Hawaii Beat
Star-Bulletin staff
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Surfing icon Aikau remembered
The opening ceremony for the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational in memory of Eddie Aikau was held yesterday at Waimea Bay. Aikau lost his life while trying to paddle off for help to rescue his crewmates and the capsized Hokulea canoe in 1978, and the invite-only event that runs when the waves at the bay consistently reach in the 30- to 40-foot-face range celebrates the life of the iconic lifeguard and big-wave surfer.
Among this year's 28 invitees are Aikau's younger brother, Clyde Aikau (Hawaii), record eight-time world champion Kelly Slater (Florida), Ross Clarke-Jones (Australia) and Bruce Irons (Hawaii). All are former winners of the event, with Irons winning the last time it was held in 2004.
While Mother Nature doesn't meet the strict size requirements every winter, the waiting period runs from Dec. 1 through Feb. 29 this season. If it does run, the winner will receive $55,000.
Hawaii-Pacific foundation to honor 2
The Hawaii-Pacific Tennis Foundation will honor Christine Muraoka and Douglas Char at its annual awards banquet on Dec. 14.
Muraoka, a Punahou seventh grader, was named the junior of the year. Char was named the volunteer of the year.
The foundation's banquet will take place at the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel. Event tickets are $45. Call 677-1334 or e-mail beede@hawaiitennis.org.
Haar is conference player of year
Brigham Young-Hawaii dominated the All-PacWest soccer team after capturing its first women's league title.
Seasiders senior forward Jill Haar was named player of the year and Justin Wagar earned coach of the year honors.
Haar was joined on the All-PacWest first team by teammates Sarah Norton and Kristina Nibley, both repeat honorees. BYUH freshman Becky Ploeger was named goalkeeper of the year.
Also earning first-team honors were Hawaii-Hilo's Kelly White, Hawaii Pacific's Jamie Hirai and Chaminade's Marisa Faye.
Seasiders freshman forward Sarah Welty shared newcomer of the year honors with Vulcans' frosh midfielder Vanessa Butin of Waipahu, who also was a second-team NCAA Division II Far West Region pick.