Ala Wai Challenge honors legends of canoe culture

By Tanya Bricking
Advertiser Staff Writer

THOMPSON: Revitalized voyaging society in '70s 17th Annual Ala Wai Challenge In honor of Myron "Pinky" Thompson and Wright Bowman Sr. 8 a.m., Jan. 20 Ala Wai Community Park Free 923-1802 Canoe races, games, food and entertainment

The 17th annual Ala Wai Challenge will recognize two legends at its Jan. 20 event, but one will be there in spirit only. Myron "Pinky" Thompson, who stepped forward in the late 1970s to revitalize the Polynesian Voyaging Society, died on Christmas after suffering from cancer.

Fellow honoree Wright Bowman Sr., a legendary wood craftsman and canoe builder, will reluctantly accept recognition at the event without his longtime friend.

"He's the one that should be honored, not me," Bowman said. "I'm just a small fry."

But Joan Naguwa, executive director of the Waikiki Community Center, said both men have been instrumental in perpetuating an understanding and respect for Hawaiian canoe traditions, value and culture.

Bowman has shared his talents of wood crafting, and Thompson's background as a social worker and dedication to early childhood education has mirrored the community center's mission, she said.

Last year's event drew about 800 people and honored one of Thompson's children, Nainoa, another leader in reviving Polynesian ocean wayfaring.

Proceeds from this year's event will go back to the community center, which hopes to raise $25,000 and create a community computer lab.

The event has always been more about having fun than raising money, said Jeff Apaka, the center's director of community relations.

Race day will begin at 8 a.m. with a double-hull canoe procession from the McCully bridge to the canoe halau, where the Royal Hawaiian Band will greet the canoes in song.

Companies are encouraged to sign up teams for the Annual Ala Wai Challenge. The free event includes canoe rides, games and food. Advertiser library photo • Jan. 23, 2000

The free, all-day event also will include canoe rides, Hawaiian land games such as such as ulu mai'ka (bowling) and o'o ihe (spear throwing), food, entertainment and a salute to police and firefighters.

Free parking will be available at the Ala Wai Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Ave.; the Ala Wai community park at the corner of McCully and Kapi'olani Blvd.; and at Tokai University, 2241 Kapi'olani Blvd.

Race winners will receive awards at a Jan. 25 ceremony at All Star Hawai'i, where oil paintings artist Mark Brown created of Myron "Pinky" Thompson and Bowman will be unveiled.

Reach Tanya Bricking at tbricking@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8026.