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Nā Kama Kai and Patagonia to Host 10th Annual Paʻakai Gala In Honor of Rell Sunn

Nā Kama Kai and Patagonia to Host 10th Annual Paʻakai Gala In Honor of Rell Sunn

On Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. HST, Nā Kama Kai will premiere its annual Pa‘akai Gala on KGMB and online at hawaiinewsnow.com. The virtual event is held to celebrate the prestigious Pa‘akai and Hoʻokele awards that are given to individuals whose work emulates the organization’s vision of a sustainable and safe future for keiki. This year, Nā Kama Kai will honor the late Rell Sunn as its 2021 Paʻakai award recipient and Alicia Higa as its Hoʻokele recipient for their impact on the stewardship of ʻāina and cultural-based work. Presented by Patagonia, the event will pay homage to Rell Sunn’s life by featuring friends and family of the Makaha-born pioneer in women’s surfing while celebrating Nā Kama Kai’s success over the last decade. The annual gala helps the organization raise vital funds and awareness to strengthen the relationship between Hawaiʻi’s youth, the ocean and the islands. “Since 2008 Nā Kama Kai has had the incredible privilege to share Hawaii's ocean with our most precious resource, our children” said Duane DeSoto, Nā Kama Kai Founder and CEO. “Immersing our children in the fun, exciting, and unpredictable elements of the ocean empowers them to be present in the moment while nurturing a life long relationship.” Our televised 10th Annual Paakai Gala will tell the amazing story of how Hawaii's own, Aunty Rell Sunn of Mākaha, influenced the world of surfing and planted the seed for the very creation of Nā Kama Kai, while also jamming to our Children of the Sea music album that helps keiki all over the world join in on the fun and excitement. “Mahalo to all who have supported Nā Kama Kai through the years. Together we strengthen our children, improve the health of the ocean and reefs, and honor the legacy of our ancestors that paved the way for our unrivaled connection to the ocean” said DeSoto. The night promises to be entertaining with music from the “Children of the Sea (Nā Kama Kai)” album by Haku Keiki featuring Kimié Miner and Paula Fuga, nominated for Island Music Album of the Year at the 2021 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. The event will also include a robust online auction from October 1 through October 6 featuring items such as a signed surfboard by Olympic surfing gold medalist Carissa Moore, a NOMAD Grill & Smoker with NOMAD Fire 100% All Natural Fruitwood Charcoal, an array of venison meats included in Maui New Venison’s Fresh Box and various local products. “Patagonia is honored to support Duane DeSoto and Nā Kama Kai in their tribute to Rell Kapolioka`ehukai Sunn at their 10th Annual Pa`akai Gala,” said General Manager Paul Carson. “In the spirit of Rell and her legacy of Menehunes, Duane’s unwavering commitment to the children of Hawai’i is an investment in Hawaii’s future, strengthening our communities by instilling deeply rooted Hawaiian values in our youth through culturally-based ocean safety and stewardship to mālama our ocean parks and Hawai’i nei.” Proceeds from the gala will benefit Nā Kama Kai’s work to support after-school and weekend programming for youth. Funds raised will also contribute to the growth of Hālau Nā Kama Kai, the organization’s new space for mentorship and ocean stewardship based on Hawaiian cultural values. Instructions on how to donate items to the silent auction or to make additional contributions to the organization are available at nakamakai.org. ABOUT NĀ KAMA KAI Nā Kama Kai is a 13-year-old nonprofit organization located on Oʻahu. Their mission is to empower keiki by connecting youth to the kai and ʻāina in order to create a deeper sense of aloha and kuleana to the natural environment and themselves. Founded by professional surfer Duane DeSoto, the program engages today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders by strengthening their relationship with the ocean through events, Ocean Clinics, volunteerism and mentorship programs. For more information, please visit www.nakamakai.org, call (808) 864-9164, or email info@nakamakai.org. Who: Nā Kama Kai What: 10th Annual Pa’akai Gala When: Saturday, October 2nd, 2021 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. HST on KGMB Re-Airing Dates/Times: KHNL: Sunday, October 3rd from 8:00-9:00 p.m. HST K5: Monday, October 4th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. HST Where: Livestream on HawaiiNewsNow.com Tickets: Kaihohonu Level - $5,000 Pakipika Level - $10,000 Moana Level - Title Sponsor - $20,000 (SOLD OUT) Additional donations are also accepted at nakamakai.org/donate/

Virtual on Hawaii News Now
Free
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM on Sat, 2 Oct 2021

Event Supported By

Nā Kama Kai
info@nakamakai.org
Virtual on Hawaii News Now