Pu‘ali Koa Kahiko holds paddling sessions in Kihei and Kahului. A new trailer will help the program travel to other areas on Maui.

The highly revered Hawaiian philosophy of malama pono — to nurture in a motherly way that which is good and righteous — comes brightly to light with the recent blessing of two outrigger canoes by and for the benefit of Maui Vet Center members.

The event highlighted the efforts of Pu’ali Koa Kahiko (Brave Older Warriors), an organization set up to help heal Maui’s combat veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional maladies associated with military service.

Organization leader Wendall DeVera — a Vietnam War veteran and dedicated canoe paddler — joyously announced the blessing of two canoes to benefit combat veterans two weeks ago.

“The healing process uses outrigger canoes and becomes a journey for each of the veterans. Hawaiian outrigger canoes are not simply vehicles but are essential strands in the fabric of Hawaiian culture. Each canoe is a singular and constant reminder of Hawaiian history,” he explained.

“These warriors crossing the open ocean needed to work together with trust and camaraderie. These are the same essential elements central to the Pu’ali Koa Kahiko experience. These are the same values that veterans relate to their combat experience. This program uses a traditional physical activity in a team setting that puts no pressure on participants. The program affords the veterans the opportunity to participate in a true Hawaiian sport while relying on each other — a reliance that was a learned and imperative part of their military past.”

DeVera went on to say that the canoes, trailers, paddles, steering blades and other equipment — totaling over $73,000 — were acquired through the diligence of grant writer Dr. Don Weir and Academy of Hawaiian Music, Culture and the Arts Director Wayne Wong, the fiscal sponsor in the facilitation of the grant.

DeVera also praised the community efforts and sponsors, including Outrigger Zone, Tri Paddle Maui, Maui Vet Center, Bill Menich and many others.

“Through the support of the Maui Veterans Center, the program coordinates the center’s counselors/therapists — that are combat veterans themselves — who paddle as a part of the program.”

“Everyone works together in the canoe; paddlers experience a shared experience and behold nature in a one- of-a-kind, awesome setting. It is truly a cathartic experience for the modern Hawaiian warriors. One of our goals is to be able to cross the channel between Maui and Molokai.”

For more information about the paddling program, or to take part in the effort, contact the Maui Veterans Center at (808) 242-8557.