On the south shore at least, it's widely known that canoe clubs are frequently attacked. The culturally significant canoes themselves are subject to people who defecate in them, throw trash in them, cut their rigging and push them out to sea.
In addition, property is stolen, even when it's chained down. The thieves' and vandals' motives are unknown but can often be guessed at. Another such incident has happened at Maui Canoe Club. On Easter Sunday, our sailing canoe was pushed out to sea. Along with it was a dolly to help move this canoe. Stolen outright was our handmade 12-foot mast and much of its rigging, including its crab-claw sail.
Fortunately, though, our canoe itself washed up onshore about a mile away. That aside, and simply put, that's disgusting and reflects far beyond badly upon our community. The Maui Police Department has been contacted and fingerprints have been taken.
If you have any information about this blatant disregard for Hawaiian culture and community, please contact us at www.mauicanoeclub.org.
Jonica Hall
Kihei
