"Laulima" Preseason Long Distance Canoe Race - Sponsor by Koa Kai Canoe Club

A few weeks ago, I did a story on the 23rd Annual Hawaii Law Enforcement Canoe Regatta and history on how it got started. Back in 1988-1989, Gilbert Gaspar Jr., an officer with the Hawaii Police Department used to paddle canoe. Since SHOPO held their annual softball and basketball tournaments every year, he thought "why not try a canoe regatta involving law enforcement personnel?" Gilbert got it started and hosted it for the first five years. He then decided to rotate the regatta to include the outer islands. These races have been very special because one of the teams (Team Glen) was named after police officer Gilbert Gaspar's brother Glen who was fatally shot while attempting to arrest a suspect in Kapolei at Kapolei Basket-Robbins in 2003. Coincidentally, today I am doing a story on the Koa Kai Canoe Club which started in 1979 as a tight knit group of Honolulu Police officers who just wanted to get together and paddle and have a family gathering for all to enjoy, and later the Honolulu Police Department Canoe Club was created as I was told. (club history "click here").

Today, I was invited by President of the Koa Kai Canoe Club, Carolyn Pacheco (photo top center) who is the sponsor of the "Laulima" (which means, cooperation, working together) Preseason Long Distance Canoe Race at Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park. The race started off with a beautiful day at Magic Island to Diamond-head to the Honolulu Harbor and back to Ala Moana Beach Park. The race course consisted of Women's, Mixed Crews and Men's Crews and the race started at 9:00 am.

The following canoe clubs who participated were, Waikiki Surf Club, Windward Kai, Pukana O Ke Kai, Waikiki Beach Boys, Honolulu Pearl, Keala, Hui Lanakila, Hawaiian Kanaktion, Keahiakahoe, Koa Kai, Kaneohe, Olelo O Keola, Lokahi, Ka Mamalahoe, Kamehameha, North Shore, Manu O Ke Kai, Ka Mamalahoe, Waikiki Yacht Club, Kumulokahi Elks, Imua One Blade, Leward Kai, Na Keiki O Ka Moi, Hawaiian Outrigger, Alapa Hoe, and Waimanalo.

I like to thank the Koa Kai Canoe Club for inviting me, President of the Na 'Ohana O Na Hui Wa'a Association, Samantha Moikeha and Race Chairman, George Waikaloa (photo top left) for the boat transportation, Al Yoshida (boat captain "Alicia") and Koa Kai Canoe Club Head Coach, Paul Amoy (photo top right). "Congratulation" to all who participated. "Candid" photos "click here" Women and Mixed "click here" Mens Division "click here."