Kikaha to expand community outreach after receiving Tacoma Creates funds

Given its passion for promoting Hawaiian culture through outrigger canoe paddling, it was only natural that Kikaha O Ke Kai seek additional opportunities to share that passion with the community.

The club will now be able to increase its reach after receiving funds earlier this year from Tacoma Creates, which works to increase access to culture, heritage, and science in Tacoma by reducing barriers to access especially for underserved youth. Kikaha was one of 74 organizations that received a portion - $17, 057 - of Tacoma Create's $5.9 million.

“We are trying to expand our outreach as a club to let people know who we are and this is what we are about,” said Kanai Hyke, club president. “This grant enables us to do more community based events outside of traditional canoe racing. This is a different way to engage folks – at their level, not ours.” Club board member Joe Villegas, who has led the effort to get the funding, said Kikaha plans to use the money for two  projects: A partnership with Tacoma Boat Builders that will work with troubled youth and a cultural event, scheduled for Sept. 29 at Owen Beach, to showcase Hawaiian culture with canoes, music, food and more.

Community event planned with Tacoma Creates funds

The partnership with Tacoma Boat Builders is expected to start this fall with the first of five or six events, Villegas said. Club volunteers will be needed to steer and paddle at the events. “We want to set up a series of events for troubled youths to try and navigate their energies to more positive outcomes,” Villegas said. “It’s to help them get involved. If they like it, they will be invited to join us, if their circumstances allow.”
The community event will celebrate Hawaiian culture and its relationship to paddling, Villegas said. “It’s going to be a sensory event,” he said. “We will have music. We will have food. We will have people talking story. We will have hula dancers.” Kikaha volunteers will be needed, Villegas said. The relationship with Tacoma Creates can go beyond events. It allows Kikaha to use the funding for boat repairs, new paddles and other  equipment as long as those are also used in community outreach events, Villegas said. Kikaha plans to apply again next year for Tacoma Creates funds, he said. “It can really help us grow,” he said. Nellie Bell, club vice president, urged members to set aside the community event date in order to help. “We’re asking for all hands,” she said. “It’s like doing a race, only more. We’re inviting the whole city of Tacoma.”

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This is the first of what Kikaha hopes will become a regular item in your email inbox. Future newsletters will recap the 2024 season (and the thrilling victory at the Gorge) our Chicken Long Race in October (how did it get that name?), training advice and club news. We will need your help, though! Send us your thoughts after a race so we can include them, your photos and your suggestions to: kikaha.info@gmail.com.