Rooted in compassion and aloha, volunteer-run nonprofit Self Sponsored Sports dba FarmKineTings works directly with families in the district of Ko‘olauloa on the northeastern coast of Oʻahu to teach ocean safety, bodyboarding and environmental stewardship.
Executive Director Kimberly Fanene told Aloha State Daily by email, “Our mission is to keep our community healthy, active and connected through free programs that care for both our people and our ʻāina. We host beach cleanups, bodyboard clinics and food distributions to support local families, inspire our keiki and protect our island home — all with aloha and community pride.”
Amid the ongoing federal shutdown, Fanene noted that its next food distributions will be on Nov. 10 and 24. “We also receive many messages from needy families requesting food and we always do our best to provide but can't always cover them all,” she said, adding that the team of volunteers and mentors started out as just a few friends who wanted to make a difference in their own backyard.
Continued funding and community support are the organization’s greatest needs right now, she said.
“Every donation and partnership help us provide supplies for our beach cleanups, equipment for our keiki bodyboard clinics and food for our community distributions,” Fanene continued. “As a small, volunteer-run nonprofit, even the simplest resources — like tents, tables, and transportation — make a big difference. With more support, we can reach more families, host more events and keep our community healthy, active and thriving.”
FarmKineTings will host its second Beach Cleanup & Expression Session from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Hau‘ula Beach Park.
ASD asked Fanene more about the organization and this upcoming event.
How did the first Beach Cleanup & Expression Session go? Our very first event was an amazing success! We had 20 keiki pre-registered and over 60-plus kids show up, ready to get involved. With everyone’s help, we had the beach completely cleaned in just one hour — filling truckloads of rubbish that we hauled to the dump. After the cleanup, the keiki got to enjoy an Expression Session alongside some of their idols. It was incredible to see so many kids in the water — smiling, learning and asking the pros for tips on improving their tricks and wave selection. The stoke was real!
We were also able to provide free lunch for all volunteers, with special mahalo to North Shore Livestock for generously donating 40 burger patties and 10 pounds of ribs — enough to feed everyone who came out. In total, we had about 150 people join us for the day — families, friends and community members all coming together to support the cleanup and cheer on our keiki as they shredded. It was truly a day filled with aloha, teamwork and ocean love.
How will this next event be different? Word got out after our first event, and this next one is shaping up to be even bigger and better! We already have 40-plus keiki pre-registered, and we know plenty more will sign up the day of the cleanup.
This time, we’ll be joined by around 10 professional bodyboarders, all excited to give back, share their skills and spend time in the water with the kids. They’ll also be bringing special gifts and gear from their sponsors to give out as a mahalo for all the hard work our keiki and volunteers put in. … We’ll have even more fun, games and ocean activities to keep the day filled with stoke and aloha. It’s going to be another amazing community event — bigger waves, bigger smiles and an even cleaner beach!
What is the Expression Session part? This is the moment the keiki look forward to most — when the pro bodyboarders hit the water and do what they do best! The pros put on an incredible show, shredding waves and showing off their skills, while the kids watch in total awe.
By the end, every keiki is inspired and jumping in the water, trying to mimic what they just saw — it’s truly amazing to watch how motivated and excited they get. The pros then take time to talk story, share advice and sign autographs, creating unforgettable memories and real connections with the next generation of ocean lovers.
How many people are you expecting this time around? We’re expecting at least 60-plus kids total, along with another 50 to 60 family members joining to cheer them on and take part in the cleanup.
Our Beach Cleanup & Expression Session is more than just an event — it’s a family-friendly community gathering where everyone can connect, share and support one another. These moments bring our community closer, helping us get to know our neighbors and build relationships that make our area a safer, stronger place for our keiki to grow up.
How is the event supported? Our very first Beach Cleanup & Expression Session was made possible through 100% volunteer efforts — everything came straight from our own pockets and generous in-kind donations. It was truly a labor of love for our ʻāina and our community.
This time around, we’re so blessed and grateful to have received support from the Koʻolauloa Pilina Fund and the Turtle Bay Foundation. Thanks to their generosity, we’ll be able to make this event even bigger, better and more inclusive for everyone. We’re now able to provide more cleaning tools and supplies for our volunteers and include more kūpuna, who were eager to participate but couldn’t join last time. With new long-handled sand sifters and rubbish pickers, everyone — young and old — can help care for our beaches comfortably and safely. This event is truly a reflection of what can happen when our community comes together with aloha and shared purpose.
What other upcoming events are you most excited about? Our next event is the Hauʻula Holiday Night Market, a fun-filled fundraiser for the whole ʻohana! The evening will feature local craft and food vendors, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to kanikapila and support our local community. Funds raised from this event will help us continue providing free and affordable programs for our keiki in 2026. We’re excited to launch our Da Yahd Bodyboard Club, where young riders can train, grow and compete — gaining skills, confidence and opportunities to travel and showcase their talents.
Beyond the waves, we’re also building a career pathway program to inspire our youth to explore future opportunities connected to the ocean — whether that’s becoming a pro bodyboarder, lifeguard, or marine biologist. Through our programs and fundraisers, we’re committed to helping our keiki stay active, connected and proud of where they come from.
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CONTACT
Self Sponsored Sports dba FarmKineTings
Phone: 808-397-4638
Email: kim@farmkinetings.com
Instagram: farmkinetings
Website: farmkinetings.com
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
