The Kauai Police Department, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, and other dignitaries on Wednesday broke ground on the construction of a new Kauai Police Activities League Sports Complex adjacent to the Vidinha Stadium, where renovation work is being carried out.
The 4,000-square-foot facility will be a hub for youth athletics and mentorship programs. The building will feature three dedicated training bays for boxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu, and a weight room and fitness area.
Using the same land footprint as the building started by KPD’s retired Howard Carvalho, the building has a storied history of serving as the KPD weight room for more than 50 years, said Deputy Chief Mark Ozaki, who described Carvalho as equivalent to an Assistant Chief.
When the Kauai Police Department moved from Umi Street, adjacent to the Elsie Wilcox Elementary School, to its current location, the building was transferred to K-PAL to continue its mission of empowering youth through sports and mentorship.
Planning for the new complex started in 2014 and gained momentum with the support of Mayor Kawakami, who had expressed interest in supporting K-PAL and its programs for youth. Designed by Marc Ventura and under the guidance of Primatech Construction, the project’s contractor, the new building is expected to be completed by March 2026.
“We’re building more than just a facility; we’re building futures,” Ozaki said. “This play exists because of the hard work and vision of those who came before us. I want to especially recognize retired Chief Michael Contrades, whose foresight, leadership, and tireless commitment were the driving force behind the success of this project.”
Last year, more than 1,100 youth participated in K-PAL programs, including flag football, boxing, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling. With strong partnerships across local schools, businesses, and community organizations, K-PAL provides an environment that encourages youth to lead drug-free lives, build self-confidence, and develop into positive community leaders.
KPD would like to thank the following departments and organizations for their critical support and contributions to the project — KPD Fiscal Section, Office of the Mayor, the Kauai County Council, Public Works, Department of Parts and Recreation, Planning Department, Engineering Division, Building Division, County Attorney’s Office, Finance and Purchasing Division, Marc Ventura AIA, and Primatech Construction Inc.
For more information about K-PAL programs, or to register a keiki for programs, visit www.kauaipal.org.
Source: The Garden Island