Elections 2025 Newsletter

HUI NALU BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

Aloha Hui Nalu Members:

Elections are held annually to fill 6 vacant seats on the Hui Nalu Board of Directors 5 vacant seats for a 3 year term and 1 vacant seat for a 2 year term.  In addition there are 2 Junior vacant seats for a 1 year term. 

This notice serves to inform the membership of the opportunity to nominate additional persons to the ballot.

Any member in good standing for one year or more may be nominated to the ballot. To nominate someone, a member may submit a petition with signatures of 25 Hui Nalu members in good standing by July 14, 2025 to Terry Malterre via email at hn.elections@gmail.com.  

NOMINEES

The following Hui Nalu members have been nominated by the Hui Nalu Nominees Committee for Election 2025:

Kitty Daniel

Professional Experience: Office Manage: 1999-2025 Food Service Manager 1991-1999

Hui Nalu/Community Experience: Began paddling with OSP (Originals Senior Paddlers) in 2018. Paddled in Novice B in 2018.  Currently paddling in the Master’s 50 division. For the past few years, assisted the head coach with coach gifts, oversaw food setup at the Pa’ina and Ho’olauna gatherings.  Provided oversight for the hālau management. Both of my children have paddled with Hui Nalu since 2010.

Reason for seeking Election to the Board: I am seeking election to the Board to contribute my skills and experience to support our club wherever needed.

Darryl Hara

Occupational status: Recently “retired” full time. Served 30 plus years in the Foodservice / Hospitality  industry focused on Sales, Customer Service, Production, Manufacturing and Distribution. Serving as Director of Sales for Hotel and Hospitality divisions of Lion Coffee and Y. Hata Foodservice. 

Hui Nalu / community service: Former Hui Nalu President, Board member, Head Coach, Distance Coach Men / Women, Age Group Coach, Head Coach Punahou Boys JV & Varsity Paddling (14 years), Head Coach Punahou Girls Kayaking, Assistant Coach HCKT Junior Development program, Head Coach Waikīkī Beachboys Men’s Distance 

Reason for seeking election: I have been asked to share knowledge from experiences that may lend guidance to club growth, organization and future program success. 

Bobby Hastings

I joined Hui Nalu in 1982 as a boy’s crew member. I’m currently paddling with the masters’ men, helping as a coaching assistant, and member of the Hui Nalu sailing canoe team. I’m a small business owner and have been a resident of Hawaii Kai since 1970. I’m interested in serving as a board member to help our membership thrive in canoe competition and community growth.

Jeff Iwashita

I joined Hui Nalu in 2013 when I moved back home after 15 years in California.  I have always loved anything in and around the ocean and needless to say, I fell in love with paddling.  There is no better feeling than lining up on the starting line with your crew, catching the glide in the open ocean, and sharing stories with your friends after a race knowing that we all gave our best for each other.  I am interested in serving as a board member to help our club continue to give the opportunity to others to share the special friendships and love that paddling has blessed us with. I am a Partner and Realtor at Locations and part of our Locations Foundation which is a local non-profit created to give back to our communities here in Hawaii. Thank you for your time and consideration and hope to see everyone on the water! 

Nalu Kukea

I’ve been working for the Honolulu Fire Department for the past 28 years and am currently retired as a rescue captain. Hui Nalu has been part of my ‘ohana for many years.  The Kala Kukea race is named after my father.  Since 1979 I have paddled for Hui Nalu, starting with the 12 and under, different age groups to the upper division. I coached the  12 yrs  girls and currently coach 15- 16 yrs girls during the regatta and currently coaching them in long distance. I’ve coached kayaking at Kamehameha Schools.  During the OHCRA season I set up the flags for the regatta. I feel with my knowledge of water sports and deep ties with the Hui Nalu ‘ohana, I will be able to maintain the tradition of Hui Nalu and contribute innovative ideas to move the club forward.

Andy Stenger

I have been a member of Hui Nalu Canoe Club for about ten years and have been our OHCRA board rep the past two years. I grew up in Hahaione Valley and have lived in Kuliouou for almost twenty years. Our community is very special and it has been a great experience being a member of Hui Nalu. I would be happy to serve on the Hui Nalu Board. Mahalo.

Cecilia Symanski

I currently serve as the Chief Technology Officer for Doctors Benefits. Before moving back to Hawai‘i six years ago, I was the Director of North American Logistics for the Subway restaurant chain. I’ve been a member of Hui Nalu for the past four years. Last year, I began helping with Race Day registration, and this year I’ve taken on a larger role—you may have seen me managing the crew list board at the regattas. If we haven’t met yet, please feel free to stop by and say hello on race day. My son Benjamin paddles with the 12 Boys, and this year I finally convinced my husband Brian to join—he’s paddling Novice B! I'm running for a position on the board because I’m deeply grateful for the friendships and sense of community Hui Nalu has given me. I’d love the opportunity to give back. I bring a strong work ethic, solid organizational skills, and am someone who gets things done, and I believe these strengths can help support the club’s mission. I’ll do my best to help us continue living the Hui Nalu vision: "To come together as a family who shares and cares."

Jonna Wickesser

I've paddled for 26 years, most recently with the Hui Nalu 65 women. I seek reelection as my background in financial matters aids the Board of Directors in decision making. During my career, I gained valuable expertise in investment management, problem solving, budgeting, negotiating and long-range planning. I have been involved with the organization of the Kala Kukea Challenge, and the Ka Iwi Coast Run and Walk since it's inception. I've lived in beautiful Maunalua since 1986. Go Nalu!

JUNIORS

Mikayla K. Bloom

My name is Mikayla Bloom, and I am a born and raised resident of Oahu. I have been a member of Hui Nalu canoe club for over 4 years, and throughout my time with this club, I have gained extensive experience in teamwork and discipline. Paddling has been a great passion of mine, and I'd love to get more involved in my community. I've had multiple  experiences in leadership positions, such as being an officer in my school's medical club and serving as the main varsity stroker on Kaiser's paddling team. I am eager to get more involved in HN and look forward to making deeper connections within my community.

Van Burkhart

I am entering my senior year at Saint Louis. I play baseball, and I began paddling after suffering a back injury in my freshman year. I joined the club aiming to strengthen and rehab my back, but since joining I have come to love paddling and being on the water. I’ve also made some of my lifelong friends who I enjoy getting to spend the entire summer with. My dad Eric and my younger brother Grey are also part of the club. 

My first year I won two medals with the boys 14s. Last year I paddled up with the boys 16s and won 4 medals, including second place at the OHCRA championships, which sent our crew to states. Following states I participated in the distance season with Coach Kamalu and the 16s-18s boys, and in September I sat 3 and 4 in the 18s boys crew in the Henry Aiyau race. This year I am paddling with the 16s crew with Coach Mark Cluney, and my long term goal is to do the Molokai Hoe. In addition to paddling, I have contributed to the community by umpiring baseball games for the Hawaii Kai league.

Hui Nalu has come to be an important part of my life, and I would love to contribute to the club as part of the board and stay connected to the club during the school year. My two friends Natalie and Kealia are on the board, and they have told me they have a lot of fun helping with the events and community service projects.  I would appreciate your vote.  Thank you.

Violet Kolbeck

I’m currently 16 years old and it is my second season being a part of Hui Nalu canoe club! I attend Kaiser High School and after this summer I will be going into the 11th grade. I enjoy paddling and would like help to contribute to the club. I value my education and will be one out of select students participating in an IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma Program. Other things I enjoy besides school is traveling. I recently went to Mexico this past March!