Six degrees of separation? When it comes to those living in Hawaii, it often feels more like three.
And when it comes to Hawaii’s great tradition of water sports, there is none. The ocean that surrounds the islands connects everyone.
That water lifestyle was celebrated Thursday night — the eve of Duke Kahanamoku’s 122nd birthday — with the induction of the Hawaii Waterman Hall of Fame’s third class at Outrigger Canoe Club. The waters off Waikiki were malie (calm) as if to welcome the newest members with a gentle embrace: Ricky Grigg, Archie Kalepa, Brian Keaulana, the late Michael Tongg and four “Royal Surfing Ali‘i” in Prince David Kawananakoa, Prince Edward Keli‘iahonui, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole and Princess Ka‘iulani.
“It is a great honor, joining those who have perpetuated the waterman lifestyle,” said Keaulana, recognized for surfing and ocean safety. “To be with my dad (Buffalo Keaulana), Nappy (Napoleon) and the others is an honor you never expect but are greatful for.”
It’s much like the experience he and Kalepa had in 2007 when traveling to Australia. At the Freshwater Surf Club, where Duke Kahanamoku first introduced surfing Down Under in 1915, the two were allowed to carry Kahanamoku’s handcarved pine board that is normally kept in a glass case.
“It was heavy, about 150 pounds,” Keaulana said. “You could imagine seeing Duke surfing, with that young girl he first took out with him. We touched a piece of history.”
“A night like tonight recognizes how our culture in Hawaii is tied to the ocean,” said former world champion surfer Fred Hemmings, one of the inaugural inductees in 2010 and emcee of Thursday’s event. “Hawaii’s great contributions to the world are the traditional Hawaiian water sports: surfing and paddling, and this event celebrates the men and women who made those contributions.
“A night like tonight reminds us how the great things in life you can’t buy. That common bond of the ocean is priceless.”
No one knew that more that Tongg, who died in 2007. He was involved with outrigger canoe paddling locally and globally, serving as president of the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association and the Polynesian Voyaging Society, winning three Molokai Hoe races with Waikiki Surf Club and sailing on Hokule‘a.
“It’s so nice that they would remember him like this; we feel very privileged,” Tongg’s widow, Jan, said. “Mike would be so proud. I know he’s smiling up there.”
“It’s a blessing,” added Tongg’s son Michael Jr. “My dad did what he did because he loved the water. What he did for international paddling opened my eyes. It’s such an honor to have him recognized with so many people like Duke Kahanamoku and Nainoa (Hokule‘a navigator Thompson, a 2010 inductee).”
Grigg was recognized for his contributions as a big-wave rider and oceanographer. He is professor emeritus of oceanography at the University of Hawaii.
Kalepa, head of Maui Ocean Rescue and Safety, was recognized for surfing, standup paddling and ocean safety contributions. His big-wave exploits include surfing Peahi, better known as Jaws; he was the first to cross the Ka‘iwi Channel from Molokai to Oahu on a stand-up paddleboard; and he also sailed on Hokule‘a.
The event, attended by some 500, served as a fundraiser for the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation. It was co-sponsored by ODKF and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
