‘Drive with Aloha’ mural unveiled at Kaua‘i High School

An unveiling and mural blessing at Kaua‘i High School honored the life of local surfer and waterman Kailon Tyndzik, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash last month.

Monday’s unveiling marks the tenth impaired-driving prevention mural through the state’s Drive with Aloha Mural program, aimed at creating awareness through art.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation has partnered with Keep it Flowing, an O‘ahu-based nonprofit that works to bridge the gap between government, for-profit and nonprofit agencies to collaborate on projects and art therapy.

Several schools on O‘ahu have murals. The nonprofit and Department of Transportation are gearing up to start a new mural at Ka‘ū High School on Hawai‘i Island starting next week.

On Monday, Kaua‘i High’s student leadership hosted the mural program, introducing prevention speakers and the Mayor Derek Kawakami. Kawakami knew Tyndzik as an amazing surfer and waterman and shared stories of surfing with the 30-year-old.

Organizations and supports flew in from other counties, including Camlyn Pola with East Hawai‘i Drug Free Coalition, came to support the community following Tyndzik’s death.

Tyndzik was hit while skateboarding in the shoulder lane of Nawiliwili Road in Līhu‘e on Feb. 13. He was flown to Queen’s Medical Center and ultimately succumbed to his injuries about a week later.

Following the crash, Kaua‘i police located and arrested the driver, 54-year-old Salvin Hilario.