The Liberty World Outrigger Competition is one of the largest sporting events in New York Harbor and one of the most prestigious outrigger canoe races in the world. Men’s, women’s, and co-ed crews race along a challenging and visually-stunning course in New York Harbor (East River and Hudson River), past landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge with the Manhattan Skyline as a backdrop. This iron outrigger race course is 15 miles long for the men’s and women’s division while the mixed division is 11 miles.

An annual event in New York Harbor since 1996, the Liberty World Outrigger Competition has hosted participants from all over the world including Tahiti, Australia, Costa Rica, England, Sweden, France and Canada along with clubs from all over the United States and Hawaii.

For more information, visit http://www.newyorkoutrigger.org

Aloha kākou!

Celebrating Hawaiian Restoration in 2010!

Please join us for our 2nd Annual New York Celebration of Ka Lā Ho'iho'i Ea, or "Restoration Day," Saturday, July 31st, 2010 from 11:00am-1:00pm at Union Square in New York. Join us afterwards to talk story and cool off at a restaurant in the area when pau.

There are many ways you can help be a part of this historic day celebrating Hawaiian Restoration:

1. Your Presence is Plenty!
2. Chants & Mele
3. Education

If interested, please feel free to e-mail us back at naoiwinyc[at]gmail.com with the following information:

1. Your Name
2. Phone number (Optional)
3. How you would like to participate, whether it's simply your Presence, Chants & Mele, Education or All Three!

Ka Lā Ho'iho'i Ea (Restoration Day)

In the United States, regardless of our political views, most of us celebrate July 4th and it is observed as a national holiday. Similarly, we feel that regardless of our political views on Hawaiian sovereignty, we can still come together as one, to celebrate July 31st and have the day be observed once again as our own national holiday.

On July 31, 1843, after a six month illegal occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom by British Naval Officer Paulet, King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, was restored to the throne with the assistance of British Admiral Thomas. On this day Kauikeaouli proclaimed the phrase, "Ua mau ke ea o ka 'āina i ka pono" or "The sovereignty of the nation is perpetuated in righteousness." Let us come together, to honor and celebrate, the true origins of Hawai'i's State motto.

Ka Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea, celebrated from 1843 to 1893, commemorates the British Crown's acknowledgment of Hawai‘i as an independent nation. A testament to Hawai‘i and our right to self-governance. Originally, Ka Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea was a week long annual celebration marked by Hawaiian patriotism and all the best that our islands have to offer including music, crafts, games, food and community. It was celebrated for 50 years until, in 1893, Hawai‘i once again came under illegal occupation, this time by the United States of America.

Ka Lā Ho'iho'i Ea was banned throughout the Hawaiian Kingdom in the year 1893 along with other Hawaiian national holidays such as La Kū'oko'a or Hawaiian Independence Day. Ka Lā Ho‘iho‘i Ea then experienced a rebirth in 1975 when Hawaiian national, scholar, and patriot Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell resurrected this holiday in honor and celebration of our continued independence and sovereignty, despite a century long American occupation.

We restore this happy day and invite all to come celebrate just as our kupuna did in Hawai'i 167 years ago. Nā Ōiwi NYC joins similar Ka Lā Ho'iho'i Ea events being held in Boston, Rhode Island and Hawai'i, to celebrate and honor our ancestors, our history, our sovereignty and our unending fight for justice.

"Ua mau ke ea o ka 'āina i ka pono."

"The sovereignty of the nation is perpetuated in righteousness."

For more information, please e-mail us at naoiwinyc[at]gmail.com

Mahalo nui loa!

Me ke aloha,

Nā 'Ōiwi NYC

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Nā ‘Ōiwi NYC
E-mail: naoiwinyc[at]gmail.com
Facebook: Na Oiwi

"Educating the NYC community on Hawaiian history, culture and voice."

New York Outrigger is proud to announce the Liberty Luau on the Hudson River along the newly renovated Hudson River Park. The Liberty Luau officially closes the 2010 Liberty World Outrigger Competition to be held on Saturday, July 31.

The Liberty 2010 Luau will be held at The Frying Pan located at Pier 66a in the Hudson River Park at 12th Avenue and West 26th Street. The luau will take place between 6:00PM-10:00PM. Liberty paddlers gain free admission. All are welcome. Non-paddlers can purchase tickets in advance during race registration and at the welcome table during the race at Brooklyn Bridge Park for $20. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $30.

Admission will include a luau buffet dinner and Coors and Blue Moon beer while supplies last.

Entertainment will include performances by Polynesian Dance Productions.

Raffle tickets will also be sold during the night, at race registration and during the race. The drawing will occur between 9:00-9:30pm. You need not be present to claim your prize (please make sure your contact information is on the raffle ticket).

The Frying Pan at Pier 66a
Located in the Hudson River Park at 12th Avenue and West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001

For more info, visit http://www.newyorkoutrigger.org