The Hui Nalu Canoe Club worked hard for its O'ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association victory yesterday, while most of the pesky, stinging jellyfish-like creatures at Ke'ehi Lagoon apparently took the day off.

Hui Nalu notched its first victory of the season at its own John D. Kaupiko Regatta, and canoe racing returned to Ke'ehi Lagoon for the first time since an invasion of stinging creatures forced the relocation of several regattas last month.

"From the beginning of the season, our goal was to win the Kaupiko Regatta," Hui Nalu coach Reney Ching said. "We worked real diligently towards this."

Hui Nalu won nine of 37 races, and finished with 78 points. Kailua placed second with 68 points followed by Hui Lanakila with 60 points and Lanikai with 59 points.

Few paddlers reported being stung yesterday, and organizers promised more regattas at Ke'ehi Lagoon, which is considered one of the best paddling venues on O'ahu because of its central location, calm water conditions and ample parking and restrooms.

"I didn't get any stings today," said Waimanalo paddler Frank Magsanide, who was one of several paddlers in the water holding canoes before the start of races. "The water was pretty clean today. It felt much cooler, it felt like it was circulating more."

About 2,000 paddlers from 17 O'ahu clubs competed in yesterday's daylong regatta.

Hui Nalu remained in contention for most of the day with victories in the boys 15s, girls 16s, novice A women, freshman men, junior men and the women 50s divisions.

After 31 races, Kailua held a 59-56 lead over Hui Nalu. But that lead would be shortlived as Hui Nalu outscored Kailua 22-9 in the next six races with victories in the men fours, women 40s and men 40s divisions.

"It was just teamwork," said Ching, whose club practices at Maunalua Bay in Hawai'i Kai. "It was hard work, but we did it as a club."

"Hui Nalu hung in there at the beginning part of the year," Kailua coach Jimmy Bruhn said. "They started to jell and they deserve this win today."

Hui Lanakila won the prestigious senior women's race with the crew of Jessie Eames, Michelle Bradley, Michelle Arnold, Arlene Holzman, Jen Von Ruden Pollard and Vi Coito. They completed the 1 1/2-mile course in 12 minutes, 44.50 seconds.

Lanikai won the senior men's race in 10:45.03 behind its crew of Ka'ai Bruhn, Aaron Creps, David Daniels, Jim Foti, John Foti and Andrew Penny.

Waimanalo won one race and scored 11 points to win the A Division for clubs with 17 crews or fewer.

OHCRA officials took extra precautions yesterday after the state Health Department and scientists reported finding small concentrations of the stinging jellyfish-like creatures this week. Officials offered a protective lotion for paddlers, and used a motor boat to ferry paddlers to and from shore. Most of the paddlers applied the lotion on their skin, but few used the motor boat transportation, opting to swim.

"The poor boat holders, they suffer so much, we gave them all free breakfast this morning," said Catherine Fuller of Hui Nalu. "Hopefully, the jellyfish are at the end of their lifecycle. We'll keep our fingers crossed."

Hannie Anderson, president of OHCRA, said the organization decided to host the regatta after being briefed by Watson Okubo of the Health Department's Clean Water Branch, Bishop Museum scientist Lu Eldredge and Waikiki Aquarium curator Jerry Crow.

"It was wonderful," Anderson said. "I looked out in the water, and sometimes there were 17 to 18 people in the water. This is a great indication that we'll have our OHCRA Championships (on Sunday) here."

Bruhn said he "wasn't too concerned" about stinging creatures at Ke'ehi Lagoon.

"I don't think our association would allow us to paddle if there was any health hazard for us," Bruhn said. "As it turned out, no one really got hurt today. Maybe a little nibble here and there, but that's about it."

NA 'OHANA O NA HUI WA'A

Lokahi won yesterday's Na 'Ohana O Na Hui Wa'a regatta at Waikiki Beach.

Lokahi won the AAA Division (25 or more events) with 70 points. Na Keiki O Ka Mo'i was the only other club entered in the division. It finished with 63 points.

Koa Kai scored 39 points to win the AA Division (13-24 events). Host Waikiki Beach Boys won the A Division (12 or fewer events) with 31 points.

The Hui Wa'a Championships is Saturday at Ke'ehi Lagoon.

NOTES

The jellyfish-like creatures forced the cancellation of a Hui Wa'a regatta June 12, and the relocation of two other Hui Wa'a regattas after dozens of paddlers reported being stung at Ke'ehi Lagoon last month.