A crew member fillets a fresh cut of fish while Hokule‘a is docked at Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Hokule’a to sail for Hartley Bay

After five days in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Hokule’a is expected to depart this morning for a 12-hour sail to Hartley Bay, weather permitting, the Polynesian Voyaging Society announced.

On Sunday, Leg 5 crew members of the Moananuiakea Voyage took over the kuleana of caring for the canoe in preparation for sailing south through the waters of British Columbia.

“Within just a few short hours of my arrival in Prince Rupert, I had a glimpse of just how plentiful these waters can be in this area of the Pacific Northwest,” said Ka’ohinani Kamalu, crew member and quartermaster for this upcoming leg of the voyage. “We were offered a bag full of fresh fish from one of the community members. The abundance of fish around here reminds me of stories of old Hawai’i when its surrounding oceans had the capacity to provide a regular source of food for thousands of people.”

Crew members have hosted canoe tours for hundreds of Prince Rupert community members and were treated to a large feast and community question-and-answer session followed by traditional dancing and drumming on Monday.

Leg 5 will make several stops over the next two and a half weeks, ending in Vancouver.

For updates on the voyage, visit hokulea.com.

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Texas man dies after snorkeling

A 63-year-old Texas man who was snorkeling when he reportedly lost consciousness was pulled from the waters fronting the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort Tuesday morning, police said.

Family and bystanders brought the man to shore and immediately began life-saving measures. Fire and paramedic personnel who arrived shortly after took over life-saving measures, which proved unsuccessful.

The incident occurred around 9:06 a.m.

Police identified the victim Wednesday as Wayne Larsen of Wylie.

The preliminary investigation reveals no signs of foul play, police said. An autopsy has been scheduled.