At last years Queen Liliuokalani kane race Team Livestrong, in a Tahitian design canoe, was the first across the line, but at the awards ceremony Tui Tonga was recognized as the overall winner in a Mirage. Team Livestrong was recognized as the winner of their division, non traditional. I believe this is because KaiOpua is trying to preserve the traditional Hawaiian canoe. If a non traditional canoe crosses the line first this year should it be recognized as the overall winner or should it be Kai`Opua's choice because they host the race?
Submitted by HOE WAA on Fri, 08/15/2008 - 11:31am
If we really want to go "traditional" lets make Koa or another "native" wood into a canoe and omit all the varnish, resin and rope introduced by Westerners, and use truly traditional tools. Or give everyone the opportunity (as we all have) the opportunity to acquire their own "not traditional" canoe to race. Is a Fiberglass Malia mold traditional? I no think so. I believe that ancient Kanaka Maoli would and did welcome innovation as long as the spirit remains. If was me, I use the "junkest" canoe and try my best to be victorious. Anyway, on a totally sepearate note: Imua Bryan Clay (EASTSIDE)
#1 Sat, 08/16/2008 - 2:28am
The only thing one person in Kai 'Opua is trying to preserve is his ego. He wouldn't know a traditional canoe if one hit him between the eyes. A canoe can "look" "traditional" but, is it really? No, not in accordance with the definition in the race rules. Anyone coming to Kona wanting to see for themselves first hand what I'm talking about is welcome to contact me at 808-443-1180. And if you'd like to take a Tahitian canoe for a spin with your crew, you may call me as well.
Here's the thing with Kai 'Opua......they don't have a Tahitian canoe so they don't want anyone who does, to beat them on the course. Jealousy is all it is. You can bet your bottom dollar if they were the ones who introduced this type of canoe, or knew how to build one, they'd be promoting these "racing" canoes instead of not recoginzing Live Strong for their accomplishment. Anything else you may hear is BS.
If a non-traditional canoe crosses the line first, yes, it should be recognized as such. The hull design of a Tahitian canoe is NOT non-traditional. The decking is what makes it look different hence, non-traditional.
The original nomenclature for this class of canoe was Open.
Because some officials couldn't make the distinction between Open Class vs. Open Division, they wrongfully renamed it non-traditional. It should be rightfully known as Open....build as you see fit.
#2 Sat, 08/16/2008 - 6:52pm
Got to agree with Bill. First across is first. Anything else is sour grapes. Six paddlers, no motor, no sail, anything else goes.
#3 Sun, 08/17/2008 - 1:52pm
HOE WAA,
One more point I forgot to include......It is not Kai 'Opua's "choice" to recognize who is first because it is "their" race. The race is sanctioned by Moku O Hawaii, the Big Island racing association hence, the Moku rules govern the race, NOT Kai 'Opua. Moku rules do not give the host club the privelege to amend the rules as they wish. Kai 'Opua has been doing this for years and the Board has been letting them get away with it. What's the sense of having rules if the people in charge pick and choose when or if they want to enforce them. Come to the Kona race......no need to adhere to the rules! Rules???? What rules?
Any time one wants to be stunned with facts, you're always welcome to see me.
#4 Sun, 08/17/2008 - 5:10pm