Aloha Members of the Board,

We write as paddlers who believe deeply in the history, culture, and traditions of Hawaiian outrigger canoe racing.

Outrigger canoe paddling is far more than a recreational activity. It is a cultural practice that has been passed down through generations of Native Hawaiians. The racing program within the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association HCRA was founded to preserve, perpetuate, and honor Hawaiian canoe culture, traditions, and competition. Racing is not separate from our culture—it is one of the ways our culture continues to live.

As our club continues to grow, we believe the leadership responsible for directing the racing program should be made up primarily of individuals who possess deep knowledge of Hawaiian paddling traditions, racing, protocol, and the cultural values upon which this sport was built. Those entrusted with decisions affecting the racing program should understand not only how to organize races, but also the history, purpose, and responsibility that come with preserving this legacy.

This is not a criticism of those who have volunteered their time or served the club with good intentions. We appreciate every person who has positively contributed to the club. However, we believe the time has come for leadership of the racing program to be guided by those with strong cultural roots in Hawaiian canoe racing and extensive racing experience.

Therefore, we respectfully ask those Board members who do not possess this background, and whose primary interests are recreational paddling rather than Hawaiian racing, to voluntarily step aside from positions that govern the racing program. Doing so would allow individuals with the cultural knowledge, racing experience, and historical understanding necessary to lead the program into the future.

Our request is made in the respect, and aloha. We seek traditions that make Hawaiian canoe paddling unique. We believe this change would strengthen the club and ensure that future generations inherit a racing program that remains true to its Hawaiian roots.

This  letter is presently being circulated and signed as a petition signed by paddlers from throughout the Hawaiian Islands who share this vision. Their signatures will reflect a common belief that the leadership of Hawaiian canoe racing should remain firmly grounded in the culture, traditions, and values upon which HCRA was established.

We share this to place the long-term preservation of Hawaiian canoe racing and culture above all other interests.

Mahalo for your time.

Respectfully,

The Paddlers of Hawaiʻi