Sports

Friendly Isle Fighter

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Friendly Isle Fighter

Every weekday evening, the men of Molokai Madness lay out several two-inch thick mats on the cement patio behind a garage. To a soundtrack of reggae from a nearby radio, they begin strapping up their hands in tape. While joking with one another, they finish preparation and don thinly padded gloves.

The fighters soon get down to business. Today is a stand up practice day, where friends exchange blows, readying themselves for less-friendly encounters. They square off into pairs of two, taking turns kicking, swiping, jabbing and striking their opponent. Other days they practice wrestling, sparing and boxing, on top of a daily regiment of weight lifting and running.

Hokule`a: A Dream Come True

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Hokule`a: A Dream Come True

Community Contributed

By Matt Yamashita

There are some images from growing up that are forever imprinted in my mind.  One of them is the sailing canoe, Hokule`a.  A symbol for the Hawaiian cultural renaissance that began in the 1970s, this iconic wa`a kaulua, or double hulled sailing canoe, was often the topic of classroom discussions and local TV news during my childhood.  I remember names like Mau, Nainoa, Eddie, Herb Kane, and Buffalo.  All the crewmembers were legends.  And Hokule`a, so celebrated as she sailed across the Pacific, was something almost beyond legend.

In my early years I would not have thought that I too would one day help unfurl her sails and steady her steering blade as she raced across the swells by day and night.  But the possibility stood in my mind as a dream.  This is why, many years later, when the invitation came to join Hokule`a on a trip from Kaunakakai to Kawaihae, I could not say no.

We left early Monday morning the second week of August.  We had 14 crewmembers, six were from Molokai.  Our kapena was Molokai’s own sailing legend, Uncle Mel Paoa.  The winds kicked up early and we opened sails just outside Kawela.  Many of us had never opened a sail in our lives.  When the sheet lines were attached and drawn tight and Hokule`a picked herself up and began cutting through the oncoming swells, it was pure exhilaration.

She was fast and smooth and when we hit the whipping winds and rolling swells of the Alenuihaha she showed us just how steady she was.  She held course in the headwinds, outran our escort boat, and seemed to come alive under the starry night sky. 

I remembered once being corrected for having referred to Hokule`a as “the Hokule`a,” for implying that she was an object.  I understand why now.  Hokule`a is not simply a canoe, she is alive and her spirit is strong.  As Uncle Maka would explain to me during our journey, when we are on the ocean, Hokule`a is our mother.

If  Hokule`a was our mother, then I travelled with great brothers and sisters on that trip.  My Hokule`a experience was most special because of those who travelled with me.  There were some unforgettable moments…  Keoki wrestling the bronco line in his malo; Kawika and Mahinahou holding course on the bouncing steering sweep across the Alenuihaha; my best friend Josh and I steering Hokule`a into Kawaihae as shooting stars filled the early morning sky. 

While our 24-hour trip was far short of a voyage to Tahiti, for me, it was a voyage of a lifetime.  Hokule`a continues to change lives and she has reminded me that dreams come true.  She has also taught me that the images of our childhood become reality, so let us work hard to inspire our youth by giving them their own dreams to pursue.

I want to express deep gratitude to all who accompanied me on this journey, and to my wife and children who supported me in going.  Mahalo to Uncle Mel and Uncle Maka for sharing your wisdom.  Also, a deep thanks to the many, many individuals and families, from the legendary to the unknown, that have kept the dream of Hokule`a alive.  And to you, Hokule`a, for sharing your mana. I am humbled, honored and grateful.

Lady Farmers Top at Tournament

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Lady Farmers Top at Tournament

The Molokai High School girls’ volleyball team recently competed against 16 teams from around the country and abroad and came out the top team in Hawaii. Not bad for a pre-season warm-up.

The Lady Farmers competed in last weekend’s Ann Kang Invitational, an annual tournament considered one of the best girls high school volleyball competitions in the country.

Molokai quickly advanced to the top half of the bracket, beating out eight other schools. After defeating Kahuku to advance to the silver bracket, they played host school `Iolani and won, 25-21, 22-25, 15-10. Kalei Vaivai led the Farmers with seven kills, Kalei Adolpho had six and Kailana Ritte-Camara had five.

The first game… we were a little nervous, but we came out in a good positive way, with a bang,” said setter Kawena Puhi.

“I thought they did really well, [especially as] this tournament was pushed a week ahead [of schedule],” said Head Coach Matt Helm.

play Division I in the regular season.”

Puhi agreed, and saw the tournament as a chance to play those teams they wouldn’t normally.

“It’s a great opportunity – going to Oahu and playing off island teams, from the mainland” and Taiwan, she said.

Helm is optimistic for their success because of their past record. Last year, the Lady Farmers held a perfect regular season record and came in third at the Division II State Championships.

“We’re pretty resilient,” he said.

SUPing for Youth

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Youth in Motion News Release

The Youth in Motion (YIM) is going full-steam ahead with their water challenge this Saturday – the Molokai Challenge.

YIM has eight participants doing SUP, three departing Kamalo around 10 a.m. along with one sunfish and some kayakers. In addition, a crew from Molokai Canoe Club will also be paddling down with an approximate start time of 9 a.m. From about 11- noon, some kayakers and SUP’ers will be leaving Rice patch. Everyone, bar the canoes, will attempt to touch land at Hotel Molokai between noon and 1 p.m. and then all depart the Hotel to head to Kaunakakai Wharf. So far we have a head count of about 30 participants.

SUP’ing into Summer

Friday, August 13th, 2010

SUP’ing into Summer

Face it, stand up paddling, or SUP, is legitimately popular.  While most fads fare less than a few years, SUP has been steadily gaining popularity for nearly a decade. Kids, grandmas, retired surfers, and even the family dog are proving that the sport is accessible enough for anyone. But the biggest driving factor of the sport’s popularity is that it’s fun.

Thanks to local organizers, SUP novices and masters alike will have the opportunity to turn the fun level up another notch. This summer, Molokai will host three separate events featuring SUP categories. While some SUP in the surf, these events are for down-winders where paddlers begin up wind and paddle several miles to their destination with the wind at their backs.

Be Prepared
The first event, The Molokai Challenge, has added SUP to their list of eligible craft. Perfect for beginners, the SUP portion is not an official race and participants can start from as close as Hotel Molokai and paddle to Kaunakakai Wharf. If you’re looking to put the “challenge” in Molokai Challenge, start from as far as Kamalo Wharf, or Maui.

After getting your feet wet with the Molokai Challenge, SUP’ers can try their hand at the “Float Your Boat” race the following weekend. Great for novice/intermediate paddlers, the race is to be held during high tide allowing competitors to stay inside of the fringing reef. One-man outrigger paddlers are also welcome.

The final race of the summer, the Downwind Holoholo, hosted by Molokai `Ohana Surf Club, will start at Kamalo Wharf and end at Hotel Molokai. Also held during high tide, the Labor Day weekend race will allow competitors to choose whether to paddle inside or outside of the reef.

Molokai Challenge

Saturday, August 14;, various locations
Although much of the racing to take place during the Molokai Challenge will be between Maui and Molokai, an on-island stand up paddling (SUP) category has been added so locals can participate. In fact, the Youth in Motion (YIM) kids, who are benefitting from the fundraising event, will be participating in the SUP portion of the race.

While not an official race, Molokai participants can start from Kamalo Wharf, Rice Patch, or Hotel Molokai in time to arrive at Kaunakakai Wharf by between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.  If you’re still not ready for the downwind experience, just show up at the wharf – there will be plenty of calm-water SUP’ing for novices.

“Please, if anyone of you wants to celebrate youth then come and join us and support our kids as they do a down-winder on Molokai,” said Clare Mawae, event director and executive director of YIM. Mawae said the YIM youth will be starting their run from Kamalo wharf around 1 p.m.

This year’s race is also open to windsurfing, kite boarding, sailboats with or without kites, canoes with kites, outrigger canoes, one-man canoes, paddle boards, kayaks swimmers and other non-powered craft.

An entry donation of $100 is being asked for those crossing the channel; on-island entry fees will probably be much less. Awards dinner and party to follow. Please contact Clare Seeger Mawae at 808-553-4227, 808-336-0946 or via email at: clare@molokai-outdoors.com

Float Your Boat Race
Saturday, August 21; Rice Patch to Kaunakakai Wharf
Tired of huli huli chicken fundraisers, Dayna Harris and Sue Forbes-Kikukawa decided there was a more exciting way to raise money for their kids’ Aka`ula School travel fund.

“With few outdoor endurance athletic events held on our island, we thought that perhaps we could entice others to join us for a healthy alternative to the usual fundraising event,” Harris said.  Her son, along with Kikukawa’s, are hoping to make it Japan this year with the rest of their Aka`ula class.

The Float Your Boat race welcomes both SUP and one-man outrigger competitors to battle it out on August 21 from Rice Patch to the pier.  SUP race starts at 2 p.m. and the one-man starts at 2:30 p.m.  Participants are asked to stay inside the reef.  Cash prizes will be awarded to top three male and female over 18 and top three boys and girls under 18 in each race.  All competitors get a free water bottle from Mobi PC. Call Harris at 553-8334 or Kikukawa at 553-5740 for more information.  Register the day of the event starting at 1 p.m. at Rice Patch. 
 
Molokai `Ohana Surf Club Molokai Holokai

Saturday, Sept 4; Kamalo Wharf to Hotel Molokai
Put your practice to the test during this fun down wind race. Seven miles never seemed so short with honking tradewinds at your back and a Hotel Molokai party at the finish line. While this race is still being planned, you can bet the Molokai `Ohana Surf Club will be hosting a great event.

Open to on and off-island participants, registration will be only $25 1 p.m. day of the race at Kamalo wharf. Race starts at 2 p.m. Competitors are welcomed to paddle inside or outside the reef.

Believe it or not, SUP is easy enough to learn in time for these events. If you’re new to SUP or want to give it a try follow these tips:

- Pair up with someone who knows what they’re doing – they can make your introduction to the sport much easier by handling equipment and providing advice.
- Practice paddling in an area sheltered by wind like the leeward side of Kaunakakai Wharf. Learn to turn and paddle into the wind. After getting comfortable, choose a high tide day and paddle a short distance down wind (for instance from Hotel Molokai to the Wharf) – make sure to arrange a ride back to the start ahead of time.
- Boards from 10’ to 12’ are great for beginners – before dropping $1000 on a new setup, borrow from a friend.

Safety first – paddle with a partner, always use a leash, stay inside the reef and be sure the tide is a foot or higher. Tabis or reef-walkers are a good idea too

For more information, contact Molokai `Ohana Surf Club vice president Todd Yamashita at 646-0542 or email todd@themolokaidispatch.com.

Summer Surf Success

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Summer Surf Success

By Minka Nelson, President of Ko Molokai Keiki `O Ke Kai

On behalf of Ko Molokai Keiki `O Ke Kai and the Summer Surf Series
2010, thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, participated and helped make Keiki Surf such a success this year. To all the parents, thank you, you can be proud of your young surfers. We look forward to seeing all of you next year, so mark your calendars for June 2011. There is a DVD of the event available for purchase thanks to Daniel at Akaku that will air later this year. Thank you to MCSC and Friendly Isle United Fund, our main underwriter, for your ongoing support of this great event.

The keiki got some great prizes this year -- thanks to donors Jeff and Crystal Igusa at Friendly Market Center, Kim at Kamoi Snack ‘n’ Go, Kumau Pineda at Tropical Blends Surf, Subway Molokai, Kualapu`u Cookhouse, Liz Jackson, Jill Laffin/Awesome Blossom Maui, Julie Bicoy and MVA, Greg at G & M Variety, Jerry at Molokai Surf, Kam Kasuals, Ilima Partners, Zog Indust., Fiberglass Hawaii, Surf Line Hawaii, Surfing The Nations, Quiksilver, Volcom, Hurley, BK West, Local Motion, Hi-Tech and Quiet Storm Maui.

There are many volunteers who worked behind the scenes and helped tremendously -- the Charles Lindsey ohana, Tim O’Shaughnessy for the custom trophies, the Miguel ohana, Curtis Crabbe at Molokai Port-a-Potties, Lani Sawyer for the shirts, The Molokai Dispatch, Peter Angelsea, Malia and Kainani Waits, Jessica Kalawe, Caulin Nelson-Angelsea, Ehiku Arnold, Joan Howard, Helen and Diona Henderson, Alan Bolton, Gail Parish, Gordy and Sharon Peirce, Genesis Lodise, Alicia Montemayor, Claire Mawae, Ikaika and Johnathan.

Last, but not least, a big mahalo to all our judges -- Dan Bennet, Jeff Parish, Dick Wheeler, Mark Shima and Brian Lentz.

I hope we remembered everyone, but if not, thank you! You know who you are. Congratulations to all of the keiki surfers…keep surfing and we’ll see you next summer!

Golden Masters Get Gold

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Golden Masters Get Gold

Out of the three clubs representing Molokai, the crews racked up a few fourth places and one first place at this year’s State Championship regatta.

“Everybody feels happy about the results,” said Liko Wallace, president of the Molokai Canoe Racing Association (MCRA).

Molokai hosted this year’s meet, and in theme of the 60th annual Hawaii Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) State Paddle Race, honored four paddlers who founded Molokai canoe clubs.

August Rawlins Jr. founded the island’s oldest canoe club, Molokai Canoe Club, in 1963; Mervin Dudoit started Mana`e Canoe Club in 1979; and Ron and Cammie Kimball started Wa`akapaemua Canoe Club in 2002.

Standing Tall

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Standing Tall

Riggs Napoleon is just like any other local 12 year old – he loves his family, the water, and having fun. Except on this particular Sunday, fun means ironing the 32-mile Kaiwi channel for over seven hours straight.

"It's going to be fun - I'm excited,” said Riggs minutes before the start of the 14th annual Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard World Championships. This year’s race, for the first time in its 14-year history, sold out the first week in July.

Riggs, from Oahu, rode a 13’6” Paddle Surf Hawaii board and set a new record as the youngest stand up paddler to cross the Molokai channel. The original record was set last year Maui’s Connor Baxter who was then 14. Baxter returned on Sunday hoping to set a different record.

one day,” said Riggs to Molokai’s youth.

Molokai’s youth, and grownups, will have their own shot at stardom in August as plans are being made for Molokai’s first local stand up race. Stay tuned to The Molokai Dispatch for more information.

Molokai Paddlers Race in World Sprints

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Molokai Paddlers Race in World Sprints

Molokai paddlers proved themselves in the international arena this year. Penny Martin, Cami Kimball and Crystal Egusa brought home one silver and two bronze medals from the 14th World Va`a Sprint Championships in May, held in New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific.
 
Held every two years at different locations around the world, Molokai paddlers have been participating in the event since 2004. This year, Martin, Kimball and Egusa raced on a six-woman team with other women from Maui and the Big Island as the Island Masters. They came in 3rd place in both the V6 500 meter and 1000 meter events. Molokai paddlers also teamed up with Lanikai paddlers to come in second in the V12 event.

Even though they paddled with different crews, Martin said they all represented Team Hawaii. Hawaii came in 5th in point ranking out of 16 teams, with 54 paddlers representing the state at Sprints this year.



Molokai has already developed a track record at the World Sprints. They came home with three gold medals from the 2008 races in Sacramento. Martin added they’ve already been invited to participate in the 2012 World Sprint Championship, to be held in Canada. 

Paddle Battle

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Paddle Battle

With swift, powerful strokes, Molokai canoe crews paddled feverishly to the multicolored flag finish line last Saturday. Coaches and family members shouted out techniques or simply ‘Go Molokai!’ as they approached the wharf. Over a hundred participants, coaches and spectators attended in this season’s fourth and last regatta held on Molokai. 

For some, the race was the last chance this season for an improved time; for others, the race could qualify them for the state championship in a few weeks.

For the master’s divisions, like Kukui `O Molokai’s 50+ crew, “the goal is to have fun,” according to paddler Becky Takashima. But fun doesn’t mean no competition.

“We’re always trying to beat everyone out there,” she added.

In two weeks, 74 canoe clubs from around the state will compete in 39 events – ranging from ages 12 and under to over 60 – in the 60th HCRA State Championship.