A South Kohala canoe club blessed its newest wa‘a last weekend at ‘Ohai‘ula at Spencer Beach Park.
Members of Hoemana and The Waikoloa Foundation gathered to welcome Kumu Hou, meaning renewed purpose, to the fleet with a blessing performed by Kumu Ka‘aumoana Kalama, the Hoemana canoe club members, their ohana and friends.
Gifted by the foundation in support of the club’s mission to strengthen the community through outrigger canoe paddling, the donation of the new vessel brings the club’s fleet to five canoes for paddlers to use in training and racing.
“We are deeply humbled and proud to support Hoemana’s mission and the tremendous work they are leading to uplift our community,” said Cary Boeddeker, The Waikoloa Foundation board chairperson. “We are thrilled the club will be able to use this canoe to continue strengthening ties to culture and instilling a greater understanding of the ocean and its power.”
Committed to providing outrigger canoe racing training to youth and adults, Hoemana encourages its members to appreciate the art, culture, science and tradition of Hawaiian koa outrigger canoes. Hoemana is dedicated to reviving Hawaiian historical perspectives and cultural protocols related to paddling and outrigger canoes.
“The Waikoloa Foundation’s generosity will ensure we can expand upon the opportunities we provide to our community of paddlers,” said Ed Teixeira, president of Hoemana. “We’re grateful for their support and recognition of paddling’s importance to our culture and the many local families who are part of our ohana.”