Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar
There was a special addition to the Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association season this year.
The schedule usually has eight regattas, but a ninth event was hosted by the Kamehameha Canoe Club at Hilo Bay in order to honor the memory of John Kekua Jr.
Coach and kumu of Kamehameha Canoe Club, Uncle John Kekua passed last year at the age of 62. Friends say he started paddling in Hilo Bay in 1962 at 14 years of age. He later started the Kekua Foundation, in order to connect young people to the richness of the culture of the koa canoe.
Kai Opua again finished atop the A division with 223 points, leading Keauhou, Keaukaha, Kawaihae, Puna, Kamehameha, and Kai ‘Ehitu
The 52 points earned by the Paddlers of Laka put the team over Tui Tonga in the B Division.
Final results:
A division
Kai Opua Canoe Club 223
Keauhou Canoe Club 189
Keaukaha Canoe Club 144
Kawaihae Canoe Club 136
Puna Canoe Club 136
Kamehameha C.C. 96
Kai ‘Ehitu 72
B division
Paddlers of Laka 52
Tui Tonga 47
Hui Wa’a O Waiakea 35
Waikoloa Canoe Club 27
Keoua Canoe Club 25
Na Wa’a Hanakahi 14
Kona Athletic Club 14
Kailana Canoe Club 9
