grown to over 150 surfers, with nearly 100 sponsors supporting the event, providing food, gift bags for the kids, and raffle prizes such as surf boards, bikes, skate boards, t-shirts and gift cards.
“It is really, really beautiful to see this many people come together for a common cause,” said Rebecca Villegas, President of the Kohanaiki Ohana.
For Villegas, Keiki Surf for the Earth is much more than a competition. It is a way to teach keiki that it is their kuleana to take care of the Kohanaiki coastline.
“This event is more focused on participation, education and cleanup,” Villegas said. “This is a zero-waste environment, which includes having the Surfrider Foundation here to do a beach cleanup.”
Also at the event, Reggie Lee manned a sign booth where kids cold come in and write pro-Earth Day slogans, which would be posted in the area for others to see. Lee was was born and raised on the Big Island, and his mother was the last living kupuna to reside in the Kohanaiki area. He is happy with how the Keiki Surf for the Earth Event has provided camaraderie with different communities in the area.
“We have to try to co-exist and this is a great way to do it,” Lee said. “This area is a special place. This is a kids beach and you get to know everybody and come here and spread your manao, spread your stories of yesterday, and that is all we want.”