Rick Kiakona: Invest In Our Keiki Now For Their Future’s Sake

Rick Kiakona, owner of Boots & Kimo's Homestyle Kitchen in Kailua, recently presented the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Windward Clubhouse with a gift for the kids - a check for $5,000. He now would like to challenge other local businesses to donate to the Clubhouse. Photo from Maureen Purington.

Kailua businessman Rick Kiakona has shared more than macadamia-nut banana pancakes with the public. He’s become a faithful donor to the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Windward Clubhouse.

The owner of the busy Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen on Hekili Street, Kiakona recently gave the nonprofit clubhouse a check for $5,000 – for the third year in a row.

“Rick and Jesse Kiakona really care that the kids in our community have a safe place to go after school and during the summer,” said clubhouse director Maureen Purington, “and I am honored to have their support.”

The clubhouse opened its doors on the Kailua Intermediate School campus in 2006, also driven by community support. It now serves more than 500 area children through its after-school activities and classes, asking only $1 in dues per year from each child age 7 to 17 years old.

“When the school bell rings at the end of the day,” Kiakona declared, “I want kids at the Clubhouse interacting with positive adult role models and participating in all the different activities it has to offer – versus roaming the streets on their own.”

He also put out a challenge to other area businesses to donate to the program. “I believe in the work they do,” said the local restaurateur. “It’s an investment in great futures for our kids.”