Na Alaka’i (Leaders)

  • Steve Meyer

    Steve Meyer currently serves as the president of Imi Ola Canoe Club, a role he has held since 2022. As a dedicated advocate for the sport of outrigger canoe paddling, Steve's vision is rooted in creating a safe and competitive environment for all aspiring paddlers.

    His commitment is especially evident in his approach to leadership, where he emphasizes the importance of community, safety, and inclusivity. Steve aims to foster an atmosphere that welcomes new enthusiasts while ensuring that experienced paddlers have the opportunity to hone their skills and participate in competitive events. He believes that every individual, regardless of background or skill level, should have the chance to explore the unique challenges and camaraderie that outrigger canoe paddling offers.

    Under his leadership, Imi Ola Canoe Club continues to grow as a supportive haven for paddlers, where learning and improvement are prioritized alongside fun and friendship.

  • Ama Kikila-Debibar

    Ama is a dynamic presence at the Imi Ola Canoe Club, serving as the vice-president since 2022. His dedication to paddling extends beyond personal enjoyment; he is a skilled coach and steersman who genuinely loves the ocean, the sport, and the community that surrounds it.

    With his calming personality, Ama fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, allowing members to feel accepted and cherished. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for growth within the club. Whether it’s through coaching sessions on the water or engaging conversations on shore, Ama inspires others to embrace their passion for paddling.

    Starting a new venture, exploring creative outlets, or developing a business idea requires not only passion but also a well-crafted narrative. Ama’s approach reflects this fundamental truth: weaving personal experiences into a compelling story can be transformative. At Imi Ola, it is about more than just the sport; it is about sharing connections and building a community enriched by every paddler's journey.

  • Sandie Frietas

    Sandie Frietas joined Imi Ola Canoe Club in 2025, stepping into the role of secretary with enthusiasm and commitment. Her exceptional organizational skills, paired with a genuine passion for helping others, have made a significant impact on our club. Sandie is often the first to volunteer for tasks and the last to leave, demonstrating her unwavering dedication.

    With a clear plan in place, she energetically contributes to the execution of various initiatives, ensuring that events run smoothly and effectively. Her proactive approach and willingness to lend a hand have not gone unnoticed by club members, and her presence has already begun to elevate our community spirit and organization. Sandie's contributions are invaluable to the success of Imi Ola, and we are grateful to have her on our team.

  • Val Chun

    Val Chun has served as Imi Ola's treasurer since 2022, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our financial operations. Her commitment to maintaining organized finances and ensuring compliance with regulations has been essential to our club's success. Val's proactive approach and meticulous attention to detail have established her as a pillar of our organization, enabling Imi Ola to remain business-ready and poised for growth. Her contributions provide us with the confidence to pursue our goals while adhering to the highest standards of financial integrity.

  • Randy Chun

    Randy Chun has been an invaluable member of Imi Ola since 2022, assuming the role of head coach shortly thereafter. His extensive knowledge in paddling, combined with his commitment to our vision, has played a significant role in our growth as a club. Under his leadership, we have not only expanded our skills and capabilities but have also fostered a community of dedicated individuals.

    In addition to being our head coach, Randy serves as our equipment master and practice site planner. His expertise in these areas ensures that our facilities are well-maintained and organized, contributing to an optimal training environment for our paddlers. Thanks to Randy’s efforts, our home is now immaculate, featuring lushish green grass, all perfectly suited for our na wa'a and na hoe wa'a.

    Randy's unmatched skills and dedication continue to elevate Imi Ola, and we are grateful for his contributions to our club and its vision.

  • Lisa Bento

    Lisa has been an integral part of our club since 2022, initially serving as our secretary. In 2025, she stepped into the new role of Club Representative, bringing with her over 20 years of experience from her previous club. Her extensive knowledge and skills are invaluable in ensuring our paddlers are registered and prepared for races. In addition to her responsibilities as Club Representative, Lisa also coaches our keiki paddlers, further showcasing her commitment to our club and its future. We are fortunate to have her expertise guiding our community.

  • Ursie Meyer

    Ursie, in her capacity as the “Founding Member” Director, plays a pivotal role in upholding the vision and mission established by our founding members. Her focus is on nurturing the organization's identity and ensuring we remain true to our core values.

    To support our growth and sustainability, Ursie has been actively engaging in setting up fundraising opportunities with various partner organizations. Through her efforts, we aim to secure essential funding that will help expand our programs and reach more individuals interested in outrigger canoe paddling.

    Known affectionately as "Miss Aloha," Ursie embodies the spirit of community and connection. Her extensive network allows her to effectively communicate and collaborate with numerous stakeholders, making her an ideal leader for outreach activities. Her ability to foster relationships is invaluable as we navigate the complexities of partnerships and community engagement.

    Through Ursie's dedication and leadership, we are poised to enhance our impact and ensure the longevity of the organization's mission.

  • Jonavann Kaululaau

    Jonavann is one of our newest directors at Imi Ola Canoe Club. His deep appreciation for Hawaiian culture and ʻŌlelo enriches our organization beyond just paddling skills. With years of experience paddling across various clubs, Jonavann's proficiency brings a fresh perspective to our team. His commitment to preserving and sharing the traditions of Hawaiian culture enhances not only our paddling techniques but also our sense of community. We are excited to integrate his knowledge and passion into our club's activities and mission.

  • Hi'iaka Aipia White Eagle

    Hi'iaka serves as a vital member of our Imi Ola board as the youth representative, embodying the spirit and vision of the next generation. Her involvement reflects a commitment to bridging the gap between youth and adults, fostering collaboration and understanding within our community.

    Having started paddling at the age of eight, Hi'iaka has developed a deep passion for the sport, accumulating numerous accomplishments along the way.

  • Gerricka Pang

    Gerricka has exemplified the spirit of growth and commitment within the Imi Ola Canoe Club. Rising through the ranks as our Na Opio youth representative, she has gained invaluable experience and insight, which she now channels into her role as a mentor. This transition not only highlights her dedication to the sport but also emphasizes her passion for fostering the next generation of paddlers.

    As she represents us at the Na Opio Canoe Racing Association meetings, Gerricka brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. Her journey from a youth competitor to a mentor underscores the importance of leadership and community in canoe racing. She not only advocates for the interests of our youth but also inspires her peers to follow in her footsteps.

    Gerricka's contribution is pivotal, as she engages with the broader canoe racing community, ensuring that the voices of young paddlers are heard and valued. Her commitment to mentoring reflects the core values of the Imi Ola Canoe Club, promoting growth, resilience, and teamwork among our youth representatives.

  • Reese Lau

    Reese stepped right in to fill the shoes of the Na Opio Canoe Racing Association Opio Representative. With unwavering commitment, Reese attends meetings representing Imi Ola Canoe Club and ensures our voice is heard in every discussion. Demonstrating passion and a deep love for the sport, Reese has quickly adapted to the responsibilities of this role. The dedication and enthusiasm shown not only uplift Imi Ola but also contribute positively to the larger canoe racing community. Through keen insights and active participation, Reese is making an impact, embodying the spirit of teamwork and collaboration that defines our club.

  • Eli Nakahara

    Eli is a pivotal force in our club, serving as a director. His extensive understanding of the paddling community has significantly influenced our current standing and direction. Not only does he contribute his insights on the board, but he also takes on the essential role of coach for many of our paddlers across various divisions, including the Juniors, Novice, and Open categories.

    Eli's commitment to the club is evident as he is often seen everywhere, engaging with paddlers and providing guidance. His multifaceted involvement ensures that our members receive the support they need to excel in their paddling journeys. Through his leadership and dedication, Eli continues to shape the future of the Imi Ola Canoe Club.