Puna has built its reputation for doing more with less in the Moku O Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Racing Association.
Despite fewer crews, head coach Afa Tuaolo’s Green Pride has captured the last two Aunty Maile Mauhili/Moku O Hawaii championships.
For years, Puna’s weakness was a lack of crews (or points) in the youth races, ages 12 to 18, which usually meant a deep deficit before the day is halfway done.
But what if Green Pride was on an equal playing field with long-time rival Kai Opua, owner of the last dynasty with seven straight titles (2008-14)?