KCA Helping to Cover Graffiti and Install Benches in our Parks

Covering Graffiti at Kalama and Keopuolani Skate Parks
Originally Published online at The Honolulu Advertiser Thursday, January 14, 2010

The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced today that due to the efforts of community volunteer Andrew Beerer (KCA Parks Committee member)and youth from the Boys and Girls Club of Maui, both the Kalama Skatepark in Kihei and Kahului’s Keopulani Skatepark are now “graffiti-free.”

In addition to volunteering his time toward the removal of graffiti from the parks, Beerer and former YMCA Skateboard Camp Director, Davey Delong, created the Maui Skateboard Series. Since 2008 they have worked alongside the Department of Parks and Recreation to provide over 30 skateboarding events in Kihei, Kahului, Lahaina, Paia, Pukalani, Hana, Molokai and Lanai.

“We are very fortunate to have Andrew Beerer’s assistance which has included this volunteer clean up, monitoring of the maintenance concerns and coordinating skateboarding events throughout the county,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Tamara Horcajo. “We are grateful for the many other participants who help to keep the skateparks safe and satisfying for our users.”

Beerer organized a group of young volunteers, which included skatepark users and youth from the Boys and Girls Club, to paint over graffiti at the skateparks on December 18, 2009 in Kihei and on December 28, 2009 in Kahului.

“The skateboard parks are popular and well used, but like all recreation facilities they suffer from wear and tear as well as occasional graffiti and vandalism,” said Beerer. “Helping maintain the skateboard parks and painting over graffiti makes for a better experience that puts skateboarders in a positive light. We encourage the users to take ownership of their parks.”

For more information, contact the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 270-7230.

Installing Benches at Kalama Park

Bob Richardson, KCA Parks Committee Chair informs us that the first two benches were installed on the north side of Kalama Park. Mahalo to Jeff Kern from Kihei and Tim Fien from Oregon for their help. Mahalo also to the Parks Dept and the KPAT/ KCA team that laid out the locations.

The Kihei Community Association has purchased and is installing 10 park benches in Kalama Park in Kihei. Association President Jon Miller and board member Chad Goodfellow have been garnering funding for the expense of these benches from a number of very supportive businesses and individuals on our island community. When groups or individuals make a donation such as this to the County it is necessary for the Maui Council Council to accept to donation through proclamation and for the Parks Dept to work within their procedures for placement and quality of materials. Now that all of the details have been completed the first of the benches have been installed.