×
– / 1
Image not found: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/sites/hawaiitribune-herald.com/files/styles/thumbnail/public/field/image/1790866_web1_IMG_3970.jpg?itok=9cGhfIq-
Image not found: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/sites/hawaiitribune-herald.com/files/styles/article600/public/field/image/1790866_web1_IMG_3970.jpg?itok=Sipz7kZ_
By KEVIN JAKAHI Hawaii Tribune-Herald
As if on cue, new-look Kai Opua enters the Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association regatta season as the heavy favorite.
The West Hawaii powerhouse has won the last eight A Division (21-42 events) titles. Puna beat Kai Opua, 161 to 132 points, for the championship in 2006, the last time someone got in the way.
The season kicks off Saturday at Kailua Bay with Kai Ehitu’s “Papa” Kimitete regatta in honor of late club founder Bernard Kimitete, a master wood carver and Polynesian traditionalist.