Keiki Super Skaters Fly High at Aala Park

On Sunday, Dec. 3, American Savings Bank (ASB), Super Skate Posse, APB Skateshop and Trust for Public Land join forces at Aala Park for a sneaker, helmet and skateboard giveaway to support over 60 keiki skateboard enthusiasts from Kalakaua Middle School, Princess Ruth Ke‘elikolani Middle School and other community groups. The invitation-only giveaway portion of the event will be followed by a free skate exhibition and a best trick contest, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., which the public is invited to attend.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet and be amazed as all-stars like Jaime Reyes – Hawaii’s goofy-footed professional skateboarder who grew up skating at Aala Park – flip, grind and grab air.       

“We’re thrilled to see Aala Skatepark bursting with energy once again as neighborhood kids and families re-discover what a great asset it is,” said Beth Whitehead, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at ASB. “Aala Park has a special place in our hearts, and we are committed to providing fun, safe and healthy opportunities for the community to enjoy.”       

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

Event Timeline:

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• Skate Lessons and Equipment Distribution
  • Distribution of new skateboards, helmets, shoes, t-shirts and bags.
  • Private skate lessons and giveaways for about 60 area youth who have been pre-selected by community partners.
• Who: Invitation-only

1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

• Professional Skate Demonstration            
  A 30-minute skate demonstration, led by five notable skaters:
  • Jaime Reyes (Hawaii skate legend and pioneer who is one of the only women to grace the cover of Thrasher, LGBTQIA+ icon.)
  • Heimana Reynolds (Hawaii Olympic athlete)
  • Danny Hamaguchi (Hawaii pro skater for Thank You Skateboards)
  • Louie Lopez (FA & Cons signature professional athlete, 2022 Thrasher Skater of The Year candidate)
  • Beatrice Domond (FA Skateboards professional rider and cultural model)
  • Erik Herrera (Hawaii pro skater for Chocolate Skateboards)
• Who: Open to the public

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Best Trick Competition      
  Prizes include $500 in gift cards
• Who: Open to the public

Last year’s event drew more than 100 participants who were thrilled to get a rare glimpse of professional skateboarders in Hawaii showing off their best tricks.        

“Growing up, I loved skateboarding, and it is what I did with all my free time from middle school all the way through college,” said William Grindell, principal of Kalakaua Middle School. “It is heartwarming to know that efforts are being made to make skateboarding accessible to our students, especially those who might face barriers due to financial constraints.”        

Free follow-up skateboarding lessons will be offered to event participants through APB Skateshop and Trust for Public Land during winter break.