Hui Wa‘a O Waiakea’s women novice A paddlers carried Ira Kekaualua’s feisty spirit, and fought hard for a bronze medal at the 10th annual Aunty Maile Mauhili/Moku O Hawaii championships.
But third place wasn’t worth enough points to secure a lane for the Hawaii Canoe Racing Association state championships, and no other crew from Kekaualua’s club qualified either.
“It is what it is,” said Ira Kekaualua Jr., the club’s coach and founder’s son.
His 79-year-old dad is in declining health, slowed by emphysema. But even when Kekaualua is at death’s door, he’s not going down without a fight.