Good Vibes in Kalihi...KVIBEs, That Is
Image courtesy of KVIBE.
In this post, we are highlighting one of our newer community partners!
When we are out and about at community events, one fringe benefit is meeting and getting to know various nonprofit organizations. This spring’s Haleiwa Metric Century Ride was just that type of event, because it was there that we were introduced to the fine folks at Kalihi Valley Instructional Bike Exchange -- better known as KVIBE.
KVIBE is a project of Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services, a nonprofit that has been serving the Kalihi Valley community for over 40 years. KVIBE is just one of several programs designed to support the area’s keiki.
Established in 2005, KVIBE’s mission is to uplift and empower Kalihi’s youth through mentorship and hands-on learning. To do this, the program focuses on bicycle maintenance, repair, and safety in a welcoming, all-inclusive environment. After 12 hours of volunteer work, participants are eligible to fix up or build their own bike from scratch. About 400 youth are served each year, and to date, over 3,000 bikes have been earned through the sweat-equity program.
KVIBE’s signature annual event is the Kalihi Valley Ahupua`a Ride, which had its second annual iteration earlier this summer. The 8-mile route went from mauka to makai, with several stops at locations of cultural and historical significance. The ride ended on Sand Island with a pa`ina (party) for all! We were stoked to be there and share our Kona Teas with participants and their families. This year’s race included more than 150 riders, including folks on custom cruiser bikes, uniformed police officers, Biki staff, and lots more.
Hawaiian Ola will be providing a regular supply of drinks for their programming throughout 2018. We’re happy to be part of this amazing organization!