MEDIA RELEASE

The Moku O Hawai’i Outrigger Association will host the 2009 HCRA State Championship on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the Hilo Bay Canoe area in Hilo on the Island of Hawai’i. Opening ceremony will begin at 7:30 am and races will follow throughout the day.

A total of 57 halau from throughout the state are expected to participate in this year’s State Championship. Approximately 4,000 paddlers will compete in age group categories starting at 12 and under up through the kupuna 50, 55 and 60+ age groups. A total of 38 races are scheduled in male and female events. A special exhibition featuring young alternate paddlers 12 years of age and under is set to begin at 8:30 am with the HCRA Championship Event to follow at 9 a.m.

Associations from throughout the state include the Maui County Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, Oahu’s Hui Wa’a, the Garden Isle Canoe Racing Association and the Moku O Hawai’i Outrigger Association on Hawaii Island. Awards will be presented to the top three places in each age group race.

Food concessions will be available with an assortment of ono local style food being offered for sale. Items on the menu include Hawaiian Plate, Steak Plate, Mexican Food, and a wide variety of snacks, sandwiches and salads. Craft and vendor booths will offer unique novelties and souvenirs for sale ranging from t-shirts to paddles.

Parking will be available at the Canoe parking lot and at the Soccer Field across from the Canoe area on Kamehameha Avenue. A temporary crosswalk with traffic lights and police officer will be on duty to ensure the safety of all pedestrians. We ask that the public use caution when driving in this area.

The County of Hawaii Parks & Recreation Department would like to recognize the collaboration of government agencies on the Island of Hawaii, including Hawaii County Civil Defense, the Parks & Recreation’s Maintenance Division, Hawaii County Mass Transit, Hawaii Police Department, Hawaii Fire Department, the Public Works Department, the State Land & Natural Resources Department, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, State Parks Division, the Conservation and Resource Enforcement Division, the Department of Transportation and the State Highways Division.