MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII — For members of the Marine Corps Base Hawaii community looking to spend some quality time in an environment ideal for singles, couples and families, look no further than K-Bay Lanes. The bowling alley’s 24 lanes feature a party room, a video game room and an eatery.
K-Bay Lanes provides services designed for both, children and adults. The center hosts a children’s bowling clinic every June and July, and a plethora of specials for adults.
Elden R. T. Doi, the bowling center manager for K-Bay Lanes, said children interested in the Keiki Summer Bowling Clinic must be 10 and under, as well as be able to swing and throw a six pound bowling ball. The four-week session will be offered every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m., July 8-29.
“I think coming to places such as the bowling alley helps build camaraderie within the family,” said Doi, a Pearl City, Hawaii, native. “I think that, sometimes, children might begin to feel lost, missing their mother or father who is away or on deployment. Once the parent returns, it is our job to provide them an opportunity to be together as a family while also participating in family-oriented activities.”
Doi said events such as bowling not only help to build camaraderie, but also help keep the peace within the family.
“Children may get unruly or unwilling to listen while one of their parents are away and, for the parent who is here, they must fill the roles of mom and dad, and it can be hard to discipline their kids,” Doi said. “With this, by helping build stronger bonds within the family, I think it will bring the family closer together after a deployment.”
For the single service members aboard MCB Hawaii, Doi said they are able to buy two games, get one free on Mondays; buy one, get one free on Wednesdays; and E5s and below are able to get two free games on Thursdays. He said he enjoys deals such as those so the service members may enjoy themselves without spending much money.
Lance Cpl. Jonah Tappangorgita, a cyber security specialist with the base’s Communications & Information Systems Directorate, said bowling is a great way for him and his friends to relax and get to know each other outside of the workplace.
“Sure, we might get to know one another at work, but that is only in a professional setting,” said Tappangorgita, an Albany, Ore., native. “Doing things like this allows us to connect on a more personal level, which will, in turn, improve our ability to work together.”
Tappangorgita said it is important for other single service members to get away from the barracks when they can. He said things can get lonely, being away from friends and family, so it’s important that they build relationships outside of their barracks and outside of their workplace.
“By doing this, we are able to build camaraderie outside of a work environment and relieve some stress — all while having fun,” Tappangorgita said.