After 52 Years, Nomad Elks Open Kailua Lodge

By PAIGE TAKEYA

Kailua Elks Lodge No. 2230 finally has a home, and members will celebrate their grand opening Saturday at the new lodge at 48 Maluniu Ave. – the old Craig’s Bakery site.

The location couldn’t be better, according to president Richard Anderson. “It’s in the heart of Kailua, and we are the Kailua Elks Lodge,” he said. “It gets us back home, and it’s simply located for our members in Kailua.”

The Kailua Elks, the only lodge in Windward, have roamed the area churches and community centers without a permanent base for most of their 52 years. The new site marks the first time that they’ve had a stable home.

Anderson said the large space allows members to share fellowship and other activities they simply were unable to do as transients. More important, the old bakery building is now crucial to the Elks’ continued push for community service.

“We promote patriotism, taking care of veterans and active-duty military and taking care of young children with disabilities,” he said, noting in particular how the lodge co-sponsors physical therapists to work with disabled keiki and a summer jazz workshop at Windward elementary schools.

The Kailua group is part of the 145-year-old Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a fraternal organization that devotes time and resources to charitable ventures in local communities. It is one of five Hawaii lodges.

For more information, call the lodge at its new home, 262-0355.