MEDIA ALERT

Sept. 13, 2000

Contact:Walter Guild, (808) 225-1629
Glenna Wong (808) 395-4321, (808) 291-4035


15TH ANNUAL KO OLINA RESORT & MARINA SKIPPY KAMAKAWIWO’OLE MEN’S INTERNATIONAL CANOE RACE SET FOR THIS SUNDAY

(Ko Olina Resort, Hawaii) — The 15th Annual Ko Olina Resort & Marina Skippy Kamakawiwo’ole Men’s International Outrigger Canoe Race will take place, as scheduled, this Sunday, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2001. The 32-mile race will start from Maunalua Bay (near Hawaii Kai Boat Ramp) in East Oahu, and finish at the Ko Olina Marina, located at Ko Olina Resort on Leeward, Oahu. Between 50 to 60 nine-man teams are expected to compete in this prestigious event. Details follow:

Event:Ko Olina Resort & Marina Skippy Kamakawiwo’ole Men’s International Outrigger Canoe Race
Date:Sunday, September 16, 2001
Start:9:00 a.m. sharp, Maunalua Bay (Hawaii Kai Channel)
Classifications: Crews of nine men
Koa: Divisions: Open
Glass: Divisions: Open, Masters 35+, and Masters 45+
Finish:Approx. 12:30 — 2:30 p.m., Ko Olina Marina

Parking/Access:Designated public parking is available for a fee, coordinated by The Polynesian Voyaging Society. Shuttles will be available from the designated parking site to the event site only at Lagoon #4

Further Information:http://www.rhinohawaii.com/skippy2001

The course begins off the outside channel marker of Maunalua Bay (Hawaii Kai blinker buoy), between two flags. Crews will head west rounding the Diamond Head buoy and continue around Barbers Point to an orange buoy off the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina.

The teams will then round the orange buoy clockwise 180 degrees and return to the south end of Ko Olina Resort, and finish between two flags at the entrance to the new Ko Olina Marina. Crews and canoes will utilize the Ko Olina Marina boat ramp for off-loading.

According to race director Walter Guild, “The Skippy Kamakawiwo’ole Men’s International Outrigger Canoe Race uses the State of Hawaii’s official sport as a bridge between the people of East and West Oahu communities through participation of a cultural and athletic activity. This year, we are dedicating the race to the victims, their family and friends of the recent tragedies that took place in New York, Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh. We urge the public in joining us on Sunday to support the strength of our nation, and encourage peace between all mankind.”

This year’s race is being held in conjunction with the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s “Ho ‘oilina Mau — Enduring Legacy”, a free Family Fun Day filled with live entertainment, games and interactive educational activities for the keiki, exhibits, crafts, and local foods. Visitors can tour the Hokule’a, Hawai’iloa, and other voyaging canoes and talk to Hokule`a navigators and crewmembers.

Ho’oilina Mau will begin at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Ko Olina Resort & Marina — Lagoon #4.

The Skippy Kamakawiwo’ole Men’s International Outrigger Canoe Race is being sponsored by Ko Olina Resort & Marina, Brookfield Homes, TEAMBUILD Management, and is being produced by Rhino Event Marketing.

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