Aloha!  Hawaiian Canoe Club may be blue, but is going  green too! 

Hawaiian Canoe Club (HCC) recently installed photovaltaic panels to the roof of the hale thanks to the generous donation of the Dowling Building Company, Inc.  The energy pulled from the sun brings savings to the hale with a 4.2 kWh system.  The system will help aid the use of the computers and other electrical needs, and track the electricity used at the hale.  

   Besides the solar panels HCC recently purchased biodegradeable products to be used for food service as well.  Items such as forks, spoons, knives, drinking cups, napkins, and plates are made of 100% biodegradeable materials made from corn starch and potatoes.   Take a look at these next time you are at the hale for a sponsored club event.

Regatta season is over and HCC placed 2nd in the State Races held on Oahu on August 2.  It was a tight race near the end and everyone paddling did their very best to make it happen.  Going to Oahu and watching the races was exhilerating and fun.  The comraderie and teamwork presented in this venue is what the HCC is about and you could feel it among the many smiles and friendly, helpful people there.

   This summer the Kamali'i program went off like a race.  In seven weeks over 80 kamali'i (youth) joined in learning about specific Hawaiian culture from native plants, to helping others, to becoming leaders, and to race with all their heart.  Between the leaders, Kauhane Luuwai, Program Director, Kaimana Lee, Assistant Program Director, and Alesa Kneubal, Assistant Program Specialist, the program was well run.  The youth went to Molokai to help clean up a taro pond, Lanai, and to Koholawe to help clean-up and build the trail, which will eventually go all the way around the island.  Hawaiian Kamali'i is the only program allowed on Koholawe.  Our youth learned chants and hula and were prepared for annual performance at the 'Aha'Aina event.  Many parents have to HCC that their children are doing better, take more pride, and believe in themselves.  This is what HCC wants for all youth on Maui and this club has what it takes to present it.  A very special thank you to the Maui County Council and Mayor Tavares for supporting the Hawaiian Kamali'i program.        

   From paddling to a wonderful Kamali'i summer program the HCC has something for every individual and family.  This is truly the best canoe club on Maui and if you ask anyone you will find out it is this way because of the members.  So many people willing to help, to support, to go the extra step to make you feel a part of the HCC ohana.  I feel very fortunate to be a part of this club and be a small part of its history as well.  Mahalo nui loa, Melody Stuart, Executive Director."