ASB Holiday Skateboard Event Inspires Future Skaters at Aala Park

American Savings Bank, Super Skate Posse, APB Skateshop and Trust for Public Land team up with homegrown professional skateboarder Jaime Reyes to bring holiday cheer to underserved youth.

American Savings Bank (ASB) brought the spirit of skateboarding to life at Aala Park on Sunday, Nov. 24 with its annual holiday event for nearly 160 people. In collaboration with Super Skate Posse, APB Skateshop and Trust for Public Land, the event provided 80 eighth graders from Kalakaua Middle School and Princess Ruth Keelikolani Middle School with a new skateboard, bag, helmet, t-shirt and shoes. Participants also enjoyed private lessons, met skate legends and competed in a thrilling “best trick” contest.

“At American Savings Bank, Aala Park is a special place for us, and we’re committed to making it an inclusive, vibrant community space,” said Beth Whitehead, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at American Savings Bank. “We’re proud to continue our work with community partners like Super Skate Posse, APB Skateshop and Trust for Public Land to bring positive experiences and memories to life for our neighborhood.”

The event featured appearances from some of the biggest names in skateboarding, including local legend Jaime Reyes, Olympian Heimana Reynolds, and pros like Danny Hamaguchi, Shota Kubo and more, who shared their passion and expertise with the next generation of skaters.

“APB is excited to support the Super Skate Posse Giveaway at Aala Skatepark for the third time,” said Chad Hiyakumoto, owner of nearby APB Skateshop. “This event gives the Chinatown-Palama neighborhood kids access to a positive new activity while celebrating a skatepark that is iconic to the Honolulu skate scene.”

More than 18,000 people live within a 10-minute walk of Aala Park, alongside many who work in Downtown and Chinatown. Upcoming senior, affordable and market housing in the area aim to meet the growing demand for urban living.

Event Highlights

• Skate Lessons & Equipment Giveaway: Eighty local youth received lessons from skate pros, in addition to new skateboards, helmets, sneakers, t-shirts and bags.
• Professional Demonstration: A public skateboarding demo featuring top skaters, including Jaime Reyes, Hawaii LGBTQIA+ skate icon and the only woman featured in Thrasher. Other celebrity skaters include Olympian Heimana Reynolds, Danny Hamaguchi, Shota Kubo, Leo Baker, Beatrice Domond, Torey Pudwill, Zered Bassett, Mike Anderson and Dominick Walker.
• “Best Trick” Competition: Skaters of all ages showcased their talent and competed for prizes, including $500 in gift cards.

“When I was a kid, an event like this sparked my dream of becoming a professional skateboarder,” said Jaime Reyes. “To come back to Hawaii and create that same spark for today’s keiki is incredibly meaningful.”

The event was a celebration of the past, present and future of skateboarding at Aala Park, with free follow-up lessons for participants offered through Trust for Public Land and APB Skateshop to keep the momentum going for local keiki.

“People need safe green spaces to recreate, connect with each other and their community, play and exercise. Events like these help us transform the park into a safe and welcoming place for all,” said Lea Hong, associate vice president and Hawaii state director of Trust for Public Land. “Trust for Public Land is grateful to ASB, Superskate Posse and APB Skateshop for activating Aala skatepark with this healthy, fun activity for local keiki.”

“Growing up, I loved skateboarding, and it’s what I did with all my free time,” said William Grindell, principal of Kalakaua Middle School. “It’s heartwarming to know that skateboarding is being made accessible to our students, especially those facing financial barriers.”

Additional support for the event was provided by Zippy’s, Romer Hotels, Alaska Airlines, CONS, Yeti, Sun Bum and Jack in the Box.