Malama Jam

Malama Jam has become one of the most popular concerts on Oahu since it was first created by River Kim and Tierney Morikawa back in 2004. River and Tierney are both Punahou graduates of 2007, and I have known River since I was in 1st grade, because he is one of my best friends' brother. River is a personal hero of mine for multiple reasons. He is a selfless and genuine individual, who truly cares about others and is willing to put them before himself. He reaches out to those less fortunate than himself, and that is why he created Malama Jam. Malama Jam is an annual concert arranged and planned out completely by students, and featuring student bands from schools across the island. The best part about it however, is that all of the proceeds are donated to a charity that the students choose at the beginning of each year. Some of the charities that have benefited by Malama Jam already include Children's Alliance, IHS, and HUGS. This year is the first year Malama Jam is being coordinated without the help of River or Tierney because they are off at Yale and Harvard, respectively. River's younger brother St. John and I are on the commitee this year to help carry on the wonderful tradition, and help continue what River proudly started.

I was very pleased when I was informed I was chosen to be on this year's committee, because giving back to the community is something I not only love doing, but I feel like I need to be doing. Going to Punahou School for the last eleven years is a blessing, and few others are as lucky as myself and I look at this as an opportunity to help those less fortunate. I want to help provide opportunites for those who rarely get any, and I want to help make a difference in the lives of others. Malama Jam is such a great event, and I am proud to say that this year's concert is going to feature some wonderful entertainment and a diverse silent auction featuring items from companies and businesses across the state. World-famous surfer Carissa Moore has even been kind enough to donate one of her national-competition-winning surfboards to the auction this year! Overall, this year's concert should be one that no one will want to miss! April 6, 2008 at Mamiya Theatre at St. Louis High School. Be there!