To offer solace to communities in mourning, Hokulea will temporarily return to Hawaii
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO Nainoa Thompson announced Wednesday that Hokulea will return to Hawaii from California in the wake of the devastating fires.
He called Lahaina an “ocean powerhouse.”
“The level of hurt that’s happening in our home is something that I can’t comprehend. All I know is that we’ve got to come home,” said Thompson.
Hokulea is on a four-year journey circumnavigating the Pacific.
Thompson said Maui needs the inspiration and warmth that Hokulea will bring.
Special Section: Hokulea’s Pacific Voyage
“Over the years, great captains have come from that place, Abraham “Snake” Ah Hee, Archie Kalepa, Tim McGilliom, and great navigators and the great pwo navigator, Kalepa Baybayan and his daughter, Kala.”
Thompson also mentioned unprecedented weather patterns and the current El Nino phenomenon, unusually warm water in the Pacific increases the risk of hurricanes.
On Sunday, Hokulea was celebrated with a ceremonial arrival in San Francisco.
The voyaging canoe will return to Hawaii from San Diego in late December.
It’s unknown how long Hokulea will stay in Hawaii, but Thompson says the Moananuiakea voyage around the Pacific will still be completed.
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