Ewa Resident To Host Second Annual Special Abilities Party

The Haole family (from left) Jon, Kelii, Melodee, Jennifer, Keoki and Keoni. Photo from Melodee Haole.

For its second year, nonprofit K.E.L.I.I. Foundation will sponsor a free special abilities social event and craft fair March 7.

Founder Melodee Haole of Ewa is looking forward to giving back to the special needs community.

“I wanted to make something special for the kids,” she explained. Haole’s 22-year-old son Kelii, for whom the foundation was named, has a neurodevelopmental disorder, but the family is excited that he’s slowly recovering.

“He’s talking now,” explained Haole. “It’s a lot of chatter, but he does communicate and relay what he feels.”

Kelii also is becoming more independent and makes use of Special Education Center of Hawaii’s Pathway Centers, including its newest location at 708 Palekaua St. in Hawaii Kai, which also is where the March 7 social event and craft fair will be held. Other Pathway Centers are in Ewa and Kailua.

“Kelii can go there (to the Pathway Centers) and enjoy the facility and mingle with other people,” she added. “Now he’s socializing without so much anxiety.”

Confirmed vendors for the surf sample sale include Neff, VonZipper, O’Neill, Rusty and Metal Mulisha.

Keiki will enjoy the photobooth, which expects special visitors such as Queen Elsa and Princess Ana from Frozen, Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, Captain America, Spider-Man and more. Opening entertainment includes HereTama Nui.

For more information, and for craft/food vendor applications, visit keliifoundation.webs.com.