2023 Kalihi Ahupuaʻa Ride
Saturday, April 8
KKV’s KVIBE youth worked hard to prepare for the 2023 Ahupuaʻa Ride that hosted 120 community riders and 40+ volunteers. They began planning soon after the successful ride in 2022 and worked throughout the year make sure all the details were in place for the event. For many of the youth, it was a first time to learn about Kalihi, its rich history, and what it means to be part of a community.
The ride began at Hoʻoulu ʻĀina and ended at Mokauea Island, with four main stops along the way—KVIBE, Puea Cemetery, Loʻi Kalo Mini Park, and Kalākaua District Park. At three of the stops, KVIBE senior interns gave presentations, reciting a poem or telling a story that explained the significance of each place. Four to five senior interns teamed up for each of these stops.
Ahupuaʻa riders make their way down Kalihi Street.
Riders begin the day with an Aloha Circle at Hoʻoulu ʻĀina.
Stop 1: KVIBE.
At the KVIBE stop, the boys presented a history of the program. They talked about the building, described what KVIBE means to them, and how KVIBE has made them better people. Riders were also invited to leave their mark on a new mural at KVIBE during this yearʻs ride.
STOP 2: Puea Cemetery.
At the cemetery, the riders visited the gravesite of Joseph Kahahawai. The focus was about justice and how the system is failing the kids and families of Kalihi. Kahahawai’s descendant, Vance Farrant (pictured above holding the bullhorn), retold the horrific story of Joseph's murder in 1932 and how racism continues today. For the kids, knowing the history helps to put their own experiences into context and begins to show a path for healing as they move forward towards building a better future for themselves and their community.
STOP 3: Loʻi Kalo Mini Park.
The third stop of the ride was at Loʻi Kalo Mini Park. Here, the youth talked about what home meant for their ancestors, how they worked to build the loʻi (taro patch) for the community, and how working with volunteers to tend to the kalo (taro) enabled them to experience life in the past. Caretaker, Robert Silva of Niuhelewai (pictured above), shared about the continued restoration efforts at the park.
STOP 4: Kalākaua District Park. Riders were treated to snacks and drinks courtesy of Councilmember Radiant Cordero.
Riders end the day learning about the history of the Hawaiian people living at Mokauea Island. In learning about the past, the participants understand how important this place is for the Island of Oʻahu and how it is our responsibility to protect it for the future.
Bruce Konman, KVIBE's Bike Shop Manager, felt proud to help the boys practice their presentations. He spoke at the lo'i in 2022 and was able to coach the younger boys so they shed their anxiety about talking before an audience. This year, Bruce worked to build bikes for the kids and the community which were given out on a first come, first serve basis to grateful recipients who were able to participate in the Ride.
The Ride was a significant event for the young men at KVIBE and for the community members who participated. “The leadership development in the KVIBE program is just so evident,” said one participant, “It was so powerful to ride alongside the young people and learn about history and from their stories.”
Rona Mangayayam, the Youth Program Coordinator, is especially grateful for this year’s ride. “I would like to thank Benoit and Bruce, who stepped up and took the lead. I thank them for their leadership and dedication for making the ride a reality,” she relates, “Even when it seemed like the ride would not be possible, they stepped up and went for it. I am inspired by these two young leaders.”
KKV would like to extend a huge thank you to all the volunteers, the hosts at the different sites, and the ride participants. Thank you also to Pacific Voices, who welcomed the riders with their chants at Mauliola Keʻehi. “Without the support of everyone, we wouldn’t have been able to pull through,” Rona says. KKV is looking forward to next year’s ride and is hoping that even more will participate.
