Puna Strong BBQ & Benefit Concert, July 18

Street Bikers United (SBU) and Minit Stop, in conjunction with Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation and The Salvation Army, will host two benefits on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, for the victims of the ongoing Kīlauea eruption.

The PUNA STRONG BARBECUE AND BENEFIT CONCERTS will be held at the Kea‘au Armory and at the Pāhoa High School Gymnasium from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Organizers are especially excited to welcome Anthony Pfluke and Amy Hanaiali‘i, who will provide the entertainment.

Members of SBU Hawai‘i and employees of Minit Stop plan to serve over 200 sumptuous, family-style meals for those currently being served at the two shelters. Guests will enjoy a BBQ Plate of Li Hing Mui BBQ Ribs, Grilled Kula Corn, Garlic Truffle Fries and Jicama Slaw. Grilled Hana Banana Bread with Ginger Caramel Drizzle will follow for dessert. A Grilled Veggie Plate will also be offered, featuring Flame Broiled Portobello Mushrooms and Kula Road Farms Zucchini, Carrots and Eggplant with Herb Pesto and Balsamic Reduction. Soft drinks and water will also be provided.

Prior to the festivities, more than two-dozen motorcycle riders from Street Bikers United will join Rock n Roll MC in a procession from Hilo to Pāhoa Town to deliver a container of supplies and food to the Pāhoa shelter.

Organizers plan to distribute items collected at various fundraisers on Maui and the Big Island to those in need.

In addition, a check in the amount of $10,000 will be presented to Pastor Dion Maeda of the Connect Point Church to help build temporary housing for lava victims.

After dinner, guests at the Kea‘au Armory will enjoy music provided by Pfluke, Maui’s acclaimed songwriter, guitarist and ukulele player.

Grammy Award nominee and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner Hanaiali‘i will entertain those being served at the Pā hoa High School Gym. Big Island guitarist Wailua Ryder will accompany Hanaiali‘i.

“We really want to give back and hope to provide a fun-filled evening for the victims of the ongoing Kīlauea eruption,” said Ron Panzo, president of SBU. “We can only imagine the hardship and heartbreak brought about by this disaster.”

“A big mahalo goes out to the Naniloa Hilo Hotel and the Maui community for their generous donations,” Panzo added.

“We want the Kīlauea victims to know that they are not forgotten,” said Jon Miyabuchi, vice president of Minit Stop. “We hope that these barbecues and concerts will make them smile for a few hours. We also need to thank all the folks that helped make these events happen: Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation, The Salvation Army, Connect Point Church, UH Hawai‘i, Rock N Roll MC, and of course, our local community. Without their support, it would not be possible to keep PUNA STRONG.”