Shannon Kanuha found a parking spot just in the nick of time at the Hawaii Canoe Racing Association state championships on Saturday at a congested Hilo Bay, where more than 3,500 paddlers from 52 clubs squeezed for sardine-can space.
Shannon Kanuha found a parking spot just in the nick of time at the Hawaii Canoe Racing Association state championships on Saturday at a congested Hilo Bay, where more than 3,500 paddlers from 52 clubs squeezed for sardine-can space.
He’s the grandson of the late Red Kanuha, a longtime Kai Opua paddler and influential Moku O Hawaii member. Kanuha also brought along his daughter Shaylee, 11, who paddled for Kai Ehitu’s specials crew (non-scoring), and will paddle next year in competitive races.
Kanuha left his house in Kalaoa, above the Matsuyama market, at 6:15 a.m. and by the time he reached Hilo at 7:25 a.m. there was no parking. The early birds grabbed all the grass spots, and double-parked pretty much everywhere, showing the Oahu folks Hilo can have traffic woes, although on a much smaller scale.
Luckily, his brother-in-law Jacob Deguair left his house in Holuloa an hour earlier and found parking near the Chevron station, about a football field away from the scoring stand. Kanuha was able to cram his car in, and they set up their tents at the best possible spot.
Kanuha’s University of Hawaii canopy had a clear sight line and was set under a tree, providing extra cover for the expected rain and wind. The wet weather also allowed all the visitors to exclaim the Big Island’s motto: “It always rains in Hilo.”
“It’s a perfect view,” Kanuha said.
Shaylee, who didn’t race (no specials at states), enjoyed her best seat in the house view.
“I like it,” she said. “This year was my first year paddling. Next year, I’ll race in girls 12. I like the adrenaline rush it gives me when I’m paddling.”
For those wondering what’s a Kanuha, long associated with Kai Opua, doing paddling for Kai Ehitu, a West Hawaii rival, Shaylee’s dad had a meaningful answer.
“Her classmates and friends paddle for Kai Ehitu,” Kanuha said. “It wouldn’t matter what color or what club, my grandpa would have been proud that she’s paddling. The main thing is that she gets involved.”
Kai Opua is known for its blue color while Kai Ehitu splashes in red. But Kanuha’s heart bleeds green, as in the UH men’s volleyball team. He’s a frequent viewer of OC16 sports.
“I like men’s volleyball,” he said. “I used to play in the Haili (volleyball tournament).”
Kai Ehitu has two boys and two girls specials crews, and one mixed crew, from ages 6 to 8 years old. The specials are the youngsters who build a club’s foundation. They’re the first level of a club’s farm system.
“As Uncle Richard (Kimitete, Kai Ehitu’s head coach) said the specials are the future,” Shaylee said.
While Shaylee was adorned in her red Kai Ehitu T-shirt, Deguair’s son Jake Honl-Deguair paddled for Kai Opua’s boys 14 crew, which finished sixth. Hawaiian, the powerhouse from Maui, took gold.
Deguair’s other son Duke, 8, paddles in Kai Opua’s specials, and one day his daughter Lilia, 6, will be another one building the West Hawaii’s foundation, too.
Unlike Kanuha, Deguair isn’t a big sports fan. His canopy was right behind Kanuha’s.
“I don’t watch sports. I hunt and stuff,” said Deguair, who appreciated his view. “I love it. It’s the perfect spot.”