Na Wahine O Ke Kai gets new title sponsor

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii Modular Space, a company owned by former Outrigger Canoe Club paddler Michael Fox, reached an agreement yesterday to become the title sponsor for Na Wahine O Ke Kai wo-men's outrigger canoe race.

Fox did not reveal figures, saying only that Hawaii Modular "came close to the asking price" of $30,000 per year. He said his company will sponsor the Moloka'i-to-O'ahu race for at least three years.

"This is a special opportunity for us to become involved in an event that has become one of the signature events of Hawai'i," said Fox, who paddled and coached at Outrigger from 1975-95.

Na Wahine O Ke Kai had been seeking corporate assistance after Bank of Hawaii recently dropped out as title sponsor.

"My first thought was that it would be a tragedy for this event not to go on because it couldn't get support," Fox said. "I know how long and hard the paddlers train so I feel this is a prudent investment."

Hannie Anderson, director of Na Wahine O Ke Kai, said: "Thanks to Hawaii Modular, we are now able to move forward and continue running the race without any worries about making cuts."

What's more, Anderson said two other companies have agreed to provide smaller sponsorship for this year's race, scheduled for Sept. 29.

Hawaii Modular is a general contracting company that specializes in commercial modular buildings, mobile offices and storage facilities.

The men's Moloka'i Hoe has signed Hinano as its title sponsor, but is still seeking financial assistance. The Na Wahine O Ke Kai and Moloka'i Hoe are considered the world championships of outrigger canoe paddling.