PHOTOS: Albee Layer’s Ho’okipa Innersection Celebration

By Madeline Ziecker

Friends and family of Albee Layer enjoying free giveaways and talking story. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

Local pro surfer Albee Layer celebrated his recent $100,000 Innersection win with friends and fans at Ho’okipa Beach Park’s first pavilion on Saturday, April 29.

The event began at noon with tons of free giveaways from Layer’s sponsors including hats, stickers, shirts, and posters that were signed by Layer and his best friend Matt Meola – winner of last year’s Innersection $100,000 grand prize.

Another freebie that “stoked” local groms and moms alike was the re-appearance of the old – but not forgotten – Kuau Mart signature shoyu chicken and spam musubi, home-made by the Kuau Mart crew.

Albee Layer. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

Kuau Mart owner Leona Nomura said that even though Kuau Mart is closed and their shoyu chicken is off the north shore menu, “Today we made the most shoyu chicken we have ever made since we opened the store years ago, but only for these boys (Layer and Meola). They’ve been coming to the store and grinding on shoyu chicken since they were little, and we just love to support them back.”

After bellies were full with nostalgic local treats and everyone had drank enough free Rockstar energy drinks to start a revolution, Layer and friends charged Ho’okipa’s waters to surf on one of the most beautiful north shore days of the season.

The afternoon celebration was sponsored by ERGO, High Tech, Rockstar Energy Drink, XCEL, Dakine, and S.O.S.

Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	Kuau Mart's signature shoyu chicken. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD Previous Kuau Mart owner and matriarch of the Nomura family, Leona Nomura. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	Albee Layer's proud parents. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.
Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	Photo by Madeline Ziecker.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD Matt Meola. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.	Photo by Madeline Ziecker.