Limu Kala became the official State Limu with the Governor signing of a bill passed by the 2023 Hawai'i Legislature. Photo from Ka Wai Ola |
Kaʻū Roping & Riding hosts a two day rodeo this Saturday and Sunday at Nā'ālehu Rodeo Grounds. Photo from Kaʻū Roping & Riding |
Rodeo Queen ShaniaLee Silva graduated and heads to the Air Force. |
opening ceremonies both days.
Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association's mission is"to preserve and perpetuate the paniolo culture for this generation and future generations; to instill in our youth the Hawaiian Culture; to teach them horsemanship and responsibility so they can become caring and productive citizens.”
Its saying, by George Jung, is, "Life’s a rodeo and all you have to do is stay in the saddle."
ShaniaLeeSilva graduated from Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary this year at 17 years of age and plans to join the Air Force when she turns 18. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, serving as Senior Class Secretary and Senior Class Athlete. She completed CTE and was a member of the Health Occupation Student Association.
Silva, of Hawaiian and Portuguese heritage, is the youngest daughter and second of eight children in the family of Mike and Wendy Silva in Pāhala. She grew up riding horses, competing in rodeo and taking care of the family cattle, goats and hunting dogs. She became a member of Future Farmers of America. Throughout school, she excelled in sports, including basketball and softball.
Shealia Freitas lives on a coffee and food farm above Pāhala and is eight years of age. Of Hawaiian, Japanese and European heritage, including Portuguese, she is the daughter of Rodney and Marlene Freitas. Shaelia will be in third grade at Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences this coming school year.
She is the youngest of five children, with three older sisters Jessica, Michaela and Sheri and one brother Ikaika.
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Shaelia is a born country girl, raised on her 'ohana's Ka'ili Ma'ile Farms. A statement from her family says that Shaelia loves anything outdoors, especially animals. "Her love of animals started at a very young age and has grown as she's gotten older." She has an ardent interest in horses and rodeo. Her wish is to one day have a horse to call her own.
Rodeo tickets are available from the Queen and Princess and at the gate. They are $8 in advance and $10 at the Rodeo Grounds.
Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association is a non-profit 501C3 and accepts donations to be used for its mission, including purchasing additional land for parking at the rodeo grounds.
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CALLING ON ALL KAʻŪ HIGH & VOLCANO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & SCIENCES FOOTBALL PLAYERS. The coaching staff reports that practice begins on Monday, July 24 at Kaʻū High in Pāhala. The coaches will present a preseason potluck at Punalu'u Beach Park on Sunday, July 23 from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. With questions and to RSVP, call or text Mark Peters at 510-387-5669.