Hawaiians flyin’ all over the place

Maui’s Shane Victorino of the Los Angeles Dodgers isn’t the only "Flyin’ Hawaiian" in the major league sports world.

If you were lucky enough to see the final regular season game of the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts last Thursday, you would have heard the announcers referring to Roosevelt High grad Chad Owens that way, too.

Owens, a football standout at University of Hawaii who also played in the NFL and Arena Football League, set the pro football record for all-purpose yards in a single season — 3,863 — surpassing the 3,840 yards set by Mike "Pinball" Clemons in 1997.

CFL officials actually paused the game so they could honor Owens, who accepted the accolades in center field, accompanied by his wife, Rena, and their children, Chad Jr., Areana and Sierra-Lynn.

It was a proud moment for Owens and his family, as well as for his fans back here in Hawaii.

Ocean waters not a playground

Big surf, big sharks — it’s not a baby pool out there, folks. It’s the ocean, and it can be extremely dangerous.

Big surf is the easier danger to deal with, as waves can be easily seen. But, still, unless you’re an experienced surfer, they should be avoided, especially since they are accompanied by strong undercurrents, which can’t be seen but can drown you just the same.

Big sharks also are rarely seen — until it’s too late. Whatever the reason for their increased presence, learn about how to avoid them (Google "How to avoid shark attacks") and hope for the best.