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| Archie Kalepa, Photo: Olaf Mitchell |
Congratulations to Archie Kalepa on his induction into the Hawaii Waterman's Hall of Fame (The Maui News, Aug. 25) sponsored by the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation.
Archie is the first and only inductee from Maui and he joins other prestigious watermen such as Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Buffalo and Brian Keaulana and the list goes on with other well-known watermen.
His achievements are numerous. He was the first solo stand-up paddler to cross the Molokai channel and the first to stand-up paddle down the Colorado River. He braved the huge waves of Hurricane Iniki to save people. He surfed a 70-foot wave at Jaws.
The County of Maui is fortunate to have Archie as head of the Maui Ocean Rescue and Safety Team. He is innovative in developing new safety equipment and rescue techniques using personal watercraft and water sleds. Archie and his lifeguards on Maui save lives and keep our beaches safe for our families and our visitors. The next time you step on a beach and see a lifeguard, thank him for watching over you. He was trained well by the best waterman on Maui.
