Two Senior Races Added to Canoe Event Sheet

The 2012 MCHCA season kicks off with the John M. Lake Regatta on June 2, at Kahului Harbor. Photo by Mahina Martin.

By Rodney S. Yap

The Maui County Hawaiian Canoe Association is adding a pair of senior races, for men and women 65-years-old and older.

The two new races will give the association’s regattas a 45-event total, beginning in June when the 2012 MCHCA season starts. The races will also be added to the state canoe championships at Keehi Lagoon on Aug. 4.

MCHCA has ten member canoe clubs and over 1,700 registered paddlers. An all-volunteer organization, MCHCA conducts seven canoe regattas over the summer.

Rulan Waikiki, president of MCHCA, and Mahina Martin, race director for MCHCA, will be radio guests on the Maui Breakfast Club radio show on Friday, May 18, to discuss the addition of the new races. Waikiki and Martin will also be discussing the annual scholarship awards given to a graduating senior who is a member of a canoe club, and the impact of the sport to the community.