The seventh Malama Na Keiki Festival aims to improve health outcomes and educate Ka‘u keiki in Pahala on Saturday.
Malama Na Keiki is a free event put on by community health organization Hui Malama Ola Na ‘Oiwi, a nonprofit that aims to address the health disparities present on the island by offering services, education and programs.
Over 10 partner agencies will provide engaging games and activities meant to promote health and wellness for keiki up to 13 years old from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Pahala Community Center.
“This year, we’re focusing on younger age groups with each of our partners providing their own engaging activity at their booths,” said Emma Lowrey, information and project coordinator. “Most of our activities are meant to educate kids on health or culture, and if they finish all the required games and activities, they will get a goodie bag full of things to play with and enjoy at home.”
Some of the organizations participating this year include the Institute of Native Pacific Education and Culture, which will host an ‘olelo Hawaii game, Project Vision Hawaii, which will provide free vision screenings, and the Ka‘u Hospital and Rural Health Clinic, which will be giving out UV bracelets that change color in the sun to remind keiki to wear sunscreen.
The Hui Malama Ola Na ‘Oiwi booth will be all about dental health with a model of a tooth that has a liquid germ simulator to show kids how to properly brush their teeth. The group will also provide free dental kits.
Partners for Safe Traveling will be measuring keiki for car seats and will hold a raffle for two free car seats. The Hawaii Police Department will be making free keiki IDs throughout the day and the Hawaii Fire Department will have a truck parked in front of the community center for children to view.
Other activities outside of health education will be available to keiki such as crafts, face painting, Makahiki games, a balloon animal artist and a Blender Bike, so they can create their own smoothies. Complimentary lunches will also be provided to attendees.
“This year, we wanted to make sure keiki and attending family are the ones benefiting from the festival with easy to access resources and a fun atmosphere to start the summer,” Lowery said.
The Malama Na Keiki Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Pahala Community Center for children 13 years old and under, as well as accompanying family. Adults will only be allowed entry if they are with keiki.
The event is free, but registration is required. To pre-register, which is preferred this year, call (808) 769-3792. For more information on regular services and events, visit hmono.org.