Kaka`ako Shelter
November 27, 2009“H5-Hawaii Helping the Hungry Have Hope” is an non profit organization that manages “The Next Step Project-Homeless Shelter.” Since the opening of Next Step on May 1, 2006 Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle and her administration have opened five homeless shelters around the island. H-5 is a grassroots organization dedicated to ending homelessness through innovative approaches that build confidence and accountability while empowering individuals to become self sufficient.
One project that highlights the shelter is the monthly Keiki Birthday Party. This event was founded and created by Tammy Kubo for all the children who have birthdays within that month and is supported by Summerlin Health Insurance, TinyTV, and other well wishers; traditionally birthday parties are filled with cake, ice cream, and games On November 27th, Music is Good Medicine joined the November 2009 birthday celebration at the Kaka`ako homeless shelter. Also, Kaka`ako Christian Fellowship Church graciously provided the dinner for the evening with food such as pizza, salad, and bananas. MIGM was so honored to be a part of this heartwarming event and working with such great organizations.
With a birthday dinner and entertainment the children were filled with so much joy and energy. Another local celebrity, Tiny Tadani from local television station OC 16, was also present and took on the job of being the emcee for the night! The families were so excited and appreciative for all the supporters of the evening. Jake opened the celebration with Let’s Dance, and then played one of his favorite traditional Hawaiian tunes, “He Aloha no o Honolulu”. Right after, a woman came up and sang a Hawaiian acapella song and amazed everyone with her beautiful voice. The audience was given another musical treat when Tiny sang “Guava Jelly” as Jake played the tune.
Jake brought his looper machine where he can record a sound on his ukulele and the looper will repeat the sound and he can play over it and continue to layer the sounds. With his looper, he played the Beatle’s “Norwegian Wood” and layered all different sounds to create an awesome musical piece. The children had so much fun dancing and moving to every single one of Jake’s songs, especially upbeat pieces such as “Crazy G”!
At the end of the night they all sang Happy Birthday to all the keiki who had birthdays in November. All the keiki yelled ”Thank you Jake!” and celebrated the rest of the night with cake and ice cream. It was amazing to see the families of the shelter who were such hardworking people and progressed with such little resources. Over 700 individuals which includes many families have moved out of the shelter and into homes or apartments since the shelter has opened. We were so pleased to share the joy of music with these keiki and celebrate the birth and lives of these children who are Hawaii’s future. Mahalo to Kapua Tani and Darek Sato for coordinating everything and their continued support!