Friends of Bruddah Iz
Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard founded the "Friends of Bruddah Iz" in 2003 to collect monetary donations to fund the installation of the Bruddah Iz statue on the Waianae Coast of Oahu. Iz fans from all over the world generously stepped up to the plate. Senator Gabbard used surplus monies to finance multiple scholarships for talented, college-bound, music students on Oahu's Leeward Coast, and to purchase 15 handmade ukuleles that were donated to the Nanakuli Boys & Girls Club.
Pictured with Senator Gabbard from left: Eric Lai, Makayla Fernandez, Kahili Lai and clubhouse program director Claudia Fernandez.
“When people look at sculpture and learn about the person whose image has been created, an alchemic passing of knowledge transpires between image to viewer. Present and future generations are inspired by these individuals, and an enhanced sense ofcommunity pride emerges, bringing with it positive identity and community pride. ”