Keiki Fest Combines Education with Entertainment

Photo by Dewitt Jones

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

This year’s annual Keiki Fest was a successful mix of entertaining activities and critical information for Molokai families. Organized by the Molokai Community Action Team, the event focused on ‘ohana well-being, explained Titi Hernandez, lead organizer of Keiki Fest.

“It’s for the keiki and their families,” said Hernandez. “We wanted to celebrate the keiki a little bit more as well as have a place for families to hang out.”

With over 1,200 Molokai community members in attendance at the Molokai Community Health Center on April 26, Hernandez and the Molokai Community Action Team were busy ushering kids and families between information booths, games, prizes, music performances and more. The Molokai Community Action Team partners with Molokai Child Abuse Prevention Pathways to deliver critical messages and education to families at Keiki Fest.

The informational booths with different Molokai services and resources serve as checkpoints for kids to earn prizes, explained Hernandez.

“Nobody can get a prize until they get education,” she said.

Senator Lynn DeCoite, fresh out of the senate’s final budget discussions, came out with her family to enjoy the day and present special recognitions on behalf of the senate.

“This event says a lot about our community,” said DeCoite. “I think this gives us an opportunity to come out and share some of our mana’o on how we can do better for Molokai.”

DeCoite presented the Molokai Community Action Team with an award from the senate for their community contributions. Additionally, Jodi Puaoi, branch manager at American Savings Bank, was recognized for her years of contributions to Keiki Fest.

“This Keiki Fest wouldn’t be here without you,” said DeCoite to Puaoi as she presented her with the award.

The day ended with the highlight to end all highlights – the fire trucks came and sprayed the kids with water hoses.

As DeCoite put it, “the kids are happy, the parents are happy, everyone is happy.”