It’s all about connections at Keoua Honaunau, the Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association club that has a good time on the beach no matter the score.
It’s all about connections at Keoua Honaunau, the Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association club that has a good time on the beach no matter the score.
The West Hawaii club didn’t have the numbers to take down defending champion Laka for the Aunty Maile Mauhili/Moku O Hawaii championship in Division B (11-20).
Laka entered the maximum 20 events and took the title with 62 points on Saturday at Hilo Bay. Waikoloa (18 events) was second with 58 points, and Keoua Honaunau (14) was third with 54 points.
At least, Keoua Honaunau president and head coach Rafael Ramirez’ club had a bit of sunshine and enjoyable moments, and qualified two crews, the men and women novice A (first or second year paddlers), for states.
The women, who have medaled in every regatta, entered the day first in the Moku O Hawaii standings, but placed second in the half-mile race in 4:35.10, behind Puna, 4:33.72.
The Keoua Honaunau men were third in the standings, and finished third in the mile race in 8:36.06, behind Puna, 8:17.32, and Kai Ehitu, 8:23.63.
“Our men and women novice always put points on the board, as well as make the club an exciting group. They’ve got energy,” Ramirez said. “We don’t have many kids, but I’d like to see our kids and young adults paddling 20 and 30 years later. It’s a lifestyle sport.”
Ramirez, 70, is a shining example of paddling endurance. He’s been paddling for 42 years, and his wife Gretchen also competes for the club, which has about 100 keiki.
The women novice A members are Jene Green, Pauahi Kamakau, Angela Johnson, Kawai Domingo, Christine Kern and Brittany Caporrimo, who’s Green’s younger sister.
The connections don’t stop there. There are three couples for the novice A crews.
Green’s husband Trey and Kamakau’s husband Jean are on the men’s crew. The other couple is Johnson and Josh Allen. The other men paddlers are Matt DeMotte, Gabe Duignan and Jeremy Chien.
Jene Green, who’s a realtor for Hawaii Life, has been paddling for the club for 15 years, and cherishes the family vibe. Her two children Dylan, 11, and Makayla, 10, paddle for Keoua Honaunau’s boys and girls 12 crews.
“We’re ohana. We work hard, train hard and have passion for it,” she said. “The biggest thing is we do our best and have fun.”
Green also gave a shout-out to Ramirez, who shares the same name of the former Atlanta Braves shortstop back in the 1980s. But Ramirez pointed out that he’s older.
“He’s 70 years old with the energy of a 45-year-old,” Green said. “He’s an inspiration. He’s got stamina and endurance and never misses a single day of practice, and never misses a single day of anything.”
Hui Waa O Waiakea pocketed Division C (1-10 events) with 21 points with seven crews, and was followed by Hanakahi (5 events), 16 points; Milolii (3), 11; and Kailana (5), 4.
Unbeaten crews
All seven of the unbeaten crews kept their records spotless.
• Kawaihae mixed 12 (Keahiwai Lindsey, Kuhao Kane, Keenan Pahio, Julia Salvador, Laif Showalter, Kaila Sylva).
• Kai Ehitu boys 14 (Hiram Anakalea Jr., Iokepa Aponte, Kala’i Ballesteros, Moses Brooks, Bronson Leslie, Baba Weza).
• Keauhou men 40 (Stevee B Berengue, Ian Foo, Kevin Lindsey, Ivan Mcivor, Theron Ogata, Justin Udovch).
• Puna men 50 (Terry Andrade, Bubba Baldado, Louie Mendonca, Forest Parker-Bailey, Brian Peterson, Afa Tuaolo).
• Puna mixed 55 (Maud Gooch, Spencer Lavea, Brian Peterson, Miri Sumida, Willie Viveiros, Ellen Williams).
• Puna women 60 (Tweetie Anderson-Perreira, Betty Ben, Nerak Mickievic, Susan O’Shaughnessy, Linda Robb, Susan Skipper).
• Kai Opua women 65 (Carol Clifford, Sue Lalanne, Gail Quitevis, Susie Shaw, Becky Walton, Bonnie Wild).
To view the Moku O Hawaii standings, visit hcrapaddler.com.