Hilo’s Ocean Center, Riding a Wave of Peace By Sara Stover
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ucked away at the end of Kalanianaole Avenue is a hidden gem. A haven of calm just past the hustle of Hiloʻs port. “This is our classroom,” says Kalani Kahalioumi, director of special programs for Hawai‘i County’s Department of Parks and Recreation, gesturing toward the tidepools below. A honu (green sea turtle) pops its head up. Kalani continues, “This is where our ocean safety talk happens. This is a place of learning and healing, and it changes people for the better.” It’s a transformation he has seen time and again in the eyes of children who are struggling to find peace…until they catch that first wave.
KeOlaMagazine.com | January - February 2021
Changing Lives One Ride at a Time Richardson Beach Park is the site of year-round opportunities for children to cultivate a healthy relationship with the ocean and with others. Through surfing, sailing, and additional activities that are equal parts education and fun, the Richardson Ocean Center’s programs foster confidence and stewardship in kids seven to 12 years old. Kalani has been at the helm of these adventures for the past eight years, managing several community programs that teach kids the principles of mālama ‘āina—caring for the land. Kalani, a member of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and crew member of the voyaging canoe Hōkūle‘a, has been voyaging for a little while. “And since I have this knowledge, I have to share it by teaching the kids. My four kids enjoy the ocean and I want others to have that chance too!” Kalani has ensured that they do, initially through Surfers Healing. Founded in 1996, the nonprofit organization was created by championship surfer Israel Paskowitz and his wife Danielle, for their autistic son Isaiah. When Isaiah struggled with meltdowns from sensory overload, riding the waves with his father offered him a calm like nothing else could.
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The couple then began organizing free surfing events for other autistic children, offering Surfers Healing camps everywhere from Australia to Cocoa Beach, Florida. “I was invited to help with a camp in California by my good friend Israel 12 years ago. I met these kids with special needs who are not wired the same way we are,” says Kalani. “We surf because of that special feeling we get when we catch a wave. Our job at Surfers Healing is to help kids experience that too.” In 2013, Surfers Healing set up camp at Richardson Beach and around 50 keiki with autism and other disabilities were in attendance. Free of charge, the Hilo Surfers Healing Camp has been held at Richardson’s ever since. The camp provides special needs keiki and their families the unique opportunity to catch a wave by paddling one-on-one on tandem boards with professional surfers, including Mikey “Redd” O’Shaughnessey and Ikaika Kalama. “Ikaika invited me to come volunteer at this event,” Mikey recalls. “It really opened my eyes! My life revolves around the ocean, and it’s a blessing to share that with the kids! There’s no better feeling than to share a ride with them and it’s life changing for their social skills!” For disabled children, this experience is much more than a day at the beach. Known as water therapy, activities such as surfing can be especially calming to those with autism who are prone to sensory overload. Autism affects one in 68 US children, many of whom have communication challenges, as well as heightened sensory perceptions, both of which can trigger frustration and aggression. Exercise, however, may help a child with sensory sensitivity find an outlet for their frustration. In particular, being on a surfboard is The ocean can bring kids together and give them a sense of community within their own disability. photo courtesy of Mikey Redd