Hokule‘a Navigator To Speak Here
Christopher and Rami Donahoe. Photo from Rami Channapragada-Donahoe
Congratulations to the winners and all participants in this year’s Na Pali Challenge, the mother lode of the Garden Isle’s canoe races. I’m sure the challenge was particularly poetic for those who got to see spinner dolphins, rainbows and waterfalls along the way, but kudos are absolutely merited, especially as it was an extra four miles this year, ending at Waimea Pier. Doesn’t sound like much unless you’ve just rounded a stretch of Polihale without much surf or breeze …
Though regatta season is pau for 2011, September is the time for many athletic events, and with all the training for races going on, it seems training begets more training. There’s the Kaua’i Marathon less than two weeks away (Sept. 4) from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Poipu, the 40th annual Queen Lili’uokalani 18mile iron canoe race in Kona, and, of course, Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Moloka’i Hoe, the year’s last races, culminating with the longest challenge: the 40-mile trek from Moloka’i to O’ahu. Best of luck to all the Garden Island Canoe Racing Association clubs going this year. Imua! …
OK, so it doesn’t have the most original name yet, but there’s a new race in town. The inaugural Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) Runway 5K Run or Walk (yes, that’s its name) will begin at 7:30 a.m. Sept 17 at Barking Sands at Li’i Road. The trek is short and sweet, and, of course, scenic: Ni’ihau seems within reach. Cost is $28.75 online at active.com or $30 if registering at the PMRF fitness center (registration deadline is Aug. 31). For more information, call 335-4379 …
Bikers will be out for this year’s Special Olympics Ride. Photo courtesy Shelly Gerardo
The fundraiser also includes a silent auction, lunch and take-home laulau. Registration is from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., followed by the silent auction from 9 to 10 and then, of course, the convoy. Pau Hana Packs will be sold for $10, consisting of laulau with butterfish, kalua pork and Portuguese sausage. Pickup is from 9 a.m. to noon. Donors who give $20 or more will receive an event T-shirt. For information, call Shelly Gerardo at 639-3398. To enroll an athlete or volunteer, call Jocelyn Barriga at 652-8662…
Congratulations to Rami Channapragada-Donahoe and Christopher Donahoe, first-place winners in the all-out ’80s Shower of the Stars competition Aug. 10, in which they danced and sang their hearts out (competitors included Pink Pebbles Crew and Aloha Dance Studio). The the couple, who will celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary next week, had their two daughters in tow, 4year-old Rylie and 2-yearold Cambelani, because, as their mom said, “It’s important for our kids to see their parents doing great and fun things together.” Nicely put …
Congratulations also to the Kawaihau Big League All-Stars Team, which captured the state championship title against Hilo recently at the Big League Hawai’i State Tournament held on the Big Island (and was lauded Aug. 7 by Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr.
for said accomplishment). Following its first state title, the team went on to win two shutout games, scoring 10 runs against Oregon and Nevada, challenging Southern California in the semi-final game to take third place. Well done to Bronson Aiwohi, Kalen Iwai, Mikeo Rita, Kellen Aquino, Jordon Kamakea, Chyson Soares, Dalton Christy, Shylen Keuma, Travis Soares, Dallas Correa, Weston Moniz, Bryson Tacata, Erin Doi, Kaimana PerreiraAlquiza, Taran Tani, manager Kirk Correa and assistant coaches Guy Ishihara and Teddy Perreira …
(from left) Thomas Noyes, Chrystine Ito, Mayor Carvalho, Don Chapman, Geoffrey Berz and Kriztina Geczi. Amanda C. Gregg photo
Of course, there’s also the culinary arts, and for all the foodies out there (or aspiring executive chefs) who want to actually make a buck at doing what they love, Kaua’i Community College is offering a new course in its Career Pathways Program titled, “Entrepreneurship in the Food Industry.” Designed to focus on developing a business, the course has a dash of green savvy in the mix thanks in part to its sponsor, Village Green, an entity made up of KCC students and graduates hungry for ventures that contribute to Kaua’i’s goal of food sustainability and selfsufficiency, according to program director Glenn Hontz. Class is from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from Sept. 7 through Oct. 26. For an application, call 245-8318. (Processing of applications must be completed by Sept. 2). Cost is $250, and financial assistance is available. For more information, contact Hontz at 246-4859 or email hontz@hawaii.edu …
So proud and happy to see a baby-friendly focus with the free “Baby Friendly Kaua’i” Aug. 3 at Kaua’i Beach Resort, sponsored by the Department of Health.
The event was intended to get the island’s businesses and employers to adopt standards that benefit infants. It was a pleasant surprise to see the community rallying and considering what options best support nursing mothers which is really supporting infants who need all those antibodies and vitamins found in breast milk. Mayor Carvalho presented a proclamation to the attendees to encourage maternal care hospitals to embrace babyfriendly/breast-feeding environments and asking employers to support breastfeeding in the workplace. Mahalo for supporting our future generations …
MidWeek Kaua’i editor Don Chapman was making the rounds at the County Building when Mayor Carvalho asked him to join the breast-feeding proclamation photo. “Glad to,” he said, “it’s an important issue. One of our staffers is nursing, and we make sure she has time and a private place to pump.” One of the nice things about working for MidWeek …
