Johnson steps up to buoy voyaging society

Jack Johnson is using his celebrity status to help raise funds for a worthy cause yet again.

With assistance from fellow Hawaii-based musicians Paula Fuga and Chucky Boy Chock, Johnson has embarked on a mission to raise $75,000 in support of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Those who donate $2 via crowdfunding website RallySong.com will be able to download "Na Ho‘okele Opiopio," a digital-only single written by Chock and recorded in honor of the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage.

"The Polynesian discovery of islands throughout the Pacific Ocean was one of humanity’s most amazing achievements," Johnson said in a news release. "With the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage, we have a new generation of navigators exploring the Earth and bringing people together to find a sustainable future. We are proud to support them with this song."

The single, whose title translated into English is "The Young Navigators," is just one of the perks available to contributors. Anyone who donates will be eligible to win an ukulele signed by Johnson and a mahogany alaia surfboard made of reclaimed wood from the support brace for the deck of the original Hokule‘a.

As of Wednesday, 25 of 50 autographed Jack Johnson CDs were still available for a $30 contribution, while 28 of 50 signed copies of Johnson’s "En Concert" vinyl release were available for $50.

Other remaining perks include a limited-edition, Hokule‘a-inspired T-shirt and membership in the Polynesian Voyaging Society ($75 for women’s shirts, $76 for men’s), a Hello Makana Basket of Aloha ($150), limited-edition photographic prints ($250) and a limited-edition poster from the historic 1976 Hokule‘a voyage that started it all.

And while a $15,000 Papa He‘e Nalu medium alaia surfboard was already snatched up, one lucky contributor will be able to scoop up a large alaia surfboard for a $25,000 donation.

"Across the globe, there are young people with the courage to set a new course and protect our natural environment," Polynesian Voyaging Society President Nainoa Thompson said in the release. "They are our leaders and navigators, whether they are on canoes or not, and we hope this campaign will provide a way for more people to join our voyage."

The online campaign will run until April 25. All proceeds raised will benefit the voyaging society, which plans to travel from New Zealand to Australia and South Africa during 2015.

It has been 40 years since Hokule‘a embarked on its maiden voyage from Kaneohe Bay. The Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage will see the traditional Hawaiian canoe and its sister canoe, Hikianalia, cover 47,000 nautical miles and call upon 85 ports in 26 nations before completing its journey in 2017.