“Aloha mai kakou and mahalo nui loa to all that are participating in this memorial race.

This is a special race that honors a special man. A man that was full of aloha and loved Wailua, the canoe and most importantly the crew that moves the canoe forward. For those of you who knew Uncle Buddy you knew a few things for sure, he was generous to share his infectious smile, laughter and aloha all the time, no matter what. Rain or shine. And if you ever needed to find him, the first and last place you checked was Wailua River.From the mid 70’s to the days of Pu’uwai’s beginnings, the years of sweat equity, he was either coaching, paddling or kokua-ingWailua in some way. Together with the hui of uncles … (Uncle Jimmy, Ano, Joe, Sol and Kimo, just to name a few) making ready for the next race or the next fundraiser. Throughout the remainder of his life he was passionate about supporting the club and its mission to Imua Wailua. Because to Imua (move Forward or move Ahead) the club was to Imua and perpetuate the cultureof the canoe, the culture of the people and the community of Kaua’i. It was a labor of love that was highly valuable and tremendously important to him. Above all things Uncle Buddy deeply loved being a Hawaiian. He was the epitome of living Aloha. Beloved by all who knew him. Unfortunately, cancer would be the cause the end of his physical life, but the strength of his legacy and spirit lives on in our hearts and memories. On behalf of the Peters Ohana, we would like to wish all the paddlers good luck, good health and a safe journey.

Imua Wailua!”