John Puakea spends endless hours making sure his kayaks are in good shape. Photo by Craig T. Kojima, Star-Bulletin

The Kaneohe canoe paddler-turned-boat builder has brought 10 of his kayaks to the waters of the Olympic canoe-kayak venue northeast of Atlanta for use by the U.S. canoe-kayak sprint team. It took nearly 10 years, but Puakea has finally reached his goal of getting to the Games.

"I've been hired to be in charge of renting the 70 new boats to all the competitors," said Puakea, whose official title is Senior Supervisor of Sports Equipment. "Out of the 20 I brought with me, 10 I made. They're light kayaks of the Von Heussen mold, about 170 pounds, and perfect for the younger kids.

"It's exciting for me. I've been to the (U.S. team) trials but this will be the first time at the Olympics."

About 10 years ago, Puakea had hoped to be competing internationally for the U.S. in kayaking. His failure at making the American team led to his getting involved in coaching, first with the Hawaii Canoe/Kayak Team and later with the U.S junior national team.

Puakea was offered the job as U.S. development coach, but turned it down because it meant he'd have to leave Hawaii and live in San Diego at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.

"There's nowhere in the world like Hawaii and I couldn't see living anywhere else," said the 34-year-old. "People here are much more real than on the mainland. There are still strong family values and, of course, it's a beautiful place surrounded by a beautiful ocean.

"When we take our (HCKT) kids to the nationals, they are top-shape compared to the other clubs. They are respectful, have good manners and are humble, even when they win. They're kinder, gentler and better."

With folks like Puakea, Billy Whitford, Bob Rocheleau, Rosie Lum and Daryl Hara behind the program, the Hawaii Canoe/Kayak Team has developed a strong reputation and tradition for excellence and talent.

Half a dozen HCKT paddlers were competing at the world junior national trials in New York this week with at least three expected to be named to the U.S. team which will compete in Europe later this summer.

"It's been nice to see the growth of our program in Hawaii," said Puakea. "We can no longer sneak through a competition on the mainland. We show up and everyone knows we're there. They respect us.

"Our mission is simple and this is what I tell the kids. One, have a great time. Two, go out and kick butt, but be humble. No waving the paddles at the end of a race. Deal with winning or losing graciously. Three, put on a good show."

Hawaii has three kayakers at Lake Lunier in Mike Harbold, Peter Newton and Traci Phillips. A fourth, Dru Van Hengle, trained in HCKT program before moving back to New Jersey.

"We have a number of the top athletes in the nation," said Puakea. "We've got a hotbed of talent. But, unfortunately, the kids train hard here in high school then go to the mainland were they get lost in college because the sport isn't there. Intercollegiate kayaking would be a step in the right direction. It would move the U.S. right up on the charts with the rest of the world."

Intercollegiate kayaking doesn't exist. Neither does something that Puakea calls essential for Hawaii paddlers: an international-caliber water sports training center.

"We need a boathouse dedicated strictly for canoe and kayaking," said Puakea who, if he had his way, would locate it in Hawaii Kai. "We need a place where coaches can teach on a full-time basis. A high-

tech training center like the one in Canada where athletes can live and train, with meeting rooms to bring in experts and top-shape training rooms.

"Of course, we'd need funding. The state was originally helping (HCKT) out but the cutbacks ended that. U.S. Canoe/Kayak used to pay me (to coach) but they pulled out at the end of '94."

He estimates a training center, minimally, would need $20,000 in operation fees after being built, another $30,000 minimum for a coach. It's a costly dream, but he's optimistic that a window of opportunity will open.

Puakea, from a storied family of canoe builders - grandfather Robert and father Bobby - resisted making his own boats until the USCKT funding went dry.

"Kala (Kukea) kept bugging me to come out with my own boat," Puakea said of Hui Nalu's legendary waterman, who passed away last year. "Kala said if I could make a surfski with an adjustable seat, he would guarantee me the orders. That's how I got stuck doing 'skis.

"Actually, I'd love to go into woodworking. I love working with koa but that doesn't pay the bills."

He said he'd like to continue working with the HCKT but isn't sure if he'll stay with the program through the 2000 Games.

"I've learned a lot about the sport from a lot of people," he said. "I'm looking forward to learning even more at the Olympics so I can bring it back to Hawaii."

Age: 34.
Hometown: Kaneohe.
Occupation: Boat builder, kayak coach.
Olympic duty: Canoe/kayak senior supervisor of sports equipment.