PVS Newsletter / September 2006
Aloha e Na Holomoana,
On behalf of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, we are proud to present our new monthly electronic newsletter. The intent is to keep our voyaging `ohana abreast of Hokule`a’s progress, as well as the current and future projects of PVS. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or wish to update us on any other voyaging aspects, please feel free to contact us @ pvshawaii@hawaiiantel.net …we’ll be more than willing to share your news with everyone.
Mahalo Nunui, PVS Staff
Beloved Friend of Hokule`a, Bob Krauss, Passes Away at 82
It is with great sorrow that PVS wishes to inform you of the passing of Bob Krauss, a beloved storyteller, journalist, and crewmember/friend of Hokule`a.
Honolulu Advertiser Library. June 27, 200
Bob, an animated and rambunctious reporter, would have celebrated his 55th anniversary working for the Honolulu Advertiser this coming Oct. 15th. During his career, Bob wrote 8,000 columns for the Advertiser, primarily referring to Hawaii and Polynesia’s post-contact history, as well as Hawaii’s Maritime history, including the endeavors of Hokule`a, as a crewmember on the Tahiti – Cook Island leg (Aug. – Sept.1985) of the Voyage of Rediscovery. He passed away on Sunday, Sept. 10th, due to complications associated with his triple by-pass surgery. Services will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24th at 4:00pm, on the historic Falls of Clyde (an oil clipper built in 1878, which Krauss assisted in raising funds to restore the historic vessel). If you wish to attend the services, accommodations will be available along the dockside of the vessel. Click here for the Bob Krauss Research Index.
Hokule`a – “The Legacy” (A Musical Tribute CD) The concert was a musical tribute to Hokule`a, and her 30 years of voyaging. Now, you can share those memories in an authentic compilation CD featuring songs and chants of Hokule`a – Hawaii’s beloved treasure.
The album was produced by Ken Makuakane, and features an array of local artists, including some of the Kamehameha Schools students and alumni, and Eddie Aikau singing a song he wrote about Hokule`a. This CD is, “an expression of the commitment, courage, and achievement that Hokule`a represents.”
If you wish to pick up a copy for your own collection, for a mere donation of $20.00, please feel free to stop by the PVS office in the Hawaii Maritime Center, or contact the PVS office: (808) 536-8405.
Updated Website & Hotline
PVS is proud to announce a new comprehensive website, with current and archival information on Hokule`a and her numerous voyages, including the upcoming voyages in 2007 Ku Holo Mau (“Sail On, Sail Always, Sail Forever”) to Micronesia, and Ku Holo La Komohana (“Sail On to the Western Sun”) to Japan. We are also proud to announce a new hotline service. This automated phone system will give daily/weekly updates on Hokule`a, to provide information on her status and location. Mahalo nui loa to Dennis Kawaharada for resuming his position as webmaster, and to Ramona Ontiveros for activating and maintaining our new hotline.
If you wish to gather current information on any aspect of Hokule`a, her voyages, and/or educational prospects, visit the new website @ http://www.pvs.hawaii.org.
Hokualaka‘i Makes a Successful Splash!!!
During high tide on Thursday, September 7th, Hokualaka`i (the wa`a kaulua built for the `Aha Punana Leo Program in Hilo) was successfully launched back into the water after a summer of dry dock and maintenance.
A key component to her successful re-entry to the water was attributed to the brand new trailer designed and built by Uncle Jerry Ongies and Jeff Lansdown, as well as a handful of Hokualaka`i crew members and volunteers. On behalf of the Hokualaka`i crew, we would like to thank those who participated in Hokualaka`i’s dry dock & successful splash date. And, we would like to extend a special “Mahalo” to Kevin Akana and Akana Trucking, for launching the canoe.
Hōkūalaka‘i Statistics
- Length (overall): 57’
- Beam: 17’
- Mast: 42’
- Spar: 48’
- Displacement: 7 tons
- Steering sweep: 17’
- Auxiliary power: 25 HP 4 stroke
- Solar panels charges electrical systems
- Seven main ‘Iako/cross pieces and one forward spreader.
- Sails: 850 square feet available (main with 2 jibs)
Voyage Update – Dry-dock
Mahalo nunui to the handful of volunteers who have joined us so far, in our efforts to prepare Hokule`a for Micronesia and Japan in 2007. There is still much to do in an extremely short timeframe. Hokule`a is scheduled to leave in early January. We need as much kokua from our voyaging ‘ohana as possible. Papa Mau has done a great service for our communities and our people, so please help us fulfill his simple request of Hokule’a guiding his canoe home to Satawal… She will be in dry dock through the first week of November. If you wish to assist with Hokule`a’s restoration and preparation for the voyage, or know of anyone interested in participating, please contact the PVS office: (808) 536-8405, or the new PVS hotline: (808) 537-3209 for more details.
Malama Wa‘a 2006
Polynesian Voyaging Society Membership
2007 is looming just beyond the horizon. In order to reach our future destinations, PVS is asking each crew member to renew their annual membership, to financially support Hokule`a in her future endeavors. Please kokua, and encourage your friends and family to join our extended ‘ohana, as well.