AUGUST 3, 2016 - VOLUME 31, ISSUE 31
The
Molokai Dispatch T H E I S L A N D ’S N E W S S O U R C E S I N C E 198 5
STATE CANOE RACE PROGRAM INSIDE
Molokai Hosts State Regatta By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor
T
hey've practiced for months, spending hours on the water perfecting their technique and timing. They've raised funds for air travel, food and lodging. They've put their best paddle forward, earned a qualifying time, and are ready to test their speed against the state's best crews. Thousands of paddlers of all ages are off to the Hawaii Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) State Championships this Saturday on Oahu. For more than 60 years, the HCRA has held the state paddling championships. The organization, made up of six paddling associations, represents athletes from all islands, carrying on the Hawaiian tradition of outrigger canoe racing. Each year, paddling associations trade off hosting the event, and this year, it's Molokai's turn. The Molokai Canoe Racing Association hosted its first state race in 2004, then again in 2010, hosting the event's 60th anniversary race. Normally the venue rotates based on which island is hosting, but Molokai doesn't have a race location large enough to accommodate the thousands of paddlers competing. So the HCRA and the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) are kind enough to assist with both organizing the event and holding it at their venue, Ke`ehi Lagoon in Honolulu, said Race Director Bo Campos. "It's costly to host it, it’s costly to travel [for outer island paddlers] but everybody pulls together and we do it," said Campos of the event. "To everyone that worked so hard all year to get to states, congratulations. It’s about these kids and adults that worked so hard to get here." Holding the event is a huge undertaking, said Molokai paddler Penny Martin. Scaffolding must be set up for officials overlooking Ke`ehi Lagoon; portable bathroom facilities have to be arranged; tents are erected for vendors, clubs and food booths; race officials and official boats have to be organized and ready to assist. According to Martin, the Molokai Association is responsible for race programs, organizing opening ceremonies, obtaining and distributing trophies, announcing races and assisting with race set up and clean up. Molokai's Liko Wallace said this year's trophies will be in the shape of paddles, hand carved from koa wood by Molokai's own Donovan Keliipuleole. Molokai vendors will also sell locally-made clothing and crafts at the event, including Kainanea Designs' sportswear, Hula Lei jewelry and Kupu A`e wearable art. While attending the state race can be a logistical challenge for Molokai crews -- which have to fundraise for travel ex-
HCRA Race Continued pg. 2
Culture of Canoe Racing
Molokai's Koa Canoe blessing in 2009. Photo by Ed Misaki
By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor the state compete to represent their is- keep the tradition alive... it's our job to
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ince ancient times, outrigger canoe racing has held an important place in Hawaiian cultural traditions. According to Tommy Holmes in “The Hawaiian Canoe," excelling in canoe races was of great importance historically, and special status and recognition was given to champions in the sport. Today, the tradition is carried on each summer as paddlers from around
lands at the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association state race. Historically, canoes were carved from a log of the endemic koa tree, but now, canoes are often made from fiberglass or other manmade materials. However, only wooden koa canoes are used to compete in the state event. "We paddle in koa canoes, no glass canoes [allowed]," said Bo Campos, HCRA race director. "It's always been only koa canoes at state races.... We
Canoe Clubs of Molokai
maintain the culture." Molokai paddler Penny Martin said that's partly what makes the event so memorable each year. "One of the special things of being at the state championship races is seeing all of the beautiful koa canoes lined up on the beach, side by side, glistening in the sun," she said. "It is a lasting experience to paddle in one of these treasures, many of them legendary."
Canoe Culture Continued pg. 2
THIS WEEK’S
Dispatch Molokai Regattas in the 1970s. Photos courtesy of Penny Martin
By Catherine Cluett Pactol | Editor
M
olokai has a rich history of canoe paddling and is home to four canoe clubs. Molokai paddlers have represented the island and Hawaii in channel races and international competitions, bringing home top medals. Together, the four clubs form the Molokai Canoe Racing Association, and this will be the third year the organization has hosted the HCRA state race. This weekend, be on the lookout for 10 Molokai crews competing on Oahu -- two from Molokai Canoe Club and eight from Wa`akapaemua Canoe Club. Below are brief histories of each
Bon Dance
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club, submitted by their members.
Molokai Canoe Club In 1962, a community baseball team, the Hawaiian Athletic Club, wanted to do something more than just baseball, so the idea of paddling was suggested. It was at this time that Molokai Canoe Club was born, the first canoe club on the island. The founders included Frank Ka`ahanui, Leiala Lee, August Rawlins, Jr. and Earl Pawn. Its first crew crossed the Ka`iwi Channel in 1963. Two years later, they crossed the Channel again and finished second.
Students Gain Cultural Insight
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Molokai Clubs Continued pg. 2
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Teave Heen & Kohl Naehu Molokai Born & Raised