Hokulea’s crew, supporters venture high above San Francisco to recall a common mission

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - After gliding underneath Golden Gate Bridge, crew members of the Hokulea and their supporters gathered at the SaleForce Tower to strengthen bonds and remember their common mission centered on heritage, culture and the environment.

“We are all connected to that water,” said Gregg Castro, culture director of the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone, at the event.

SaleForce Tower is the tallest building in San Francisco — with 62 stories. Its Ohana floor is surrounded by glass and 360-degree views of the Bay Area and its famous bridges.

Hokulea: Pacific Voyage

Inside, there are 130,000 species of plants, a tropical oasis above the city.

“I never get tired of this panorama. It’s so remarkable. It’s the world we love,” said Diane Walton, Dolphin Club president. “Hokulea is right down there. You can see it,” she added.

The Polynesian voyaging canoe was docked at the Hyde Street Pier at Fisherman’s Wharf.

“We are so excited to welcome the crew back. The Hokulea is on a different adventure this time around. It’s a big thing. It’s circumnavigating the Pacific,” Walton said.

“This is water we live and love in so we are so glad to be part of their journey,.”

Hydra Mendoza, SalesForce vice president and chief of strategic relationships, said having Hokulea in San Francisco “was just a really beautiful wonderful moment for us.”

Mendoza lived in Hawaii as a child.

Hokulea has brought her and other former island residents closer to home.

“The most important thing is to share experiences, to give people who are moving here (a chance to) connect through education, culture and business,” said Daryl Higashi, Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California Foundation president.

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