Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 35, Number 4, 1 April 2018 — Dive in for a good cause [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Dive in for a good cause

Submitted by the Waikīkī Community Center Calling all oeean enthusiasts! If water sports are your thing, join a team or cheer on your favorites at a popular, fun-filled fundraiser. The Waikīkī Community Center will host its 33rd annual benefit event, the Duke Kahanamoku Beach Challenge, on Sunday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Head down to Duke's Beach and Lagoon at the Hihon Hawaiian Village Waikīkī Beach Resort to join visitors and loeal eommunity residents for an exhilarating day of outrigger eanoe racing, stand-up paddle board contests and kayak competitions. Eaeh year the Duke Kahanamoku Beach Challenge also features a variety of top-notch classic and

contemporary entertainment. All funds raised from this year's event will allow the Waikīkī Community Center (WCC) to continue lending a helping hand to kūpuna, keiki, visitors and people in need in the Waikīkī community. Last year, WCC reached many, providing tuition assistance for pre-K aged children from low-ineome working families, food for over 1,700 families in need, and programs that help over 6,400 seniors maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Celebrating 40 years of service, the Waikīkī Community Center has served as a resource for the community of Waikīkī, providing multigenerational services to better the lives of residents from keiki to kupuna. With support of the community, WCC has been able to effectively reach and help over 95,000 individuals annually receive the services they need. For more information, eall (808) 923-1802 or visit www. waikikicommunitycenter.org. ■

Team members of Waikīkī Beach Walk paddle to shore after advancing to the next heal of outrigger eanoe racing at the 30th Annual Duke Kahanamoku Beach Challenge. ■ Photo: Courtesy