Pa'i'ai, making poi from taro Images courtesy of Olukai it's been quite good preparation for OluKai 2017 today," said Anderson. "I came to get some equipment figured out for later in the year, and it just so happened that I had a window of time that coincided with this weekend. I've never been to this race before and I've heard such wonderful things about it, and I think we showed the true spirit of why we do things." Not only is the 9th Annual OluKai Ho'olaule'a about the competitive spirit of paddling, but it's also a celebration of the iconic Hawaiian spirit of aloha 'āina. This year environmentalist Tiare Lawrence was presented the Edwin "Naleilehua" Lindsay Aloha Award for her diligence in preserving Maui's natural beauty. OluKai also made donations to the Pā'ia Youth & Cultural Center and Lae Ula O Kai. In collaboration with Ama OluKai Foundation, Daniel Anthony and Hui Aloha ʻĀina Momona pounded 350 lbs. of kalo (taro), feeding contestants and spectators fresh pa'i'ai and poi. These starchy super foods are the staple of the traditional Hawaiian diet and perfectly complimented the lū'au at the 9th Annual OluKai Ho'olaule'a. JUNE 2017 PACIFICPADDLER.com 13http://www.PACIFICPADDLER.com