Waipa Groundbreaking for Multi-Purpose Building

Tristin mahuiki and his grandfather, Samson Mahuiki, Sr., Waipa Founder and president.

Waipa Multi-Purpose Building One Step Closer to Reality

Article and photos by Anne E. O’Malley

Kamehameha Schools and the Waipa Foundation held a groundbreaking for the Waipa Multi-Purpose Building, attended by representatives of their organizations plus local and legislative dignitaries, representatives of Kamehameha Schools, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawai`i Community Foundation, University of Hawai`i and Ulupono Foundation. David K. Sproat, a Waipa founder, volunteer and staff member emceed. When introducing his daughter, Stacy Sproat-Beck, he joked “She’s my boss.” She is the executive director of the Waipa Foundation. The Rev. Mokihana Powers blessed the ground and various small groups of attendees took turns at breaking the ground with o`o, or digging sticks.

Rendering of Waipa Multi-Purpose Building by Architect Palmer Haldahl, Palms Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Palmer Hafdahl

Waipa students

Waipa students chanting

Dignitaries breaking ground with o`o.

Waipa students breaking ground with o`o.

Linda Sproat serves up a dish at the buffet luncheon following the blessing.

Carla Wilkerson and Eric Fakhouri of Poi Dog Catering

Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.

Kalelei Rogers and her mother, Alohilani Rogers

Lima Hana, or Working Hands â Members include Waipa youth Devin Fitzpatrick, front; Marj Milbrand, Rebekah Stevens and Gergly Olter, seated; Kainalu Ham-Young with one foot on the vehicle; and Mikala Crowder standing behind him.

Lima Hana, or Working Hands — Members include Waipa youth Devin Fitzpatrick, front; Marj Milbrand, Rebekah Stevens and Gergly Olter, seated; Kainalu Ham-Young with one foot on the vehicle; and Mikala Crowder standing behind him.

Tristin mahuiki and his grandfather, Samson Mahuiki, Sr., Waipa Founder and president.

L-R: Palmer Hafdahl, Robin Campaniano, Miyes Shibata

L-R: Palmer Hafdahl, architect for the project; Robin Campaniano, general partner, Ulupono, a Hawai’i-focused social investment organization; Miyes Shibata, vice president of philanthropic services, HCF

Stacy Sproat, executive director, Waipa Foundation

Kahu Mokihana Powers offers a blessing for the groundbreaking ceremony at Waipa.

State legislators of Kaua`i deliver certificate to Waipa Foundation.

Sen. Ron Kouchi, Stacy Sproat-Beck, Rep. Derek Kawakami, Samson Mahuiki, David Sproat. Kouchi and Kawakami delivered a certificate from the Hawai`i State Legislature.