Archie Kalepa Inducted to Hall of Fame

ARCHIE KALEPA INDUCTED TO HALL OF FAME
OLUKAI’S MENTOR TO BE HONORED BY
OUTRIGGER DUKE KAHANAMOKU FOUNDATION
AS A WATER SPORTS LEGEND
HONOLULU, HAWAII
AUGUST 23, 2012

(AUGUST 22, 2012 – ORANGE COUNTY, Calif.) — Tomorrow, Archie Kalepa, beloved Maui waterman, lifeguard, ocean sports innovator and mentor to OluKai, will be inducted to the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation’s Hawai’i Waterman Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Outrigger Canoe Club in Honolulu, Hawai’i.

The Hawai’I Waterman Hall of Fame was founded in 2010 to create a lasting tribute to the Hawaiian Islands’ water sports legacy and honor the achievements of standout watermen and waterwomen in Hawai’i. The criteria used to select inductees are:

> Keiki o ka ‘aina / keiki o ke kai
> Sustained outstanding contribution to the sport
> International, national, and local accomplishment and recognition

In addition to Kalepa, this year’s inductees also include famed big-wave surfer and oceanographer Ricky Grigg; accomplished surfer, waterman and lifeguard Brian Keaulana and instrumental leader in canoe paddling in the Hawaiian islands Michael Tongg. Also being honored are the ancient surfing ali’i of the Royal Family of Hawai’i: HRH Prince David La‘amea Kahalepouli Kawānanakoa, HRH Prince Edward Abnel Keli‘iahonui, HRH Prince Jonah KÅ«hiō Kalaniana‘ole and HRH Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani Kalaninuiahilapalapa KawÄ“kiu-i-Lunalilo Cleghorn.

Past Hawai’i Waterman Hall of Fame honorees include Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Aikau, Wally Froiseth, Fred Hemmings, Buffalo Keaulana, Rabbit Kekai, Keo Nakama, Nappy Napoleon, Rell Sunn, Peter Cole, Ethel Kukea, Aileen Soule and Nainoa Thompson.

“As a pioneer, innovator and mentor, Archie has made an impact on each of us at OluKai,” said Kerry Konrady, Director of Marketing for OluKai. “We are humbled to be part of his incredible journey and lasting impact on Hawaiian culture.”

Watch Kalepa offer his inspirational message in OluKai’s original short film Talk Story series: http://talkstory.olukai.com/2011/06/07/archie-kalepa-foil-boarding/.

About Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation

The Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation is a public, nonprofit foundation whose mission is to financially support the development of individuals and organizations that perpetuate the spirit and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku. ODKF has awarded college scholarships and athletic grants of approximately $1.8 million to 1,277 Hawai‘i individuals and nonprofit organizations in water sports and volleyball since its formation in 1986, including $130,950 to 60 recipients in 2012. For information, visit www.DukeFoundation.org.

About OluKai

OluKai is a true premium ocean lifestyle brand with a distinctively different point of view and deep values. We are committed to building a unique and better class of products that blend ocean heritage with modern performance while leaving the smallest footprint possible on the planet.
Through our Fit by Nature, Crafted by HandTM design principle, we build every pair of footwear with signature anatomically contoured footbeds to deliver the perfect balance of instant comfort and lasting support. Each pair features beautiful, quality materials and handcrafted details inspired by island culture.

In every facet of our business, we’re committed to respecting the people and the environments we touch. Inspired by the strong tradition of giving an offering or tribute in Polynesian culture, we established the ‘Ohana Giveback Program to support the efforts of those who continue to give back to preserve local cultures and traditions.

We are committed to be an environmentally responsible company as well as pledging to actively support and work for a clean environment and a better quality of life. Visit us at http://www.olukai.com.

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