Kama Hele Afternoon Report

Aloha kākou,

We are currently approaching the island of O‘ahu from off of Diamondhead. Bruce Blankenfeld and the crew of Hōkūle‘a successfully found the Big Island of Hawai‘i outside of Miloli‘i on the morning of April 03,2009.

BIG CONGRATULATIONS!!

Due to technical difficulty we had a loss of power on Kama Hele and we were unable to send further transmissions. Unlike Hōkūle‘a, who is self sufficient, Kama Hele relies on a power source, and when this gives out it is extremely difficult to maneuver, or regain power to send and receive transmissions. This actually brought Kama Hele closer to nature, and it was a beautiful moment of glory to see both Hōkūle‘a and Kama Hele sailing side by side on a brotherhood of wind. The propulsion of the wind may be one of the most constant and strongest engines in the world!

Through the 3rd and the 4th, we had several boats come to greet and escort us as we made our way up the Hawaiian Island chain.

Mahalo to the Pamela II for their support on the Big Island. Mahalo to the Kalepa Kai which visited us between Maui and Lāna‘i, it greatly lifted up our spirits to see friends out at sea congratulating and cheering us. It was good to hear your voices and have you join us for a portion of the voyage.

Mahalo to Ikaika, and the support crews currently monitoring us.

MUCH MAHALO!

Many and plenty mahalos to EVERYONE cheering us from home, we shall see you shortly!

Aloha,

SaM, Kama Hele

date-time group 0401026 HST April 2009;

Winds:   NE  10-15 knots
Sea state:  NE swell 4-6ft

Diamondhead is visible, I can swim home!

Aloha soon,
SaM