For a lot of Hilo people, it wasn’t just an occasional thing, it was a regular thing, part of the weekly routine in their lives, more common than a night at the movies.
The camaraderie, the interpersonal relationships was what made it happen, made you want to come back, not just next week, but again this week.
Hilo Lanes was a gathering place, a true hub of social engagement that brought people together from across the eastside of the Big Island for friendly competition, but all of that ended a few years back when the bowling center closed because of mounting financial issues. More recently, it was sold and the lanes themselves, all the memorabilia on the walls, everything, was torn out and discarded.
“It was sad to see,” said Frank Degele, who used to compete in upper level leagues every Wednesday and Friday, carrying a 190 average. His wife Dee — with friends dating back to St. Joseph’s High School — bowled in her leagues on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“It was part of your life, one of things you did just as a regular thing,” said Dee, “it was quite a thing, 40 lanes, all of them full, flashing lights, bells, it was kind of exciting, a lot of fun.”
And it’s all in the past, unlikely to be recovered, but Frank and Dee recently sat up straight and responded quickly when Pahoa High School athletics director Hoku Haliniak sent out word that she wanted to re-start a bowling program.
Frank, coach of the school’s softball team, was picked to coach the boys, Dee is coaching the girls, as much as a way to keep the sport alive for the coaches as it was another attempt to fulfill Haliniak’s quest to create as many opportunities for involvement as possible for Pahoa students.
“If I could, if it were possible,” Holiniak said, “I’d have something for every person in this school, something to keep them involved, motivated and hopeful. These (after school sports teams) get them to be a part of a larger group of people with shared interests.”
But starting a bowling team when the only bowling center on this side of the island is officially removed as a potential site? How does that work?
Holiniak found some plastic replications of bowling lanes, complete with the arrows so it looks just like an actual bowling lane, and she located some rubberized bowling balls.
That’s how it started.
“They used to have bowling here so I thought it was worth try,” Holiniak said. “I ordered some shirts, but I didn’t realize we would exceed in turnout the amount of shirts we have. I’m just happy to see the interest.”
There were nine girls and five boys who showed up for practice one day last week and they all seemed ready to continue despite the logistical issues surrounding the process.
For one, Pahoa bowlers have to drive to Kamehameha Schools and catch rides on the KHS bus to Saturday competitions in Kona, where the only bowling center on the island has been hosting the high school competition.
Until now.
It might get a little easier this week when the Kilauea Military Camp reopens to the public inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Back behind the first few rows of cabins and the cafeteria sits six fully functional lanes — soon to be upgraded with new electronics that are on order — with a popular short order grill.
“We will do everything we can to accommodate them, we’ve had high school teams before and we are happy to have them back,” said Bruce Taylor, KMC’s deputy director. “Kona is the only other spot on the island now, so we expect there might be a bunch of people wanting it.
“Besides the bowling,” he said, “there are people out there who really like our burgers, I’ve had people say, ‘I’m just here for the burgers.’ They were kidding, but we make good burgers.”
Burgers and bowling, does it get any better? Well, maybe it’s not the ultimate gastronomic/athletic experience, but it’s all fun and the KMC site is a delightful step back in time. Everything works well, but the extra boost comes from the unique, cozy atmosphere inside.
It looks like a good place to learn the game, and that’s what is at work in Pahoa.
“These kids are awesome,” said Dee Degele, “they are interested to try this out — I have several who literally had never held a bowling ball in their lives, much less played the game — and they are eager about being coached, about learning what to do.
“The idea that we just started up and we have more people interested than we have shirts for them makes me think this will grow and be more popular as we go,” she said. “It’s a really good idea for socializing, getting to meet others yet still keep working as a team.”
Watching them work last week, you couldn’t help but feel coaching was a big part of the continuing interest. Frank Degele was discussing footwork, how to align the body before the approach, technique for pins on this side or that side, and more.
A visitor watched the eyes of the Pahoa students as Degele moved around. All were on the coach. Nobody was yawning, faking disinterest or acting too cool for school, as it were.
“I have to say, there isn’t a high school athletic director in the country that wouldn’t want every coach in the school to be like Frank,” Holiniak said. “He completely understands our model, that it’s about participation, communication, and having fun while learning.
“Everything he does is for our kids,” Holiniak said, “he’s out there raising money, working in the community, doing everything he can. In different seasons we have forms and paperwork to fill out that can be a nagging thing, but he’s always in first, always on time, always helping.”
An introduction to a lifelong game that weaves you into a larger community, enhances your social life and helps you meet new friends?
The most well-intentioned efforts of school administrators to generate students participation can be a hit or miss proposition.
At Pahoa High School, there are 16 more kids involved in activities with friends and teammates, a genuine strike.
And in this game, that’s as good as it gets.
Questions? Suggestions? Whistleblower tips? Contact Bart at bart@tribuneherald.com