KAUA'I NEEDS OUR HELP
Early last week Hurricane Lowell caused significant destruction across Kaua’i, affecting our neighboring island community in a way that was eerily reminiscent of Hurricane Iniki in 1992.
Coastal areas saw winds between 50-80 mph, with nearly 36 inches of rainfall over three days. Almost the entire island’s power was knocked out, which has slowly come back online over the past week.
After the Maui wildfires in 2023, the Kaua’i community showed up in a big way for Maui. We would like to show up for Kaua’i now, as we know firsthand the process for rebuilding after such widespread damage will take time.
Kaiola's fleet of OC1s and V1s for their Na Opio youth paddling program that were damaged by Hurricane Lowell
Damage to Kaiola's hale where their canoes and equipment are stored
We hope to see their club back on the water in no time!
Kaiola's fleet of OC1s and V1s for their Na Opio youth paddling program that were damaged by Hurricane Lowell
"Kūpa’a" is the word that came to mind, which means steadfast, loyal, or to stand firm. We have
no doubt that the community of Kaua’i will come together and support one another while they rebuild, and we will be donating all proceeds to Kaua'i Canoe Clubs' to help repair the damages and and replace a significant numbers of canoes that were destroyed in the storm.
One such club is Kaiola Canoe Club at Niumalu beach. If you haven’t had the gift of knowing Uncle Wade and Aunt Mitzi, they have been longtime supporters of Kai Wa’a, Kai, and the Bartlett Ohana for many many years. Uncle Wade purchased one of the very first Hydras in Hawai’i, sight unseen, for his belief in Kai’s designs. With your help we will make a donation to their club along with several others who experienced significant damage to structures and equipment.
We are getting these up as a pre-order and will get the first batch ready
to pick up or ship soon.
Mahalo to the paddling community for always having each other’s backs,
we are so lucky to be a part of it.
100% of proceeds from this Kūpa'a Kaua'i Trucker Hat will go to help Kaua'i Canoe Clubs rebuild after Hurricane Lowell. With significant damage to canoes, hales and equipment we hope to help ease some of the financial burden these clubs will face in the coming months.