A West Hawaiʻi canoe club’s fleet has expanded thanks to a donation from the Waikōloa Foundation.
The foundation recently gifted the Hoemana canoe club with a new outrigger canoe. According to a press release, the foundation donated the canoe in support of the club’s mission to strengthen the community through outrigger canoe paddling.
Hoemana canoe club’s newest vessel, Kumu Hou.Following a blessing ceremony, Hoemana’s new outrigger canoe, gifted to the club by the Waikōloa Foundation, was taken out for a paddle.Photos courtesy of the Waikōloa Foundation.
“We are deeply humbled and proud to support Hoemana’s mission and the tremendous work they are leading to uplift our community,” said Cary Boeddeker, board chairwoman for the foundation, in the press release. “We are thrilled the club will be able to use this canoe to continue strengthening ties to culture and instilling a greater understanding of the ocean and its power.”
The club dubbed the new vessel Kumu Hou, meaning renewed purpose. The new canoe increases Hoemana’s fleet to five canoes for paddlers to use in training and racing.
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“The Waikōloa Foundation’s generosity will ensure we can expand upon the opportunities we provide to our community of paddlers,” said Hoemana club president Ed Teixeira in the press release. “We’re grateful for their support and recognition of paddling’s importance to our culture and the many local families who are part of our ʻohana.”
To learn more about the foundation’s mission and commitment to Hawaiʻi Island, click here.
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