2 Molokai Crews Paddle in Pailolo

Photo by Rick Schonely

By Rick Schonely

The 2016 Pailolo Challenge was held in amazing canoe racing conditions on Saturday Sept. 17. Two Molokai canoes, both from Wa’akapaemua Canoe Club, made the crossing from Flemings Beach on Maui to Kaunakakai Harbor in the men’s Open Iron Unlimited and one in the women’s Open Division.

The men finished first in the Open Iron Unlimited with a time of 2:53:13. They also were second overall behind Team Primo’s 9 man crew. Crew members included Troy Heen, Brandon Kansana, Lohiao Paoa, Conrad Martin, Kingi Gilbert, Kaimi Kealoha, Kaeo Abbey, Ekolu Kalama.

The women finished in 11^th place in the Open Division with a time of 4:14:36. Team members included Sybil Lopez, Kiani Dudoit, Pua Sanchez-Joao, Heather Sluss, Bobbi-Li Morris, Teave Heen, Honora Kalama, Haley May Greenleaf, Sydney Kalipi and Lehua Greenwell.  Coach is Crystal Egusa.

An accident at the beginning of the race on Maui sent a female paddler from Hawaii Island to the hospital with critical, life-threatening injuries, according to the Maui Fire Department. No update on her condition was available.

The Na Wahine O Ke Kai will take place on Sunday Sept. 25 and the Molokai Hoe will be on Sunday, Oct. 9.