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Honolulu City Council honors Hannah Lehi “Hannie” Anderson for cultural leadership and paddling milestones
Summary
The Honolulu City Council presented an honorary certificate recognizing Hannah Lehi “Hannie” Anderson for decades of work preserving Hawaiian culture, advancing women’s outrigger canoe paddling and community entrepreneurship.
The Honolulu City Council presented an honorary certificate recognizing Hannah Lehi “Hannie” Anderson on grounds of her cultural leadership, longtime community service and role advancing women’s outrigger canoe paddling.
The council said Anderson, born Jan. 5, 1935, was an early pioneer of women’s surfing in Waikiki and a longtime member of the Waikiki Surf Club. Council remarks described her leadership with the Koa canoe Malia, her role directing Na Wahine O Ke Kai and her work as president of the Oʻahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association and the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club. The council noted she helped organize the first Na Wahine O Ke Kai (women’s Molokaʻi-to-Oʻahu canoe race), an event speakers said was conceived after she witnessed a men’s Molokaʻi-to-Oʻahu crossing in 1954 and that the women’s race was held about 25 years later.
Speakers at the chamber also highlighted Anderson’s career in hospitality and travel industry positions including Hawaiian Airlines and the Sheraton Waikiki, and entrepreneurial ventures with her husband Whitney Anderson such as Blue Hawaii and Sunrise Inn restaurants and other small businesses. The council recognized surviving family members in the chamber, including grandson and former Honolulu City Council Chair Ikaika Anderson and other members of the Anderson ʻohana.
The council issued a formal resolution honoring Anderson’s life and contributions to Hawaiian culture, sports and community service.
