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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER
Dana Gorecki, right, of the Waikiki Beach Boys embraced a club member after her freshman crew finished first on Sunday.
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Despite facing a host of adverse situations this season, the Waikiki Beach Boys’ sustained success on the water has allowed the outrigger canoe club to remain in championship contention as the Na Ohana O Na Hui Wa‘a season nears its home stretch.
In addition to dealing with the usual issues faced by clubs, including lower-than-desired numbers of registered paddlers and participants missing some practices and races due to other commitments, Waikiki was one of multiple clubs penalized for violating a key Hui Wa‘a rule that prohibits paddlers from racing in two "unclassified" events during the organization’s June 29 regatta at Maili. Paddlers are allowed to race in two events per regatta, but the two must both be classified, such as the sophomore and senior events.
At Maili, one of Waikiki’s male paddlers was deemed an illegal paddler after he raced in both the mixed novice B and open four events, which violated the rule and triggered a penalty that included a fine and disqualified the Beach Boys for that race and ruled them out for the remainder of the regatta, which included the final two events of the day: the mixed 40 and mixed open six.
The penalty forced the club to play catch up during Sunday’s Lokahi Regatta held at Keehi Lagoon as Waikiki strategically shuffled certain crews to make up for some of the points lost a week prior. Qualifying points prove vital because, in addition to battling for gold in individual races, crews are aiming to qualify for the state championship regatta scheduled for Aug. 2 at Keehi Lagoon.
The Beach Boys notched 10 victories Sunday, all of which came within the regatta’s final 12 events, and accumulated 55 points to claim the AA division (13-24 crews entered) for the sixth time in seven attempts this season by besting Ka Mamalahoe (34 points) and Olelo O Keola (18).
The top two crews from each Hui Wa‘a event earn automatic berths to states based on cumulative point standings. In previous years, three crews moved on to states, but due to Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association state reclassification based on the number of registered paddlers, Hui Wa‘a is now only afforded two lanes in each state event.
"After last week’s result, it definitely put us in a position where we may not qualify," said Dana Gorecki, veteran paddler and club president for Waikiki, when asked about the uncertainty surrounding state qualification. "By being bumped out of those events at the end of the day, it was crucial. We have two chances, today and at Hui Wa‘a championships, then it depends on what else happens with other clubs.
"We go in with our strongest crews to earn as many points as possible, but that doesn’t guarantee us a spot at states. It’s about putting our best foot forward and shuffling around some people to see what we can do."
Despite the uncertainty, Waikiki continued its dominance of the adult open division ranks and wrapped up state berths by winning the women’s freshman, sophomore and senior races in convincing fashion. Gorecki was joined by Shir Suez, Laura Birse, Sunshine Smith, April Nakayama and Rachel Orange in the freshman crew that cruised through the 1-mile course in 9 minutes, 5.16 seconds — 20 seconds ahead of runner-up Kamehameha.
Another successful Waikiki showing at the Hui Wa‘a Oahu Championship Regatta, slated for July 19 at Keehi Lagoon, would net the club boatloads of momentum heading into the states two weeks later.
"There’s a lot of strategizing involved — it’s a serious chess match," said Gorecki of the tough task ahead faced by coach Sean Monahan and the club’s paddlers. "It’s a little bump in the road and we’ve definitely faced some challenges this season. It’s one of those years."
Na Keiki O Ka Mo‘i claimed the AAA division (25-39 crews) title, tallying 91 points and holding off Manu O Ke Kai (54), Kaneohe (53 ) and I Mua (44). The overall victory was Ka Mo‘i’s seventh consecutive of the summer regatta campaign for the defending Hui Wa‘a champion, which also posted a regatta-high 10 race wins throughout the day. The Waianae-based club has won three Hui Wa‘a titles in four years, and is poised to complete the season undefeated as it did in 2012.
Kamehameha claimed the A division (6-12 crews) with 22 points and fended off Windward Kai (14), Lokahi and North Shore (11 apiece).
Paddlers dealt with blustery conditions under clear skies as nearly 1,500 competitors ranging in age from 12 and under to 65 and above represented Hui Wa‘a’s 18 member clubs in 41 races spanning a quarter mile to 1.5 miles.
Hui Wa‘a travels to Waikiki for its annual Waikiki Beach Boys Regatta on Sunday, and due to the race’s traditionally unpredictable ocean conditions, results will not count toward the cumulative point standings.
The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association returns to action Sunday at Kaneohe Bay via Marine Corps Base Hawaii for the John D. Kaupiko Regatta.
LOKAHI REGATTA
At Keehi Lagoon
AAA — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo’i, 91 points; Manu O Ke Kai, 54; 3. Kaneohe, 53; 4. I Mua, 44.
AA — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys, 55 points; 2. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 34; 3. Olelo O Keola, 18; 4. Kamaha’o Canoe Club, 2.
A — 1. Kamehameha, 22 points; 2. Windward Kai, 14; 3. Lokahi, North Shore, 11; 5. ‘Alapa Hoe, 7; 6. Pukana O Ke Kai, Waikiki Yacht Club, 3; 8. Kalihi Kai, Kai Poha, 2; 10. Kumulokahi-Elks, 1.
Specials — 1. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club (Lisa Bento, Shawn Rivera, Ezra Saena, Billie Grimes-Watson, James Waggoner, Satuala Jerome Amoa), 2:13.1; 2. Kaneohe, 2:15.0; 3. Kai Poha, 2:19.8.
Girls 12 — 1. Windward Kai (Eliza Otenbriet, Morgan Hardwick, Justise Takasaki, Leila Kauahi, Karissa Yamaguchi, Cydnee Anne Ajifu), 2:27.4; 2. I Mua, 2:28.4; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 2:43.7.
Boys 12 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Tama Nakoa, Kika Boy Samante-Nakoa, Kanoa Hinojosa, Nephi Pakele, Nainoa Iokia-Smith, Stancen Delos Santos), 2:29.5; 2. I Mua, 2:34.7; 3. Windward Kai, 2:48.6.
Mixed 12 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Kika Boy Samante-Nakoa, Hannah Bradbury, Xaistin Kamealoha, Storm Aiwohi, Kierston Kuresa, Chaella Limary), 2:23.0; 2. I Mua, 2:29.8; 3. Windward Kai, 2:30.6.
Girls 13 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Skyler Aiwohi, Keahi Mayural, River Kealoha, Jorene Ulu, Tayzia Pakele, Michaela Daguro), 2:23.9; 2. North Shore, 2:27.7; 3. I Mua, 2:40.5.
Boys 13 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Teva Kealoha Meyer, Bronson Gonzales, Kona Hinojosa, Kanaloa Auwae, Botz Iokia-Smith, Paul Fano), 2:02.8; 2. Waikiki Yacht Club, 2:26.8; 3. Kamaha’o Canoe Club, 2:30.8.
Girls 14 — 1. North Shore (Ava Countryman, Makana DaMate, Taylor Olson, Maddy Walsh, Alyssa Yamada-Barretto, Grace Rittenhouse), 2:19.3; 2. Kamehameha, 2:22.1; 3. Kaneohe, 2:26.6.
Boys 14 — 1. Olelo O Keola (Na’i Aglipay, Koa Oishi, Alika Schlak, Andrew Winnicki, Isaiah Longboy, Israel Torda), 2:06.9; 2. Kaneohe, 2:10.1; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 2:14.4.
Girls 15 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Shania Kim, Maddy Crump, Hani Carlson, Lonz ChongTim, Kyomi Pule, Jeizelle Iokia-Thompson), 4:32.2; 2. Kamehameha, 4:46.0; 3. Kaneohe, 4:55.9.
Boys 15 — 1. I Mua (Eric Burton, Chase Yamada, Dale Van der Voort, Scott McKee, Oliver Coyle, Shepherd Aliifua), 4:16.7; 2. Olelo O Keola, 4:29.1; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 4:32.0.
Girls 16 — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Eurica Diego, Liana Rolon, Darcie Burke, Kilia Chillingworth, Sarina Souki, Shazary Sinclair), 4:25.8; 2. Kamehameha, 4:34.8; 3. ‘Alapa Hoe, 4:54.2.
Boys 16 — 1. Kaneohe (Chico Nache, Taiyo Kaaialii, Dominic Johnson, Bryson Akina-Nitta, Kekai Kiaaina, Kawena Esperas), 4:12.0; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 4:12.5; 3. I Mua, 4:17.9.
Girls 18 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Leigh-Ann Kapihe, Jonell Odette-Spillner, Kiana Kaaekuahiwi, Maddy Crump, Jeizelle Iokia-Thompson, Shania Kim), 4:37.0; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 4:37.5; 3. ‘Alapa Hoe, 4:40.4.
Boys 18 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Nayton Kuresa, John Ganer Jr., Blaise Gonzales, Alaka`i Kauhane-Kaaekuahiwi, Kelton Moniz, Maka Popa), 8:35.4; 2. Kaneohe, 8:54.9; 3. ‘Alapa Hoe, 8:58.0.
Women Novice A — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Kawehi DePonte, Emalia Kaauwai, Charlee Keliikoa, Leichelle Iokia, Nikki Carlson, Shel Borders), 4:37.6; 2. I Mua, 4:51.9
Men Novice A — 1. Kamehameha (Mathew Gonser, Samuel Yiluy, Donilo Torres, John Garland, Brett Sharp, Timothy Chang), 8:15.9; 2. I Mua, 8:44.1; 3. Kaneohe, 8:46.6.
Women Novice B — 1. I Mua (Tiffany De Vincent, Christina Anzai, Mariana Monasi, Sofia Mustelin, Jessica Au, Quiana Knight), 2:10.7; 2. Olelo O Keola, 2:17.4; 3. Waikiki Beach Boys, 2:17.9.
Men Novice B — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Jr. Kamaile, Kale Cambra, Hoku Mayural, Kanoa Matutino, Adam McEnroe-Pastor, Jay Hinojosa), 3:48.1; 2. Kamehameha, 3:55.6; 3. Waikiki Beach Boys, 3:57.7.
Mixed Novice B — 1. Olelo O Keola (Tesia Laboy, Alan Banas, Branon Rountree, Tiahna Cuban, Ilima Cummings, Freddy Pasion), 1:58.0; 2. Kaneohe, 1:59.8; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 2:00.7.
Women Freshmen — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Shir Suez, Dana Gorecki, Laura Birse, Sunshine Smith, April Nakayama, Rachel Orange), 9:05.2; 2. Kamehameha, 9:25.4; 3. North Shore, 9:46.0
Men Freshmen — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Elton Dubois, Twain Newhart, Joe Giovannini, Jaymar Bucasas, Kendal Tanigawa, Lale Turcan), 8:00.6; 2. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 8:15.4.
Women Sophomore — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Miyoko Sawai, Frances Lichowski, Carla Houser, Kelly Godwin, Janelle Komatsu, Erin Gerwig), 8:54.9; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 9:49.9; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 9:55.0.
Men Sophomore — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Scott Vierra, Keola Wright, David Fuga, Glenn Williams, Moku Sanborn, Daniel Aitchison), 8:01.0; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 8:39.7; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 8:44.0.
Women Senior — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Alanna Bender, Dana Gorecki, Kelsa Gabehart, Jessica Kaawa, Terri Rivero, Chelsea Bizik), 13:03.9; 2. Kaneohe, 14:53.3; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 15:07.6.
Men Senior — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Franco Arango, Charles Meyer, Joe Giovannini, Kendal Tanigawa, J Donovan, Kulani Ryan), 11:52.7; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 11:58.1; 3. I Mua, 12:19.7.
Women 40 — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Kimberly Ivey, Terri Rivero, Anuschka Faucci, Simina Van Clief, Sue Brown, Alexia Lopez), 4:19.3; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 4:31.1; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 4:32.3.
Men 40 — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (J Donovan, John Moore, Damon Sweazy, Todd Finlayson, Jim Coco, Eric Lentz), 8:14.0; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 8:23.6; 3. Kaneohe, 8:24.9.
Mixed 40 — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Damon Sweazy, Sue Brown, Jim Coco, Alexia Lopez, Eric Lentz, Kimberly Ivey), 4:04.1; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 4:07.3; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 4:11.8.
Mixed 45 — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Julie Gomersall, Thomas Schlotman, Alberta Guzman, Mandy Ojeda, Leleo Kinimaka, John Hoogsteden), 4:10.4; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 4:18.6; 3. Kaneohe, 4:29.2.
Women 50 — 1. North Shore (Victoria Ferrante, Folly Murdock, Deidre M. Erickson, Kimberly Walsh, Bridget Bourdeau, Judy Deal), 4:37.4; 2. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 4:44.9; 3. Kaneohe, 4:47.9.
Men 50 — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Derek Leeloy, Leleo Kinimaka, Greg Pavao, Thomas Schlotman, DJ Oga, Sam Alama), 3:49.5; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 4:04.2; 3. I Mua, 4:14.2.
Women 55 — 1. Kaneohe (Joanie Ishiki, Renee Smith, Beryl Parrilla, Lois Lake, Pam Kuehl, KC Kaaihue), 4:52.7; 2. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 5:02.8; 3. Manu O Ke Kai, 5:09.0.
Men 55 — 1. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club (Carl Evensen, Michael Tosaki, Barney Robinson, David Hartzog, Billy Foytich, David Wadsworth), 4:01.3; 2. Olelo O Keola, 4:18.8; 3. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 4:27.3.
Mixed 55 — 1. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club (Stacy Evensen, Karen Spellmeyer, Alis Rasmussen, Barney Robinson, David Wadsworth, Carl Evensen), 4:14.5; 2. Kaneohe, 4:17.8; 3. Olelo O Keola, 4:42.6.
Women 60 — 1. Kaneohe (KC Kaaihue, Annette Myers, Cynthia Hopkins, Lyn Dubbs, Harriette Davidson, Lois Lake), 4:49.2; 2. Manu O Ke Kai, 5:03.9; 3. Olelo O Keola, 5:10.8.
Men 60 — 1. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i (Andrew Gilman, Bob O`Neill, Bruce DeSoto, Flyn Hawaiian DeSoto, Eric Soo, Tom/ Tommy Kealiinohomoku), 4:01.5; 2. Lokahi, 4:03.7; 3. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 4:07.4.
Mixed 60 — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Yolanda Racca, Joe Scallon, Debi Kelly, James Peerson, Linda Cox, Ete Savini), 4:38.3; 2. Lokahi, 4:52.8; 3. Kaneohe, 4:58.3.
Women 65 — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Jeanne Dilcher, Peggy Cutting, Patricia Shephard, Carol Hetland, Dawn Peerson, Lee Higgins), 5:35.4; 2. Na Keiki O Ka Mo`i, 6:09.5.
Men 65 — 1. Lokahi (Marshall Giddens, Wayne Babineau, Ka’ai Fernandez, Lee Buhre, Jeff Hunt, Mort Watson), 4:08.8; 2. Ka Mamalahoe Canoe Club, 4:20.1; 3. Windward Kai, 4:51.6.
Women Open Four — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Traci Bush, Cindy Takazono, Eko Lapp, Jessica Kaawa), 4:46.8; 2. I Mua, 4:53.5; 3. Kaneohe, 4:56.2.
Men Open Four — 1. Manu O Ke Kai (Thomas Rubel, Darryl Ah Mau, Michael Kauakahi, Robert Pactol), 4:08.7; 2. I Mua, 4:15.3; 3. Kamehameha, 4:17.0.
Mixed Men and Women — 1. Waikiki Beach Boys (Franco Arango, Kulani Ryan, Carl Bayaca, Kelsa Gabehart, Alanna Bender, Chelsea Bizik), 3:55.8; 2. I Mua, 4:00.2; 3. Kaneohe, 4:03.9.