The Friends of Kawamoto Pool and the Hawai‘i county Department of Parks & Recreation recently collaborated on a repair at the Hilo pool – with a boost from a group of elementary students from Hilo Union School. 

As Friends of Kawamoto Pool raised funds to restore the warm water showers at Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto Swim Stadium in Hilo, students in Hilo Union School’s Kama‘aina Kids A+ Afterschool Program learned about the effort and were excited to support it and make it into a hands-on learning opportunity.

The students raised $259 through their “Spring Sale,” selling toys, stickers, and other fun goodies for the project. They also took the opportunity to learn about the pool’s namesake, Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto, a local legend who coached Olympic swimmers.

Friends of the Kawamoto Pool member Richard Gallagher performed the repair on the hot water system, and warm water showers are back, benefiting local swimmers.

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Kimo Alameda