Na Wahine O Ke Kai canoe race canceled as tropical disturbance threatens Hawaii
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Organizers have canceled this weekend’s Nā Wāhine O Ke Kai canoe race as a tropical disturbance approaches the islands, ending months of preparation for dozens of crews scheduled to compete.
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The annual women’s outrigger canoe race was set for Sunday, with 60 teams from Hawaii, California, Australia and Tahiti expected to make the crossing from Molokai to Oahu.
For Alapā Hoe Canoe Club paddler Kendell Mease, the decision is understandable, but still disappointing after the time many have already invested.
“I respect the decision because it keeps us all safe but at the same time, because a lot of people have put a lot of money and time and effort into this,” Mease said.
Siana Austin Hunt, president of Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, said organizers knew the cancellation would be difficult for crews.
“This decision was not made lightly. We recognize the incredible work that our women have put into this. We have crews that are already here on island from international locations.”
The cancellation is particularly disappointing for some paddlers who had been looking forward to their first channel crossing.
Jennifer Li of Alapā Hoe said she had spent years working toward the moment.
“I finally, in 15 plus years, feel confident and ready to do the channel for the very first time in my life. So it is kind of bum, but yes, safety is first.”
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The storm threat extends beyond the race.
Maui Nui is expected to see heavy rain, while the Big Island could receive the most rainfall.
Hawaii County Civil Defense acting Administrator Darryl Oliveira said runoff could take new paths because of changes left behind by previous storms.
“We have what appears to be maybe some new water flow paths that were carved by Hurricane Lala, with the amount of rainfall that we had, and some of the runoff and water flow that took place, as well as the debris that was pushed.”
Air Force Hurricane Hunters are expected to fly into the storm Thursday evening as forecasters work to better understand its track.
National Weather Service meteorologist Vanessa Almanza said the system is especially concerning because it is developing close to the islands.
“Every storm is different. But this one in particular is very concerning.”
She said already-saturated ground could make flooding worse and create setbacks for communities still recovering from previous storms.
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