Hui introduces new leadership

Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua’s leadership includes (from left) Kaui Kahaialii, Myrna Ah Hee, Donora Kahaialii, Willie Kahaialii, Tim Gilliom, Makalapua Kanuha, Ed Baldwin, Mamo Hussey III, Kala Baybayan, Buddy Dapitan, Palani Wright, Bruce Wright and Kale Eldridge.
LAHAINA — Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua (Assembly of the Double-Hulled Canoe) named Myrna Felicilda Ah Hee its executive director and project manager, to help guide the building and care of its canoes and maintenance of Kamehameha Iki Park.
Ah Hee was born and raised in Lahaina and has been involved with canoes for many years. Her husband, Abraham “Snake” Ah Hee, is a well-known waterman and original crew member of the Hokule‘a voyaging canoe.
The hui’s leadership includes President Willie “Willie K” Kahaialii, Vice President Bruce Wright, Secretary Donora Kahaialii, Treasurer Makalapua Kanuha and Board Members Karl Eldridge, Tim Gilliom, Buddy Dapitan, Kaui Kahaialii, Palani Wright, Mamo Hussey III and Kala Baybayan.
Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua is based in Lahaina Town at 525 Front Street at Kamehameha Iki Park, also known as Armory Park.
Large huts house the canoes Mo‘olele, Mo‘okiha (under-construction) and Waipa.
Mo‘olele was built in 1975 and recently refurbished this year. The 42-foot-long canoe is a replica of the ancient voyaging double-hulled canoes.
Mo‘okiha is a 62-foot double-hulled voyaging canoe, similar to the voyaging canoe Hokule‘a, and will be capable of transoceanic voyages.
Waipa, a 33-foot single-hull sailing canoe, was built during the Festival of Canoes in 2006.
Hui O Wa‘a Kaulua welcomes community support for its ongoing efforts in Lahaina. Volunteers are sought for different projects; if you are interested, visit the hui or call 667-4050.
The hui is a Section 501(c)3 nonprofit cultural organization that, primarily through the life of canoes, is committed to preserving, protecting, perpetuating and teaching Hawaiian culture.
For more information, contact Myrna Ah Hee at 667-4050 or hhuiowaakaulua@hawaii.rr.com.