OHCRA 22nd Annual Regatta Season Opener "Honoring Clement D. Paiaina"

On Sunday, June 3, 2012 at Ke'ehi Lagoon, the O'ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) Regatta Season began with Healani Canoe Club as the opening Sponsor. OHCRA was established in 1979 and is a proud sponsor of the Molokai Hoe, the men's Molokai to Oahu canoe race and is considered around the world to be the Olympics of canoe paddling. The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) is a non profit organization dedicated to perpetuating the original sport of Hawaiian Koa canoe racing. OHCRA holds 31% of their membership with over 3000 paddlers. Information provided by OHCRA.

Today's event is in honor of Clement D. Paiaina, former President of the Healani Canoe Club.  It started off with Richard "Babe" Bell and the blowing of the "Pu" Hawaiian name for conch shell followed with a blessing by Kahu priest Sherman Thompson for the Healani Canoe Club. Today's sponsor, Healani (which means "heavenly call") Canoe Club was established on March 23, 1890 and the original name of the club was "Healani Boat Club." The club became a member of OHCRA in 1950 and was given the number desgnation of 1. The other founding members of OHCRA weere the Outrigger Canoe Club, Waikiki Surf Club, and Hui Nalu Canoe Club. Healani made its home at the Ala Wai canal. They also won the fiberglass divsion of the men's Molokai race in 1966, 1967, and 1968. They also won the Koa Division in 1970 and 1971. The women won the Molokai crossing in 1979.  Information provided by Healani Canoe Club.

Thank you to OHCRA Executive Board, President Luana Froiseth, 1st VP Clinton "Lapule" Schultz, 2nd VP Jenifer Bossert, Treasurer Cheryl Campbell, Recording Secretary Pua Paiaina, Corresponding Secretary Katie Scott and Race Director Stan Dickson for the opportunity to cover their 2012 Season Opener Regatta race.  Special recognition to the Healani Canoe Club and board members, R/L President Clement Paiaina Jr., VP Pua Paiaina, Secretary Celeste Paiaina and Head Coad Kea Paiaina for sponsoring this season opener. Race Results "click here." To view video and photos "click here."

Looking Back At This Year's Achievements & Goals At Moanalua High School

This has been a very interesting year for me as a freelance photojournalist covering sports and events involving local kids here in Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland.  This year I decided to follow one of our high schools in the OIA East Red Division, Moanalua High School “Na Menehune” Varsity Girls Softball team led by Head Coach Kristie Morikawa, and the Varsity Boys Baseball team led by Head Coach Scott Yamada.


The Moanalua boy’s baseball season started off its first game against the Kalani Falcons with a tribute in memory of Zachary Manago who was killed by a hit and run driver in Wahiawa in 2010. Zachary was riding his bike with a group of 30 plus cyclists when he was hit from behind.  He was a former Moanalua High School graduate, and at the time, had just begun his freshman year at Hawaii Pacific University as a pitcher.  


The game started off with Zachary’s dad, Dennis Manago throwing the first pitch, and then embracing the catcher #9 Austin Inabata of the Moanalua team.  It was a very touching moment for all, especially for the boys on the team, including myself.  The team took home eleven wins this season and made it into the HHSAA Division I Baseball playoff which was held at the Les Murakami Stadium.

Coach Yamada (top right photo) related that his coaches and players deserve everything! The season was a real challenge trying to replace 12 seniors, but my coaches worked really hard to get them ready. The staff and I are proud of them. As for the Girls Varsity Softball team, Head Coach Kristie Morikawa (top left photo) said for the first time in 4 years they made it to the states and will be graduating 5 seniors;  Dori Ann Sugai, Ciana Russ, Megan Sakauye, Kiana Guillermo and Hope Arakawa. However, we have a core group of sophomores who will lead us next year. 


This season we were tied for first and lost the tie breaker so we took second place in the OIA East.  We made it to the states by playing Keaau in Hilo (13-0).  We had a rude awakening at states, but vow to come back stronger next year.  I just want to recognize the seniors for all their hard work and want to thank the parents and administration for their support, especially Diane Sugai, our team mom.” 2012 Softball photos "click here." 2012 Baseball photos "click here."

15th Annual Lei Day Las Vegas Polynesie Arts & Craft Festival

In Hawaii, May Day is also known as Lei Day, and is normally set aside as a day to celebrate island culture in general and native Hawaiian culture in particular. Invented by a poet and a local newspaper columnist in the 1920s, it has since been adopted by state and local government as well as the residents, and has taken on the sense of a general spring celebration. The first Lei Day was proposed in 1927 in Honolulu by poet and artist Don Blanding. Leonard "Red" and Ruth Hawk composed "May Day is Lei Day in Hawai'i," the traditional holiday song.

Joe & Irma Andrade - KP & Tetua Ioane

 The so called 9th island of Las Vegas will be celebrating the 15th Annual Lei Day Las Vegas Polynesie Arts and Craft Festival in the spirit of Aloha on Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6, 2012.  Promoters for this event are Curly Koa Production and GSK Production LLC, Gary and Sheldeen Haleamau, Halau Hula 'O Kaleimomi, Vacations Hawaii, the California Hotel and Casino, and Boyd Gaming.  This annual Polynesian festival brings together musicians, dancers, artists, craftsmen and also showcases Hawaii's local foods such as kalua pig, lau lau, poi, beef teriyaki sticks, hot malasadas and poi mochi.  So "ono." This year's guests of honor are Skyler Kamaka, Miss Diamond Head and Moani Hara, Miss Kahala 2012.

I met Katherine Pohndorf, executive producer and president of Curly Koa Productions and promoter and founder of this Lei Day event. Katherine is also known as "KP," and she grew up in Honokowai, Maui and attended Lahainaluna High School. Her inspiration for Lei Day Las Vegas stems from her involvement with the foundation and her beloved Kumu Hula aunty Emma Farden-Sharpe. From this, the special Hula Halau tradition is kept alive and Lei Day was born in Las Vegas. Today's weather was perfect, a little "chilly" in the early morning with a temperature of 68 degrees.

Jill Reinhardt Emanuel

I also ran into Jill Reinhardt Emanuel, born and raised on   Maui, and founder of Kama'aina Magazine. In 2010, Jill saw  the need for a Hawaiian business directory in Las Vegas when she realized that many of the businesses referred to her by friends, were those owned by people from Hawaii. She was amazed after 15 years, that there were so many Hawaiian-owned businesses she had not heard of. So in October 2011, Kama'aina Magazine was born. 

To close this event on Saturday in the Ohana-Maile Room, Master of Ceremony Makani Tabura presented Halau Hulu 'O Kaleimomi - Kumu Hula Sheldeen Haleamau Kawili, Kupaoa and Na Palapalai.  What awesome performance! If you haven't been to a Hawaiian Jam, this you had to be there to feel the chicken skin run up your arm and down your back. Awesome, Awesome! The crowd of 300 plus kept yelling "Hana Hou," do it again!


Special thanks to GSK Production, Gary and Sheldeen Haleamau, Halau Hula 'OKaleimomi, in association with Curly Koa Production, Inc., Joe Andrade and Irma, Katherine Pohndorf and Tetua Ioane (photo right), and Sigrid Brunel, artist of "Brunel Images" who helped with the flyers.  Much mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines Agent, Mona Lisa (Honolulu), and Main Street front desk employee, Shantell Hamada for such great service; and Gene and Lee Mago from Reno for another beautiful Hawaiian lei. Just a note, if you're looking for Las Vegas Jerkys, Etc., I found out that they moved to the Las Vegas Club, ground floor across the Players Club. Click here to see video and photos. A Hui Hou Kakou.

Keahiakahoe Canoe Club and their new Sonny Bradly Canoe, "Ne'epapa"

It was a beautiful sunny day at Ke'ehi Lagoon Beach Park for the O'ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) Kahiau Ironman Race 2012 Pre-Season Long Distance Race. It was sponsored by Keahiakahoe Canoe Club, who also received a brand new Sonny Bradley Lightning canoe named "Ne'epapa" which means in Hawaiian, "to move as a whole or unit; moving or working together in unison." Kahu priest Dennis Sallas (photo above with Gilbert Silva) opened with a blessing of the new canoe before the start of the 2012 Kahiau Ironman Pre-Season Long Distance Race.

Dennis greeted the paddlers with "aloha" and related that today is a beautiful day but only wished we had more wind for the paddlers. He then told an old Hawaiian story where they would go up to the mountain to choose a koa for their canoe. The koa is very sacred and they would wait for the maturity of the koa and then would pray and then choose a tree in the forest. Every time they brought one down, they would pray over it and honored the koa because it became one with the people. Granted this canoe before me is not koa, but it is the same idea and to paddle this canoe you need unity. "Ne' pepapa" means paddle in unison and in order for this wa'a (canoe) to run, you need to be together. He further related that when Hawaiians bless, they use a koa bowl and inside the bowl is pa'akai, Hawaiian salt because Hawaiians believe it brings peace. The pa'akai he has today is from Hanapepe, the island of Kauai the most valuable salt found in Hanapepe that brings iron and strength, so we bring iron and strength to this canoe. Dennis with his koa bowl in hand and tea leaf started the blessing of the new Keahiakahoe "Ne'epapa" wa'a (canoe) and asked all to join in and pray.

Gilbert Silva called on everyone and said the first race will be a little longer and "we want you guys to burn today and (clapping in the back ground) want you to feel the pain. The second race will even be more long, you know what I mean!" Now we're getting into the season for conditioning and getting ready for the regatta coming up. In closing, Gilbert thanked all for participating in today's race.

Just some information about the Keahiakahoe Canoe Club. The Keahiakahoe Canoe Club was founded in 1995 and is located in Kahalu'u on the island of O'ahu, Hawaii. The mission of the club is to engage in activities to support and preserve the ancient sport of Hawaiian Canoe Paddling and perpetuate the cultural values of caring for the land and the ocean. Information provided by Keahiakahoe Canoe Club. Read more "click here." At this time, I want to thank Gilbert Silva and the (OHCRA) Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, and the Keahiakahoe Canoe Club for the opportunity to cover this event. Special thanks to 1st Vice President Clinton "Lapule" Schultz for keeping me updated on the race data and to Race Director, Stan Dickson. Video and photos of today's event "click here." More photos to be added later.

Pu'uloa Outrigger Canoe Club - 6th Annual Iron Race and Honoring "Aunty Mary Kaipo Malama Serrao"

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.

7th Annual OIA Athletic Foundation Dinner Honoring " Dwight Toyama"

This year, the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Athletic Foundation is honoring Dwight Toyama, OIA Executive Director at its seventh annual "Education Through Athletics" dinner at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Hawai'i Ballroom. Dwight Toyama, a 1970 graduate of Kaimuki High School has been involved in sports most of his life. He has been the top OIA administrator since 1998 and a big contributor to our community. He has also headed the public school league for more than a decade.

In the 1970's, Toyama began his teaching career at Kahuku High School and later became the head football coach and athletic director at Kaimuki High School. Toyama also helped establish the OIA Foundation that provides financial assistance to schools in need of help. Toyama is a very modest person and stresses the importance of giving. Ten years ago, he donated one of his kidneys. Normally, one would give a kidney to a family member, a friend, or someone you have a relationship with, but Dwight falls under the so called "altruistic non-directed" kidney donors. It takes a very special person to give to a complete stranger for the well being of others.

Toyama was also a leading advocate of having at least one athletic trainer in every public high school athletic department. He guided the league through several crises over the past 13 years, including the 2001 teachers strike and budget cuts in 2008 and 2009 that chopped athletic department funding by more than 36 percent. This information was provided by ScoringLive.com

Shawn Ching and Stephanie Lum of Hawaii News Now was the Master of Ceremonies. The program started off with introduction of the OIA Athletic Foundation President, Dr. Larry Price; OIA League President and Mililani Principal, Dr. John Brummel; and past honorees, Dr. Edison Miyawaki; Speaker of the House Calvin Say; Mitzi Lehano from Oceanic; Keith Amemiya, former HHSAA Executive Director and current Secretary to the Board of Regents; Dr. Don Takaki, Chairman and CEO Island Movers; and lastly Mr. Charles Na'umu, principal of Anuenue School who gave the invocation. Dinner music was provided by Mililani High School String Ensemble.

After dinner, Stephanie Lum and Shawn Ching called on Dr. Larry Price OIAAF President, Coach, the sound effect "Katoosh," and one half of the #1 morning show KSSK radio personality Perry and Price. Dr. Larry Price related that Dwight Toyama touched a lot of lives and "I could say something like he is very compassionate and look at him, he's so cute, but has spent countless of hours with the OIA and spreading the word and keeping everything straight." He lives by the rule and believes in giving back to the community. So the Foundation purpose tonight is very simple, we want you to remember Dwight Toyama and don't forget him because he is one of a kind. Hugh Yoshida, former Athletic Director and Football Coach further related that Dwight is a hard worker, a good administrator and has the knack to get people to work together and get the job done. Between Dr. Larry Price and Dwight Toyama, they have raised over a million dollars in the past 7 years for the foundation.

Next was "da boyz," Calvin Say and Richard Haru. They have known Dwight from the hanabata days and high school and been through it all with him, the good, the bad and the real ugly. Combined, these two guys have known Dwight for 90 years. Calvin stated, "did you know in the hanabata days that spiny things fell through his nose, I had to wipe it for him." But on the serious side, Calvin related "Dwight has always been a great leader and if it wasn't for my very good friend and brother, I would have never been in public office, because he convinced me to run for public office in the old Flamingo Chuck Wagon." Richard Haru came firing off by saying Dwight and Calvin go way back as teenagers washing dishes at Flamingo Chuck Wagon, but back then, Dwight had jet black hair, Calvin had very long hair and I had hair. Dwight's leadership skills came out early. He was the student body president at Jarrett Intermediate and he got impeached that same year. "Besides the fun part, his humble nature and his insistence on being low key, his teaching, coaching and administration and lobbying efforts will certainly leave a legacy, and its been a privilege to be a colleague and friend of Dwight Toyama." A big "congratulations" to Dwight Toyama and his family, and remember the OIA Athletic Foundation will never forget you. To see the event photos, "click here."

Lanai City, Hawaii - The Most Endangered Historic Site in The United States

As a resident of Hawaii, I have never had a chance to visit Lanai and I wonder how many other kama'aina (residents) have not been there. Lanai is one of eight islands. It has a total area of 6.9 square miles and is located between Moloka'i and Maui. Lanai was a sovereign land until King Kamehameha 1 united the Hawaiian islands into one royal monarchy in 1810. On April 28, 2009 the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Lanai City one of the 11 most endangered historic sites in the U.S. that has been threatened by urban development and now has two lavish resorts. The population is about 3,200 as of the 2010 census. I was invited to visit Lanai City by resident Lambert Castillo who was born and raised there and is also my guide for this trip. I wanted to see for myself and learn some history of the island with its beautiful coastal scenery and its Mouflon Sheep (photo bottom right).

Lanai City is located in Lanai's central highlands and is about 10 minutes from the airport. It was developed and founded by James D. Dole in the 1900's and had the largest pineapple plantation in the world who employed thousands of workers, mostly Filipino immigrants in the 1920's. It remained a booming industry for many years, but it is now history. Today, Castle & Cooke still owns much of Lanai and still plans to make way for commercial improvements. Today there is a debate on wind power, because most of the generated power will be diverted to Oahu as I was told. There are still no traffic lights on Lanai, and still no shopping malls. The cost of gas is almost $6.00 a gallon, and there is only one gas station, fire station and police station.

The main income comes from the tourism industry which includes their famous and luxurious resorts such as The Manele Bay Hotel, The Lodge at Koele and the Championship Golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. Other activities include deer and mouflon hunting, deep sea fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, sporting clays, archery, kayaking or just create your own enjoyment. I was able to watch a baseball game between Lanai High & Elementary School and Molokai High School (2-5).

This trip was a great adventure, like going back to the 1800's. This place if I didn't know any better, I would say is uninhabited and the scenery is "awesome" and hard to describe until you arrive and see it for yourself. I would like thank my guide, Lambert Castillo for being such a great host. I would also like to mention that he works for Island Air and was recently awarded the Po'okela Award which is presented to recognize and acknowledge excellence. In this case, it reflects Lambert's dedication of 17 years with Island Air, he plays an important part in their ramp operation, refueling the aircraft, his perfect attendance, his great attitude, willingness to help others, willingness to train new employees and willingness to work when understaffed. I also hear that many of his co-workers address him as "the governor" and I have to admit, he really is a "local boy" with a lot of aloha. I would also like to thank Roderick O. Sumagit, Athletic Director Lana'i High School & Elementary School and Leticia "Letty" Castillo, Lambert's mother. "Click here" to see photos.