Molokai Hoe, Na Wahine O Ke Kai canceled | News, Sports, Jobs

Red Bull Va‘a of the Big Island heads past Diamond Head on its way to a victory in the Molokai Hoe on Oct. 8, 2017. The world championship men’s outrigger canoe race had been scheduled for this Oct. 8 for its first race since before the pandemic. 808photo.me / JOHANN MEYA photos

For the fourth straight year, the Molokai Hoe world championship men’s outrigger canoe race has been called off, the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association announced Tuesday.

The annual Molokai to Oahu race — during which crews make the grueling 41-mile journey across the Kaiwi Channel, from Hale O Lono on Molokai to Waikiki — had been scheduled for Oct. 8.

Also on Tuesday, the women’s world championship Na Wahine O Ke Kai also announced it was canceling the much anticipated return of its race, which had been scheduled for Sept. 24.

In a news release, OHCRA said the decision to cancel the Molokai Hoe was difficult but the right thing to do given “the unfolding federal crisis on Maui, where fires have ravaged the island and left communities grappling with the aftermath.”

Maui-based Team Bradley heads to a victory in the Na Wahine O Ke Kai women’s world championship race on Sept. 24, 2017. This year’s race had been scheduled for Sept. 24.

“Given the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to allocate all available Maui County resources to support the Maui community impacted by the fires, OHCRA believes that postponing this year’s Molokai Hoe is not only a responsible course of action, but also a demonstration of unity and solidarity during times of crisis,” the news release said. “Molokai Hoe is an event steeped in tradition, cherished by paddlers and enthusiasts alike. The decision to cancel this year’s race was not made lightly, as we understand the disappointment it may cause to our participants and supporters. However, our commitment to the well-being of our communities and our fellow Hawaiians takes precedence, and we believe that redirecting our efforts and resources towards aiding those affected by the fires is a testament to the values that bind us as a community.”

The event had also been canceled the previous three years — the first two due to COVID-19 restrictions, and last year it was changed to an Oahu-based race after a request from the Molokai community.

“OHCRA expresses its heartfelt aloha to those impacted by the fires in Maui County, many a part of our own community of paddlers,” OHCRA said. “Our thoughts are with the residents, emergency responders, and all those working tirelessly to aid recovery efforts. We extend our gratitude to first responders, volunteers, and agencies who are dedicating their efforts to alleviate the crisis and support the affected communities.”

In announcing the cancellation of the Na Wahine O Ke Kai — which has also not been held since the pandemic — organizers said they made the decision “with the heaviest of hearts and profound sadness.”

“Not one of us could have foretold the tragedy that has developed on our sister island of Maui this past week, and our hearts grieve for our island community that has faced such overwhelming loss of life and community,” said a post on the race website and Facebook page.

“This decision was not made lightly as we understand that many of our crews have already made commitments to travel from international, national, and neighbor island locations. We will be reaching out to the many crews that looked forward to returning to this iconic race, as well as our remarkable race sponsors and volunteers to advise them of this cancellation. We ask for patience as we notify everyone individually about this cancellation.”

The last Na Wahine O Ke Kai was held in 2019, with Maui-based Team Bradley winning its 12th title since 2005.

“To explain the logistical challenges we would now face to run this race, and the resources required that are now needed to assist the Maui community, pale in comparison to the heartache we feel for our Maui sisters and brothers,” the post continued. “As mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts, our hearts ache for the loss of life and property. The devastating events that have unfolded serve to strengthen the commitment we make to each other each day that allows us to keep our island home and the people who make Hawaii such a special place.

“Please hold the Maui community in your thoughts and prayers. Consider making a financial donation to assist our brave and resilient community in the rebuilding process.”

World Surf League / Matt Dunbar photo Mary Trotto, pictured during the USATF Masters National Championship in July, competed in two masters national championships the past two weekends while also helping in fire relief efforts on Maui in between. Photo courtesy of Mary Trotto Red Bull Va‘a of the Big Island heads past Diamond Head on its way to a victory in the Molokai Hoe on Oct. 8, 2017. The world championship men’s outrigger canoe race had been scheduled for this Oct. 8 for its first race since before the pandemic. 808photo.me / JOHANN MEYA photos
Maui-based Team Bradley heads to a victory in the Na Wahine O Ke Kai women’s world championship race on Sept. 24, 2017. This year’s race had been scheduled for Sept. 24.

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