It was just a year ago that the Pu'uloa Outrigger Canoe Club, 5th Annual Iron Race at Ke'ehi Lagoon celebrated a special day in Honoring Coach Kammy Vera Cruz. Kammy was at one time, the coach for the Ewa Beach and the Kuakini Canoe Club back in the 70's. At this event, he was presented a miniature canoe paddle and recognized at the opening of the 5th Annual Iron Race for his "Past Commitment to perpetuate the Culture of Hawaiian Canoe paddling 2011." This year at the 6th Annual Iron Race at Ke'ehi Lagoon, the Pu'uloa Outrigger Canoe Club is honoring Aunty Mary Kaipo Malama Serrao (photo above, center) who was born on the island of Kauai and moved to the island of O'ahu after World War II. Today, Ewa Beach Representative Kymberly Pine was present and related "we're here because of you to thank you and your family, and on behalf of the House of Representatives we declare and recognize this as your day and to give you mahalo for perpetuating the love of the sport so we can all enjoy it."Ewa Beach Representative Kymberly Pine read the following: "Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-Sixth Legislature of the State of Hawai'i, Regular Session of 2012, that this body hereby recognizes Aunty Mary Kaipo Malama Serrao for her outstanding contribution to the sport of Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Club Paddling, and extends its warmest aloha and best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors." Signed by the Speaker of The House Calvin K.Y. Say, and myself and many other legislators in the House of Representatives."
Aunty Mary's love for the sport of Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Club racing began in 1969. In 1998 she co-founded the Pu'uloa Outrigger Canoe Club, and today she serves as senior past President Ex-Officio of the club, and is also a member of the Ewa Pu'uloa Hawaiian Civic Club. We will be recognizing her contribution to the paddling community by serving 15 years as OHCRA's race director before forming her club. Aunty Mary gives credit to the paddlers and mentioned to them that it takes team work to succeed. I was told that Pu'uloa is the traditional Hawaiian name of the Ewa Beach district, and the club's name is more representative of this than anything else. The "Outrigger" refers simply to the type of canoe that Pu'uloa and the other 15 full-time OHCRA members use. This information is provided by the Pu'uloa Outrigger Canoe Club.
Daughter, Kau'i Serrao (photo top left), Treasurer and Co-Founder related in 2007-2008 that her mom asked her to take care of the club. The President of the club at that time was Mel Kiaaina. Kau'i suggested to her mom that she should sit back and relax and look upon what she has accomplished. Mom continues to come to all OHCRA, Na Opio & POOCC canoe meetings and lane drawings. She is happy being Ex-Officio and still enjoys wandering around visiting her friends and reminiscing of the past. Her most memorable moments, she mentions traveling with Mike Tongg & Edie Van Gieson to Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and New Caledonia. Kau'i Serrao further related that her mom's goal for the club is to be around and see when developer Haseko builds the canoe halau, who she has been working on for many years. The club President is Ernie Abaya, Kau'i's daughter Pua Serrao (photo top right) is the Vice-President and the new Secretary is Emerald Chun. "Click here" to see the event videos and photos.
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