Hawaiian Canoe Club 4-Peats the Maui Club Beats the Big Island’S Kai Opua by 35 Points for Another State Title

Sunday, August 8, 2004

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / [email protected] Members the Hawaiian Canoe Club's women's masters 50 crew celebrated yesterday as the club headed to victory.

Hawaiian Canoe Club 4-peats The Maui club beats the Big Island’s Kai Opua by 35 points for another state title

By Brandon Lee Special to the Star-Bulletin Another year, another regatta season, and the ending to the recent script still hasn't changed.

For the fourth year in a row, Hawaiian Canoe Club of Maui won the overall title at the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Championship Regatta.

More than 50 clubs and approximately 3,000 paddlers participated yesterday at the 37-race event at Keehi Lagoon. But Kahului-based Hawaiian again proved to be the best, racking up 365 total points and a regatta-high-tying five race wins. The Maui club finished well ahead of second-place Kai Opua (330, and one) of the Big Island.

"I'm just really proud as a coach," said Hawaiian assistant coach Paul Luuwai, who is in charge of the club's youth paddlers. "Like a heavyweight fight, round after round -- 37 rounds later -- here we are, 4-peat champions."

"We just got on a roll, winning five kids races in a row," he added. "It was just like a disease, and we caught on fire. The kids were beyond my expectations."

Hawaiian's youth paddlers -- a traditional source of strength for the club -- performed better than they ever have in a state regatta. They dominated the early races by picking up all five of the club's wins and four additional runner-up finishes in the 13 youth events.

Thanks in large part to their young paddlers, Hawaiian built a 59-point advantage, 224-165, over Kai Opua through the first 20 races.

"I was pretty surprised that we won," said Kaikaika Nance, a member of Hawaiian's winning boys 15-under crew. "Coming here, you're so nervous, but when you start paddling, it all goes away."

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / [email protected] Lanikai's men's senior crew won its event yesterday at the Hawaii Canoe Racing Association State Championship Regatta.

Though Kai Opua had entered a record 37 crews -- one in each event -- and its strong adult paddlers managed to close the gap some later, Hawaiian -- with 35 -- never surrendered its lead.

In fact, yesterday marked the first time during its current championship run that Hawaiian didn't enter states with the highest number of crews, and therefore couldn't be said to have had a statistical advantage.

Matching Oahu club Healani's four consecutive state championships in 1971-74, there is now only one streak longer than Hawaiian's: the nine won by Outrigger of Oahu from 1984 to 1992.

"We did what we had to do to cover our bases," Hawaiian head coach Diane Ho said. "We were glad that we didn't (have the most entries this year), because you still have to go out there and race. ... It's not just because you have the most, you win."

"We have enough strength right now throughout our club, but unfortunately Hawaiian has got a bit more," said Kai Opua head coach Mike Atwood, whose club finished runner-up to Hawaiian for the second time in three years. "Hawaiian is just a very good club, all the way across. ... But we've got a good drawing board."

Rounding out the top five spots in the AAA division (18-plus crews entered) were Oahu's Kailua (328), Lanikai (261) and Hui Lanakila (241).

Kailua had the most crews among these clubs, with 34, and won four races. Like Hawaiian, Lanikai and Hui Lanakila won five races each but didn't have enough crews (28 and 26, respectively) to make a real run at the championship.

At states, clubs receive points for every crew that competes -- excluding disqualifications -- with a high of 15 points for first place and a low of one for last (a maximum of 14 crews per event).

Winning a tight battle in the AA (9-17), Kihei of Maui just edged Kaneohe -- last year's division champion -- 139-138. Lokahi of Oahu finished a distant third, with 96 points.

With 79 points, Wailea of Maui made it a sweep for Valley Isle clubs by taking the A (1-8), followed by Healani (77), and Waikiki Beach Boys (73). Wailea nearly did not win the division, initially being disqualified in the senior women's event for a false start. However, the club's protest was ruled valid, allowing Wailea to keep the nine points for finishing sixth; otherwise, the Maui club would have finished third in the division. In the prestigious senior men's race, Lanikai continued its stranglehold on the state trophy despite a hard fight from the competition, winning for the 12th time in the last 13 years. Crew members this year included Kai Bartlett, Peter Binney, Kekoa Bruhn, Jim Foti, John Foti and George Leslie.

Lanikai crossed the 1 1/2-mile course in 10 minutes, 57.81 seconds, just about a half-boat in front of second-place Hui Lanakila (10:59.82). Kailua (11:02.25) completed an Oahu sweep of the top three spots, while Wailea (11:07.22) took fourth.

"It's a big burden," said Bruhn, of Lanikai's long run of success in this event. "Especially for guys like me and George -- some of the younger guys. But it's also a real big honor."

In the 1 1/2-mile senior women's race, Outrigger won for the second straight year, finishing in 12:47.65 and convincingly beating runner-up Hui Lanakila (12.58.52) and the rest of the field. Winning crew members included: Tracy Phillips, Mahea Batlik, Megan Clark, Jennifer Thayer, Malia Kamisugi and Kisi Haine.

PADDLING HCRA

State Championships At Keehi Lagoon Team standings AAA Division (18-36 crews)--1. Hawaiian, 365; 2. Kai Opua, 330; 3. Kailua, 328; 4. Lanikai, 261; 5. Hui Lanakila, 241; t6. Outrigger, Hui Nalu, 193. AA Division (9-17 crews)--1. Kihei, 139; 2. Kaneohe, 138; 3. Lokahi, 96; 4. Puna, 91; 5. Manu O Ke Kai, 79; t6. Kawaihae, Koa Kai, 76; 8. Kahana, 75; 9. Hanalei, 55. A Division (1-8 crews)--1. Wailea, 79; 2. Healani, 77; 3. Waikiki Beachboys, 73; 4. Keahiakahoe, 61; 5. Wa'akapaemua, 58; 6. Waikiki Surf, 56; 7. Keauhou, 52; 8. Keaukaha, 45; 9. Anuenue, 39; 10. New Hope, 37; 11. Waikiki Yacht Club, 36; 12. Lae'ula O Kai, 35; 13. Hawaiian Outrigger, 33; 14. Na Keiki O Ka Mo'i, 31; 15. Alapa Hoe, 30; 16. Kailana, 29; 17. Kukui O Moloka'i, 28; 18. Mana'e, 27; 19. Kamehameha, 24; 20. Leeward Kai, 23; 21. Ka Mamalahoe, 22; t22. Waimanalo, North Shore, 21; 24. Puuwai, 18; 25. Windward Kai, 17; t26. Niumalu, Na Molokama O Hanalei, 16; t28. Keoua, Na Kai Ewalu, 15; 30. Kai E Hitu, 13; t31. Kumulokahi Elks, Molokai, Napili, 11; t34. Hana, Kai Poha, 10; 36. Kaiola, 8; t37. Kalihi Kai, I Mua, 7; 39. Kamehameha-Hilo, 5; 40. Kilohana, 2. boys 12-and-under--1. Kailua (Travis Wilhoite, Joshua Dudoit, Kupono Kanehailua, Kainoa Chang, Chas Bautista, Kawai Makuakane), 2:02.38; 2. Hawaiian, 2:08.79; 3. Kailana, 2:09.44; 4. Kai Opua, 2:09.85; 5. Keahiakahoe, 2:10.56; 6. Lanikai, 2:11.33; 7. Waikiki Surf, 2:14.90; 8. Kihei, 2:17.32. 13--1. Lanikai (Jason Campbell, Ryan Dolan, Kyle Landers, Chris Lau, Caton Smith, Taylor Vitale), 1:59.10; 2. Kailua, 1:59.48; 3. Kai Opua, 2:00.12; 4. Kaneohe, 2:00.48; 5. Kailana, 2:00.95; 6. Hui Nalu, 2:03.37; 7. Wa'akapaemua, 2:04.22; 8. Alapa Hoe, 2:08.57. 14--1. Hawaiian (Ka'apuni Aiwohi, Samuel Kaneakua-Alana, Solomon Hill-Burke, Chance Valle, Matthew Kapono Nae'ole, Kaimiloao Kealoha), 1:50.31; 2. Lanikai, 1:52.69; 3. Wailea, 1:54.78; 4. Alapa Hoe, 1:57.34; 5. Kailua, 1:57.85; 6. Hui Nalu, 1:58.35; 7. Keahiakahoe, 1:58.61; 8. Kailana, 1:58.89. 15--1. Hawaiian (Michael Kaikaika Nance, Page Nakooka, Konapiliahi Porras-Ragsdale, Roland Mahi, Bobby Kaiwi, Woodridge Brown), 3:48.41; 2. Lanikai, 3:52.77; 3. Puna, 3:55.60; 4. Kai Opua, 6:56.07; 5. Kaneohe, 3:57.98; 6. Napili, 3:58.53; 7. Outrigger, 4:01.58; 8. Mana'e, 4:01.98. 16--1. Puna (William Kenui Viveiros, Gordon Lacy, Serrell Kanuha, Kekoa Sumera-Lee, Bryson Sanchez, Jonah Kalima), 3:48.08; 2. Kailua, 3:49.32; 3. Keahiakahoe, 3:49.63; 4. Hawaiian, 3:50.15; 5. Lanikai, 3:50.71; 6. Manu O Ke Kai, 3:52.90; 7. Na Keiki O Ka Mo'i, 3:53.36; 8. Waikiki Surf, 3:53.87. 18--1. Lanikai (Keith Beers, Zane Chess, Matt Crowley, Jonny Kono, Ian Smith, Matthew Sullivan), 7:50.30; 2. Hawaiian, 8:06.50; 3. Outrigger, 8:09.13; 4. Kailua, 8:14.24; 5. Kaneohe, 8:16.50; 6. Hui Nalu, 8:18.34; 7. Hawaiian Outrigger, 8:26.46; 8. Puna, 8:29.95. girls 12-and-under--1. Kaneohe (Cathy Sherman, Brandi Kaluhiwa, Courtnie Lelepali, Kree Espinda, Keani Wong, Kahea Anderson), 2:16.98; 2. Kai E Hitu, 2:17.90; 3. Hawaiian, 2:18.18; 4. Waikiki Surf, 2:20.43; 5. Kukui O Molokai, 2:23.15; 6. Niumalu, 2:25.33; 7. Anuenue, 2:25.99; 8. Manu O Ke Kai, 2:27.05. 13--1. Keoua (Tiana Mamac, Ariel Moseman, Oriahna Platt, Ashley Raleigh, Alison Shimamoto, Kelli Yamauchi), 2:08.78; 2. Hawaiian, 2:10.03; 3. Hui Lanakila, 2:12.24; 4. Kai Opua, 2:13.27; 5. Hana, 2:13.72; 6. Kailua, 2:14.23; 7. Kaneohe, 2:14.76; 8. Leeward Kai, 2:15.67. 14--1. Hawaiian (Michelle Marks, Chanley Malia Purdy, Jessica Laanui, Ashley Rosa, Tatiana- Malia Piena, Arianna Gerry), 2:08.48; 2. Kai Opua, 2:13.56; 3. Lanikai, 2:14.66; 4. Mana'e, 2:17.80; 5. Koa Kai, 2:18.90; 6. Kaneohe, 2:19.23; 7. Kaiola, 2:20.73; 8. Hui Lanakila, 2:21.35. 15--1. Hawaiian (Kelli Sheehan, Marci Ono, Michelle Marks, Ashley Rosa, Darcie Nakoa, Noelle Lei Ishikawa), 4:21.87; 2. Hawaiian Outrigger, 4:24.54; 3. Kaneohe, 4:27.22; 4. Kumulokahi Elks, 4:29.02; 5. Waikiki Surf, 4:29.33; 6. Puna, 4:31.04; 7. Keahiakahoe, 4:31.41; 8. Kai Opua, 4:33.41. 16--1. Hawaiian (Sarah Uehara, Ihilani Catugal, Kanoe Barcai, Maria Leon, Jessica Laanui, Malia Pestana), 4:24.54; 2. Kai Opua, 4:27.61; 3. Waikiki Surf, 4:28.21; 4. Lanikai, 4:29.42; 5. Hui Nalu, 4:32.30; 6. Lokahi, 4:38.06; 7. Kamehameha-Oahu, 4:38.39; 8. Kahana, 4:40.18. 18--1. Hui Lanakila (Kaui Martinez, Kaipo Martinez, Leahi Frias, Kanoe Naauao-Kipapa, Kelsi Campos, Lori Nakamura), 4:09.73; 2. Hawaiian, 4:17.25; 3. Hui Nalu, 4:19.10; 4. Kailua, 4:21.20; 5. Healani, 4:23.02; 6. Outrigger, 4:23.96; 7. Kaneohe, 4:26.14; 8. Wa'akapaemua, 4:32.39. men Novice B--1. Lokahi (Chip Young, Genaro Montelongo, Jeffrey Rodgers, Oliver Vetter, Daniel Schar, Mike Esposito), 3:37.85; 2. Kai Opua, 3:41.71; 3. Hawaiian, 3:42.52; 4. Hui Lanakila, 3:42.81; 5. Wailea, 3:46.56; 6. New Hope, 3:46.97; 7. Koa Kai, 3:48.10; 8. Lanikai, 3:49.02. Novice A--1. Hui Lanakila (Gavin Hanoa, Sean McEllegott, Kalai Fernandez, Kaleo Cambra, Keone Joao, Isaac Brumaghim), 7:38.89; 2. Healani, 7:56.86; 3. Keahou O Kona, 7:57.72; 4. Kailua, 8:01.15; 5. Hawaiian, 8:02.19; 6. Kai Opua, 8:02.63; 7. Hui Nalu, 8:21.09; 8. Manu O Ke Kai, 8:30.73. Freshmen--1. Hui Lanakila (Mike Hangai, Raven Aipa, Andrew Penny, Maui Kjeldsen, Mike Szewcyzk, Kalama Heine), 7:17.68; 2. Kai Opua, 7:29.51; 3. Kailua, 7:29.96; 4. Hawaiian, 7:30.75; 5. Outrigger, 7:35.16; 6. Lanikai, 7:39.12; 7. Hui Nalu, 7:48.27; 8. Keahiakahoe, 7:56.36. Sophomore--1. Kai Opua (Bruce Ayau, Richard Boreri, Kafoa Hala Latu, Lyle Palakiko, Kyle Youderian, Thibert Lussia'a), 7:07.04; 2. Wailea, 7:12.02; 3. Hui Nalu, 7:13.98; 4. Outrigger, 7:14.28; 5. Hui Lanakila, 7:15.37; 6. Kailua, 7:18.24; 7. Lanikai, 7:25.86; 8. Hawaiian, 8:07.53. Junior--1. Lanikai (David Daniels, Jim Foti, Kalani Irvine, Mike Judd, Michael Pedersen, Aaron Creps), 7:16.29; 2. Hui Lanakila, 7:18.26; 3. Hawaiian, 7:24.11; 4. Wailea, 7:25.93; 5. Kai Opua, 7:31.49; 6. Hui Nalu, 7:41.88; 7. Kailua, 7:45.07; 8. Outrigger, 7:47.06. Senior--1. Lanikai (Kai Bartlett, Peter Binney, Kekoa Bruhn, Jim Footi, John Foti, George Leslie), 10:57.81; 2. Hui Lanakila, 10:59.82; 3. Kailua, 11:02.25; 4. Wailea, 11:07.22; 5. Hui Nalu, 11:09.35; 6. Kai Opua, 11:13.62; 7. Hawaiian, 11:19.50; 8. Outrigger, 11:33.35. Masters 40--1. Puna (Alan Lipp, Steven Blyth, Kawelo Malama, Glen Baldado, Afa Tuaolo, Brian Peterson), 7:22.70; 2. Outrigger, 7:31.50; 3. Kailua, 7:35.52; 4. Hui Nalu, 7:39.97; 5. Hawaiian, 7:44.02; 6. Wa'akapaemua, 7:46.94; 7. Kihei, 7:51.48; 8. Lokahi, 8:08.14. Masters 50--1. Keahou O Kona (George Abood, Vernon Bieraugel, Jacques Blais, Petre Lasich, Lambert Lee Loy, Jan War), 3:42.16; 2. Na Molokama O Hanalei, 3:42.40; 3. Na Kai Ewalu, 3:43.22; 4. New Hope, 3:47.77; 5. Hawaiian, 3:51.26; 6. Kai Opua, 3:52.42; 7. Waimanalo, 3:54.96; 8. Hui Lanakila, 3:56.67. Masters 55--1. Kailua (Hank Leandro, Charles Kalama, Paul Shaner, Duke Goldstein, Robert Thurston, Tommy Conner); 2. Keahou O Kona, 3:57.60; 3. Kawaihae, 3:57.85; 4. Anuenue, 4:02.25; 5. Lanikai, 4:04.58; 6. Kihei, 4:09.17; 7. Kahana, 4:09.43; 8. Manu O Ke Kai, 4:10.73. Open 4--Kahana (Mason Panis, Jerry Williams, Kekaialoha Keahi, Cameron Jacome), 3:49.98; 2. Keaukaha, 3:52.48; 3. Outrigger, 3:52.90; 4. Kailua, 3:53.30; 5. Anuenue, 3:57.14; 6. Hui Lanakila, 3:58.59; 7. Leeward Kai, 4:00.39; 8. Hawaiian, 4:02.90. women Novice B--1. Waikiki Beachboys (Angelina Dressler, Andrea Messer, Nicole Meunier, Johanna Pfannenstiel, Bobbi Pollock, Stacey Shepard), 2:01.47; 2. Healani, 2:01.88; 3. Hawaiian, 2:02.18; 4. Puna, 2:04.36; 5. Keaukaha, 2:06.48; 6. Hui Lanakila, 2:08.21; 7. Lanikai, 2:10.30; 8. Kahana, 2:10.61. Novice A--1. Hui Nalu (Kerry McQuiston, Christina Luna, Lindsay Lindenbach, Julie Wassel, Barb Craft, Kristy Rice), 4:16.30; 2. Keaukaha, 4:21.41; 3. Kailua, 4:23.22; 4. Kawaihae, 4:23.57; 5. Kihei, 4:24.04; 6. Hui Lanakila, 4:24.43; 7. Lokahi, 4:24.88; 8. Healani, 4:25.23. Freshmen--1. Waikiki Beachboys (Kelsa Teeters, Erin Offenhauser, Dana Gorecki, Meredith Takara, Valerie Hershey, Julie Shoup), 8:29.81; 2. Wailea, 8:35.29; 3. Outrigger, 8:36.12; 4. Hawaiian, 8:42.60; 5. Lokahi, 8:51.10; 6. Hui Lanakila, 8:54.35; 7. Kai Opua, 8:55.84; 8. Lanikai, 8:56.40. Sophomore--1. Hui Lanakila (Deborah Rosenblum, Gail Grabowsky, Michelle Arnold, Jessie Eames, Jody Kono, Vi Coito), 8:31.54; 2. Outrigger, 8:39.38; 3. Kai Opua, 8:39.59; 4. Lae'ula O Kai, 8:53.38; 5. Puuwai, 9:12.50; 6. Healani, 9:15.66; 7. Hawaiian, 9:37.28; 8. Lokahi, 9:46.20. Junior--1. Hui Lanakila (Pauahi Ioane, Allison Sokei, Kristi Lowry, Jennifer Von Ruden, Bernie Suafoa, Katie Slocumb), 8:40.14; 2. Kai Opua, 8:43.86; 3. Outrigger, 8:47.89; 4. Hui Nalu, 8:48.52; 5. Lokahi, 8:52.17; 6. Waikiki Beachboys, 8:52.37; 7. Hawaiian, 9:00.28; 8. Puna, 9:05.40. Senior--1. Outrigger (Tracy Phillips, Mahea Batlik, Megan Clark, Jennifer Thayer, Malia Kamisuugi, Kisi Haine), 12:47.65; 2. Hui Lanakila, 12:58.52; 3. Waikiki Beachboys, 13:13.31; 4. Kai Opua, 13:15.91; 5. Lae'ula O Kai, 13:19.51; 6. Wailea, 13:27.74; 7. Hawaiian, 13:43.05; 8. Kailua, 13:48.45. Masters 40--1. Kailua (Vivian Griffin, Kathy Erwin, Jane Mckee, Ann Farrell, Donna Meyer, Carleen Ornellas), 8:38.47; 2. Hui Nalu, 8:40.48; 3. Kihei, 9:00.57; 4. Outrigger, 9:00.96; 5. North Shore, 9:17.33; 6. Lanikai, 9:18.18; 7. Kai Opa, 9:37.81; 8. Hawaiian, 9:43.35. Masters 50--1. Hui Nalu (Mary Fern, Lurline McGregor, Marcia Omura, Katie Scott, Lindsey Styan, Lita Blankenfeld), 4:24.65; 2. Wa'akapaemua, 4:29.11; 3. Kihei, 4:29.56; 4. Lanikai, 4:37.32; 5. Kai Opua, 4:37.94; 6. Kailua, 4:38.72; 7. Hawaiian, 4:44.31; 8. Waimanalo, 4:50.25. Masters 55--1. Outrigger (Susan Heitzman, Ann Bowell, Maureen Kilcoyne, Barbara Bryan, Sandra Simons, Patty Mowat), 4:41.61; 2. Kai Opua, 4:42.24; 3. Kailua, 4:43.48; 4. Lanikai, 4:47.13; 5. Kawaihae, 4:49.93; 7. Keahou O Kona, 4:58.37; 8. Kihei, 5:15.70. Open 4--1. Hanalei (Laura Anderson, Monique Seager, Megan Chandler, Kainoa Forrest), 4:24.64; 2. Kailua, 4:5.09; 3. Kai Opua, 4:33.84; 4. Hui Lanakila, 4:34.08; 5. Wa'apaemua, 4:37.62; 6. Outrigger, 4:43.82; 7. Na Keiki O Ka Mo'i, 4:45.00; 8. Hawaiian, 4:47.14. mixed 12-and-under--1. Kawaihae (Jeffrey Muskat, Conn Wallman, Aukele Waikiki, Kealani Thompson, Kaeo Remmy, Malia England), 2:10.35; 2. Ka Mamalahoe, 2:13.19; 3. Kukui O Molokai, 2:15.47; 4. Kaneohe, 2:17.48; 5. Hawaiian, 2:17.75; 6. Kai Opua, 2:17.99; 7. Kihei, 2:18.32; 8. Hui Lanakila, 2:18.57. Novice B--1. Kailua (Chris Tanaka, Robin Kim, Kahai Kepa, Nikki Roy, Ashley Kalama- Kaneao, Jennifer Perell), 1:52.70; 2. Waikiki Beachboys, 1:53.84; 3. Kaneohe, 1:56.20; 4. Kai Opua, 1:56.56; 5. Kihei, 1:57.29; 6. Kawaihae, 1:58.24; 7. Healani, 2:00.72; 8. Waikiki Surf, 2:03.63. Open--1. Kihei (Cassie Pali, Ingrid Thronson, Keona Dang, Donald Mehling, Keri Mehling), 3:46.29; 2. Kai Opua, 3:46.50; 3. Healani, 3:49.44; 4. Hawaiian, 3:50.78; 5. Kawaihae, 3:55.17; 6. Hui Nalu, 3:56.23; 7. Hui Lanakila, 4:00.68; 8. Kailua, 4:03.19. Masters 40--1. Lanikai (Judy Sangiuliano, Lisa Sauer, Heidi Smith, Scott Freitas, Peter Roney, David Smith), 3:51.57; 2. Kai Opua, 3:53.49; 3. Kihei, 3:54.74; 4. Kailua, 3:55.36; 5. Hawaiian, 3:58.61; 6. Puna, 4:00.44; 7. Na Keiki O Ka Mo'i, 4:05.18; 8. Hui Lanakila, 4:05.40. Masters 55--1. Kahana (James Kohler, Steven Sandi, Laura Jane Kohler, Joyce Tihada, Diane Delos Reyes, Charles Nakagawa), 4:14.22; 2. Lanikai, 4:19.41; 3. Kihei, 4:20.02; 4. Hawaiian, 4:20.46; 5. Kailua, 4:22.76; 6. Outrigger, 4:23.54; 7. Hui Nalu, 4:24.74; 8. Kaneohe, 4:32.19.