LIHU‘E — Jazzlynn Kawai Pascua of the Kilohana Canoe Club will represent Kaua‘i Na ‘Opio paddlers at the Hawaiian Canoe Racing
Association state races in Hilo.
Pascua, along with four other finalists, one from each of the canoe clubs on the island, were each honored with a medal commemorating their selection to represent their respective club from Kaua‘i during a special ceremony at the Garden Island Canoe Racing Association Championships, Saturday in Hanalei.
Each GICRA canoe club submitted one Na ‘Opio paddler with a committee selecting Pascua to represent Kaua‘i, states a newsletter from the GICRA.
“These Na ‘Opio have shown that they are valu-able to their club by being the best they can be. The committee selection was based on motivation, attitude, leadership ability, and their commitment to the mission of Outrigger Canoe Paddling,” the newsletter states.
Pascua, 15, has been paddling with Kilohana since she was 11 years old and her determination and enthusiasm is an inspiration to everyone, the Kilohana
paddler’s nomination
states.
“At almost 16, she has developed as an excellent team leader and captain. Kawai is tops on our list as a triple A, Kilohana’s way of evaluating its paddlers — Attendance, Attitude and Ability,” the form states.
During the GIRCA championship race, Pascua was a part of the Kilohana Girls 15 and Under team that topped its race on a paddle of 4:30.31, more than seven seconds faster than second finisher Hanalei (4:37.85).
That performance was matched by the Kilohana Boys 15 team that took its race on a 4:11.63 paddle, almost three seconds ahead of Hanalei (4:14.64).
One parent noted that the Kilohana Na ‘Opio Girls 15 team has been strong throughout the season, taking first in all of its regattas heading into the championship.
Other nominees include Sinuanua Potts, 14, who has been paddling with the Koloa Outrigger Canoe Club since she was 5 years old.
Dayna Kluahike, 18, of the Kaiola Canoe Club has been paddling for four years and developed into a Na ‘Opio captain, being described as “been a role model to other paddlers and her involvement is a great asset to our club.”
Sierra Boro-Harada, 18, assists in keeping the Hanalei Canoe Club keiki focused through her positive attitude and tough prescense while demonstrating a humble aloha spirit.
The HCRA state championships will be run on Aug. 1 in Hilo, Hawai‘i.
