WHEN: Sunday, October 12, 1997. First team expected to finish before 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Starts at 7:30 am at Moloka`i Ranch's Hale O Lono Harbor, Moloka`i and crosses the Kaiwi (Moloka`i) channel to a finish at Fort DeRussy Beach, Waikiki, O`ahu.

WHO: The race is owned, organized and produced by the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA).

Sponsored as a community service by Bank of Hawaii.

HOW: Each team consists of nine paddlers with six in the canoe at one time. Paddlers rotate positions in open-ocean exchanges as the race progresses across the channel. A record 102 teams participated in 1996. Divisions include koa and non-koa (fiberglass) canoes in both open and masters competition.

RECORD: In 1995 Hawaii's Lanikai Canoe Club paddled their fiberglass canoe to a record four hours, 53 minutes, 03 seconds, the second club to finish under five hours. In 1994 Faaa,Tahiti finished in 4:55.27. Koa Division: Five hours,11 minutes,38 seconds - Hui Nalu Canoe Club, Hawaii. October 8, 1989.

DEFENDING CHAMPS: Lanikai Canoe Club: 5:15.42

PARTICIPANTS: Participants include world-class teams from Australia, California, Canada, Europe, Tahiti, Hawai`i and the Mainland United States.

HISTORY: Founded in 1952 by the late A.E. "Toots" Minvielle, the race is considered the men's world championship of long distance outrigger canoe racing. Outrigger canoe racing is the State of Hawaii's official team sport.

SPECTATORS: The event is free and open to the public. Spectators are invited to come to Fort DeRussy Beach to participate in the colorful finish.

AWARDS: An awards ceremony is held at approximately 3 p.m. on race day at the beach. In addition to first overall trophies in the fiberglass and koa divisions, numerous trophies are given in the age group divisions. Memorial trophies are also presented.

RACE INFORMATION: Joan Malama, 933 Lunahelu Street, Kailua, HI 96734 Phone: 808-261-6615. Fax: 808-262-3324.

PRESS BOATS: Are available for the crossing or at the finish. Please reserve press boat space by September 30, 1997.

MEDIA INFORMATION (only):
Linda Chinn: Phone: 808-537-8658. Fax: 808-537-8440,
Email: lchinn@aloha.net, or write
Linda Chinn
Bank of Hawaii
P.O. Box 2900
Honolulu, HI 96846