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Big man gives big time
The retired sumotori who grew up poor knows how a little help can transform children's lives
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jul 03, 2009
Naleisha Pelekai-Wai never imagined a celebrity would befriend her - let alone become a mentor.
But that's exactly what happened when she traveled to Japan more than a decade ago as a sixth-grader with retired sumo wrestler Salevaa Atisanoe as one of the original "Konishiki Kids."
"The experience made me realize that I didn't need to stay under the blanket that people put me under," she said.
Now 24 years old, Pelekai-Wai works as a substitute teacher at Nanakuli High School, giving back to her own community.
"It's easy to live in a bubble unless your family exposes you to other opportunities," she explained. "On the trip, we were able to watch one of his sumo matches, went to different temples and to Tokyo Disneyland. For many of the kids, it was their first time away from home.
"It was quite an eye-opener, because Konishiki was at the height of his career. If he could do it, make it and succeed, we could do it, too," she added. "He has kept in contact over the years ... it was not just a one-time thing.
"He's just another one of us."
Better known around the globe as Konishiki Yasokichi, Atisanoe wants kids to receive that exact message: Any goal is achievable.
"I can understand their struggles," he said. "I grew up not having a lot. ... We had no kitchen and no shower.
"But, I'm no different from any kid on the Waianae coast (and) I want them to realize there is a way."
ON THE Fourth of July, thousands of kids from the Konishiki Kids Foundation will be at Wet 'N Wild Hawaii for the second annual "Ohana Day" fundraiser.
Event highlights include a fireworks display with synchronized music, hot dog and watermelon-eating contests, an all-ages dance contest and live entertainment featuring Vaihi and Fiji. Konishiki will also perform.
The Konishiki Kids Foundation opened in 1996 and brought West Oahu youth to Japan while Konishiki was still an active sumotori. Now retired in Hawaii, he supports schools on the Waianae coast, with monetary donations enhancing school programs and providing basic classroom supplies and computers. His long-term plan is to build a learning center for students to use after school.
"I want them to understand the importance of giving back to the community, that there is life after high school and that school is very important."
For Konishiki, hearing success stories makes his efforts worthwhile.
"One boy in his 20's is all set. ... He's married, has a good job," he said. "A homeless girl who is now a senior is planning to go to college.
"School is the easy way out for them. I want them to take advantage of what they have and not give up on what they want. ... I'm just happy to be a role model to these kids."
Glen Kila, principal and chief executive officer at Waianae charter school Kamaile Academy, has seen the benefits of the Konishiki Kids Foundation firsthand. The proceeds his school received last year financed a reading and tutoring program.
"Konishiki is a really good role model for the children. He reminds them that they can be successful if they believe in themselves. The kids at Kamaile look up to him as a hero," Kila said. "When he speaks to people, you can feel the mana that comes from him, the compassion. He inspires me."
After listening to speeches that talk about positive behavior and attitude, Kila said changes can often be seen in the children. Konishiki visits schools and talks to kids about finding their way at an early age, explaining the importance of education and believing in yourself. The children seem confident that they have a future and gain hope that they can meet their goals, he explained.
"You see some of them cry," said Kila. "He is always building relationships, letting them know that someone cares. He's a gentle giant. He helps to release this shame that so many of the kids have ... leaving them free to experience life and not be ashamed of where they came from."
Kila said everyone can benefit from Konishiki's message: "He brings awareness to families that children are the most precious things."
'OHANA DAY'» Where: Wet 'N Wild Hawaii, 400 Farrington Highway» When: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow » Cost: $29.99 to $39.99 (discounted tickets available at Oahu 7-Eleven stores) » Info: 674-9283 or konishikikids.com |
SCHEDULE OF EVENTSEntertainment Center Stage» Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii, 11 a.m. Ohana Time Concert at the Luau Lagoon » Vaihi, 5 p.m.
|
Naleisha Pelekai-Wai never imagined a celebrity would befriend her - let alone become a mentor.
But that's exactly what happened when she traveled to Japan more than a decade ago as a sixth-grader with retired sumo wrestler Salevaa Atisanoe as one of the original "Konishiki Kids."
"The experience made me realize that I didn't need to stay under the blanket that people put me under," she said.
Now 24 years old, Pelekai-Wai works as a substitute teacher at Nanakuli High School, giving back to her own community.
"It's easy to live in a bubble unless your family exposes you to other opportunities," she explained. "On the trip, we were able to watch one of his sumo matches, went to different temples and to Tokyo Disneyland. For many of the kids, it was their first time away from home.
"It was quite an eye-opener, because Konishiki was at the height of his career. If he could do it, make it and succeed, we could do it, too," she added. "He has kept in contact over the years ... it was not just a one-time thing.
"He's just another one of us."
Better known around the globe as Konishiki Yasokichi, Atisanoe wants kids to receive that exact message: Any goal is achievable.
"I can understand their struggles," he said. "I grew up not having a lot. ... We had no kitchen and no shower.
"But, I'm no different from any kid on the Waianae coast (and) I want them to realize there is a way."
ON THE Fourth of July, thousands of kids from the Konishiki Kids Foundation will be at Wet 'N Wild Hawaii for the second annual "Ohana Day" fundraiser.
Event highlights include a fireworks display with synchronized music, hot dog and watermelon-eating contests, an all-ages dance contest and live entertainment featuring Vaihi and Fiji. Konishiki will also perform.
The Konishiki Kids Foundation opened in 1996 and brought West Oahu youth to Japan while Konishiki was still an active sumotori. Now retired in Hawaii, he supports schools on the Waianae coast, with monetary donations enhancing school programs and providing basic classroom supplies and computers. His long-term plan is to build a learning center for students to use after school.
"I want them to understand the importance of giving back to the community, that there is life after high school and that school is very important."
For Konishiki, hearing success stories makes his efforts worthwhile.
"One boy in his 20's is all set. ... He's married, has a good job," he said. "A homeless girl who is now a senior is planning to go to college.
"School is the easy way out for them. I want them to take advantage of what they have and not give up on what they want. ... I'm just happy to be a role model to these kids."
Glen Kila, principal and chief executive officer at Waianae charter school Kamaile Academy, has seen the benefits of the Konishiki Kids Foundation firsthand. The proceeds his school received last year financed a reading and tutoring program.
"Konishiki is a really good role model for the children. He reminds them that they can be successful if they believe in themselves. The kids at Kamaile look up to him as a hero," Kila said. "When he speaks to people, you can feel the mana that comes from him, the compassion. He inspires me."
After listening to speeches that talk about positive behavior and attitude, Kila said changes can often be seen in the children. Konishiki visits schools and talks to kids about finding their way at an early age, explaining the importance of education and believing in yourself. The children seem confident that they have a future and gain hope that they can meet their goals, he explained.
"You see some of them cry," said Kila. "He is always building relationships, letting them know that someone cares. He's a gentle giant. He helps to release this shame that so many of the kids have ... leaving them free to experience life and not be ashamed of where they came from."
Kila said everyone can benefit from Konishiki's message: "He brings awareness to families that children are the most precious things."
'OHANA DAY'» Where: Wet 'N Wild Hawaii, 400 Farrington Highway» When: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow » Cost: $29.99 to $39.99 (discounted tickets available at Oahu 7-Eleven stores) » Info: 674-9283 or konishikikids.com |
SCHEDULE OF EVENTSEntertainment Center Stage» Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii, 11 a.m. Ohana Time Concert at the Luau Lagoon » Vaihi, 5 p.m.
|
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