The event only comes to Kaua’i every six years. So, Pomai Kane, and other members of the Garden Island Canoe Racing Association, would like to see this weekend unfold without a hitch. The 2001 Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association Championship Races
The event only comes to Kaua’i every six years.
So, Pomai Kane, and other members of the Garden Island Canoe Racing Association, would like to see this weekend unfold without a hitch.
The 2001 Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association Championship Races will descend on Hanalei Bay Saturday, August 4, beginning at 8 a.m. With the competition – the 51st annual – will come 5,000 paddlers, according to Kane, the event coordinator.
“And their support groups, too,” Kane said. “That’s about average for a state-wide competition.
The Championship will commence with opening ceremonies. Racing is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
“There are a lot of crews coming out this year,” Kane said. “There will be 36 events [contested]. And we don’t have very many open lanes at all.
“It means outrigger canoe paddling is really growing.”
Kane guessed that 75 clubs will represent all corners of the state.
Kane also said she’d already received a call from KITV-Channel 4, the ABC affiliate in Honolulu. Kane said she was trying to make the appropriate arrangements to facilitate “a couple of hours of coverage.”
Kane said that she’s been receiving a lot of organizational assistance from the Hanalei Canoe Club. And her right-hand person has been Puna Dawson.
“This is a huge event,” Kane said. “We’re really stoked about it, and we want Kaua’i to fare well in the races and fare well as host. We only get the chance every six years.
“We just want to do this right.”
Categories will vary from a Girls 12-and-under to Golden Women Masters (55 years). In between will be men’s and women’s freshman, sophomore, junior and senior divisions – where Kane thinks the bulk of the highly competitive racing will be.
As for stuffing thousands of extra people into Hanalei, Kane said the community has been supportive.
“We’ve got traffic plans and everything to keep it smooth,” Kane said.
There will be parking at the Waioli Park, which is next to the Waioli Church. Free shuttles will be available to bus guests to the Hanalei Bay.
The Skinny
– What: 51st Annual Hawai’ian Canoe Championships
– When: Saturday, August 4
– Where: Hanalei Bay
– Time: Opening ceremony at 8 a.m.; racing starts at 9 a.m.
– Clubs: 75 from around the state
