Friday, December 3, 2010

CHRISTMAS PA`INA

Aloha!  Hui Hawai`i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club is having a Christmas party on Saturday, December 11 from 2 -6pm and YOU'RE ALL INVITED!!! See flyer for more information!  Also, Malama Haloa O Utah will be holding a community ku'i at the same location, from 10a - 2:00p, if you'd like to come out and pound some kalo, and make FRESH pa`i `ai for the holidays!!! Check their blog for more information!

Tagaloa Polynesian Dance Troupe Fundraiser

TAGALOA POLYNESIAN DANCE TROUPE

presents FIRST ANNUAL WINTER RECITAL AND FUNDRAISER
SATURDAY DECEMBER 11, 201O AT 6PM TO 8:30 PM
HAMPTON INN & SUITES, SALT LAKE CITY AIRPORT
307 NORTH ADMIRAL BYRD ROAD
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84116
(Call Peterona at 801.448.3881)


LIVE MUSIC, DANCING,RAFFLE, FOOD & BAKE SALE
ADMISSINO: $5 PRESALE OR $8 AT THE DOOR
CHILDREN 5 YEARS AND UNDER ARE FREE

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

New Wa'a

Aloha Team Kalea,



Aloha and Mahalo for your Kokua in forming Kalea into what it is now and what it will grow to be.  Because of your efforts we are excited to announce that we are purchasing another Wa'a in Las Vegas next week.
 
Kalea is well on its way to having multiple canoes for practice and for the up coming 2011 paddling season.  We are also in the process of scheduling our races for next year and organizing events for the whole family to enjoy.  So please let others know of this opportunity.  If you guys haven't done so, please sign up as a "follower" and have your friends sign up on Kalea's blog at teamkalea@blogspot.com. This will help Kalea in our efforts to get donations from big companies.

Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday this week and be safe through out the Holiday season.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Hui Hawai'i O Utah 25th Anniversary

Nov. 20, 2010

Aloha mai kakou!

Last night KALEA was well represented at the Hui Hawai`i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club's 25th Anniversary Party!  Crazy weather aside, it was great to see everyone after what seems like a very long time!!  There was a lot of interest generated, with MANY people asking questions, asking for more information and excited at knowing about KALEA and what we have to offer.  People were definitely talking about Uncle Mike's paddle making skills, just one other facet of the sport that KALEA has to offer!  MAHALO NUNUI to everyone that came out in support!! Hui Hawai`i O Utah Hawaiian Civic Club thanks each of the members, and are humbled at the generosity shown with the raffle items donated to support the scholarship fund.
Also, when you next see Lincoln, congratulate him on being the newest member of the Board of Directors for Hui Hawai`i O Utah!  Know that KALEA'S interests, and those of the community and the civic club will be well represented! 





KALEA'S Board of Directors will also have some exciting news to share soon, so make sure you keep an eye on the blog, or get on our mailing list so you can stay up to date with all of the latest news!  Until that time, we would like to wish each and every one of you, and your families a blessed and bountiful Thanksgiving, and we look forward to seeing all of you soon!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

3rd Place Finish- Novice Mixed Race

Oct. 23, 2010 
Novice Mixed Heat 1: 6:25
Novice Mixed Heat 2: 5:37
Makua Men: 4:51
Masters Men: 6:34
Open Men: 5:06
Overall results: 3rd Place (out of 9 teams) in Novice mixed and 7th (out of 18 teams) in Open Men's division. 

AMAZING SHOWING TEAM KALEA! We are looking forward to much activity and planning in our "off-season", so make sure you keep checking back for the all of the latest information.  We are in the process of editing some videos of the races, we can't wait to share them with all of you! Again, mahalo for all of your support, kokua and aloha!

Monday, October 25, 2010

9th Annual Na Alaka'i O Ke Kai Regatta


Oct. 23, 2010
Ua hele aku makou...And so we went...

We left Utah, to travel to Vegas for KALEA'S very first race, with feelings of excitement, nervousness, some anxiety and many butterflies. For many it was their first time competing and the excitement level was high. Friday night the team met to discuss the next day's events and more importantly, to strengthen the feeling of solidarity for KALEA.
Saturday morning found us gathered bright and early, eagerly awaiting the start of the regatta, KALEA being entered in the first two races. We had a pretty good showing, and these races only served to fuel the excitement for the rest of the day. KALEA was entered into a total of 5 races, and had an excellent showing for our very first competition.

We are pleased to announce that KALEA came in FIRST in the Makua Men's division.
KALEA: 4:51
Dana Outrigger Canoe Club: 4:59
Lake Havasu: 5:26
Hawaiian. 'Nuff Said: 5:29
Newport Outrigger Canoe Club: 5:30
Na Leo O Ke Kai: 5:37
Hawaiian. 'Nuff Said Team 2: 5:43

In the Open Men's Division, KALEA came in Seventh Place! This was by far the largest division of the race with 18 teams competing. KALEA'S time was 5:06 earning them Third place.

A heartfelt MAHALO goes out to the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club for all of their hard work, dedication and aloha in putting together such a wonderful, well organized and fun event. Mahalo for helping make our first race a memorable and enjoyable one.

"Ho'i mai makou..." and so we return...

We return, with much less anxiety, having gained some experience. But we are no less excited, because now we have a renewed sense of purpose and vision for KALEA, and for our community. We thank you for your words of encouragement, your positive thoughts and your prayers. We are so appreciative of everyone's support, kokua and aloha! Rest assured we will have many pictures posted soon, until then, please feel free to enjoy these few shots and be sure and check back soon for more. Until then, MAHALO and ALOHA!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

MAHALO!

Kalea would like to extend a huge MAHALO to all of those who have worked hard, and those who have supported our fundraising events!  Because of everyone's hard work and support, we are well on our way to fulfilling goals that benefit the community as well as the team.  It's an exciting time for us as we continue to grow as a team, and hone our paddling abilities, and increase our level of involvement within our community.
Currently, Kalea is focused on the upcoming Na Alaka'i O Ke Kai regatta later this month in Las Vegas, this is the FIRST time Utah is being represented in a canoe regatta and we are humbled at the opportunity to represent our community.
Again, MAHALO NUI to all of you who have contributed to the positive growth the team has so far enjoyed.  We look forward to your continued support in our upcoming fundraisers, with the knowledge that what we do is for our community and for future generations.  Please check back often, we will soon have more photos up for everyone to enjoy.

Me ka ha'aha'a   
KALEA

Thursday, September 9, 2010

The Beginning of KALEA

So what happens when a bunch of local boys (both from Hawaii AND Utah) catch wind of an opportunity to explore our Polynesian roots and join a competing team of canoe paddlers?
The answer is simple.......WE DO IT!

So that's the resulting story of what happened when Uncle Mike Tejada introduced his Wa'a to the Lindon Harbor on Utah lake's East shore. The word spread quickly (via Uncle Mike, Johnny and Lincoln Tejada) through the tight-knit community of 20 and 30 something Polynesians that call Utah County home and most that heard of the opportunity were quick to give it a try, but simply "giving it a try" could be compared to only eating one slice of Papa Johns Pizza when sitting down to watch a 3 hour college football game on a brisk fall Saturday afternoon.
I can honestly say if you try this once YOU WILL be hooked.
I dont know if its the curiosity of perfecting the sport or the intense rush blessed upon the heads of the paddlers by the thousands of years of history that we have seen and heard stories of, but (for some of us) never experienced first hand.
Whatever the reason for the physical and spiritual addiction, we have began our branding, fundraising and preparation for competing in the LAS VEGAS regatta http://www.lvhcc.org/regatta.html in late October.

The title for our Hui that we have taken on is KALEA given by Tina Carden.

Here is a little history on the KALEA title and name, from her words...

Kalea as taught to me by a kupuna from Kaua'i, is the name of a current associated with Kaho'olawe, and especially used when undertaking a major voyage.  Lea is also the name of one of the (few) female patron goddesses associated with canoes.   Le'a, means joyful, evokes happiness, fun.  Being skilled at wordplay, na kupuna put great stock in the ability to use one word that has many different layers of meanings including playing on different variations (lea - le'a).
So the mana'o with using Kalea was to invoke all three meanings.  The current, as a living flow that continuously connects us to ka moana, to our culture, especially to our past. A piko, that enables us to gather strength, sustenance, mana. which serves as a guiding force to guide us forward. 
The goddess Lea: that the intent and purpose of the organization is one that is pono and in keeping with our traditions.  That the way the organization conducts itself would be in a way that is pleasing and appropriate thereby honoring those who have gone before.  That by doing so we would gain protection, guidance, and inspiration spiritually. 
Le'a: That the formation of the organization and what is put forth by its members are done so in a way that is enjoyable, welcoming, and joyful, rather than rigid, controlling and abrasive, So that all who would come into contact with the organization would be welcomed and feel joy at being able to connect to their culture and especially to one another, and perpetuate the flow of aloha.


So off we go with name, wa'a and paddling spirit in heart and hand to bring to ours and our families lives, a sport, activity, spiritual connection, means of travel etc. that has been passed down through our history and lately introduced to us by our friend and coach Uncle Mike. 

Very special thanks to all that have coached, cheered on and supported in anyway our team, family and friends. Without you we would not be able to continue to learn and grow our new passion. 


ALOHA!