KAILUA-KONA — By now, Kai Ehitu is used to the pressure of being first up on the Moku O Hawaii regatta circuit. Almost four decades of opening day hosting duties can do that for a club.
But that doesn’t mean Kai Ehitu head coach Richard Kimitete won’t have a few tricks and more than a little fun at the 36th edition of the Papa Kimitete regatta.
“We are ready to start things off with a bang,” Kimitete said with a chuckle. “We take a lot of pride in being the first regatta and it’s a lot of fun. All the clubs get to see what they have got in terms of crews and it kind of sets the expectations going forward.”
The event is named after Kai Ehitu club founder Bernard Pierre “Papa” Kimitete, who passed away in 2002 but still has a large presence during the races.
“Some clubs have come and gone, but we are still here,” said Richard Kimitete, Bernard’s son. “Looking down, I think my dad is proud. We always knew we would stick around, but I don’t think we realized how big our club would get.”
The regatta is the first of three consecutive at Kailua Bay, with Keauhou, Hui Wa’a O Waiakea and Kai Opua all slated to take turns hosting. The action will then shift to the east side of the island for the remainder of the schedule.
Nearly 1,500 spectators and paddlers are expected through that day at Kailua Pier for the event, which will also feature food booths and craft vendors.
Kai Ehitu finished third at the Aunty Maile/Moku O Hawaii championships last season in Division A — behind Puna and Kai Opua — riding nine gold crews. Three of those came from the club’s youth paddlers, routinely a strength of Kai Ehitu.
Kimitete credits youth coach Hiram Anakalea for grooming the keiki paddlers, but admits the first few regattas can be more challenging than the rest.
“I think we are still building,” Kimitete said. “A lot of the kids are still in school and some are playing other sports. We don’t like to compete. They will come when they can.”
Kai Ehitu is also the reigning Moku O Hawaii champs in mixed men/women, mens senior, womens sophomore, women and mixed novice B and mixed mastersraces.
Puna strong
The regatta season always reignites the friendly competition between the clubs, but it also collects the island’s paddling ohana all in one place. It’s something that is needed now more than ever.
Recently, Puna has been the team to beat, winning the last three large-division crowns. But Kai Ehitu and the rest of the Big Island paddling family are looking to lend the club a hand with a donation drive, aimed at helping the Puna paddlers that have been directly effected by the Kilauea eruption. Most notably, long-time head coach Afa Tuaolo’s orchid farm — located in Opihikau — has suffered significant losses.
“We just want to do our part,” Kimitete said. “Food, water, toothpaste — whatever people can spare to help our paddling ohana.”
Kai Ehitu plans to give the donations during the opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m. However, donations will be taken all day at the Kailua Pier.
“We hope the regatta can help be a bright spot,” Kimitete said. “Something fun for people that will let them feel better, even if it’s just for a little.”
