As canoe paddling becomes more and more popular around the islands, attention is now on the two races from Molokai to Oahu, sponsored by Bank of Hawaii this fall. Deft stroke
helps paddlersBut this year, they were in trouble, until Maui County Mayor Linda Lingle helped out.
If you steer for http://holoholo.org/wahine/97wahine/nw970905.html you will find out about the problem and how Lingle resolved it.
Organizers said nearly 1,000 people would need to be taken 15 miles from Molokai's west end hotels to remote Hale O Lono harbor where the canoes are rigged and launched for the start.
But this year there were a series of problems.
So they called Lingle's office and explained their plight.
"When she found out they were stuck, she was concerned," said spokesman George Kaya. "This is a big race and she really wanted to help. So her office is providing portable luas and a flatbed truck with portable sound equipment."
The women's race will be held Sept. 28, with the men following next. Full results of both will be on the Internet.
"Home on the Web" is a weekly Friday feature of the Star-Bulletin.
Richard Borreca can be reached by e-mail at rborreca@pixi.com