Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 11, 1 Nowemapa 1987 — Thompson, Smith Get Na Poʻokela Honors [ARTICLE]

Thompson, Smith Get Na Poʻokela Honors

Nainoa Thompson and William M. (Bill) Smith are the winners of the Na Po'okela awards for navigation and sports, respectively, according to an announcement from the office of Ho'olako 1987. Thompson's dedication to proving that the ancient Polynesians could navigate successfully over great distances has made him a modern legend and an inspiration not only to Hawaiians but to all Polynesians.

He made extensive studies of the stars, the oeean and wind currents, and using that knowledge guided the sailing eanoe, Hokule'a, on its most recent voyage of rediscovery. Since his retum from that journey, Thompson has dedicated himself to sharing his knowledge and experiences with the youth of Hawaii.

Smith s career in sports has spanned more than five decades. As a ehampion swimmer in the 1930's and 1940s, he held nine world swimming records and won two 01ympic gold medals. He was nominated for the Sullivan Award as the outstanding amateur in the United States for four consecutive years, and was enshrined in the International Swimming Hall of Fame. For the past 24 years, Smith has devoted himself to eoaehing and developing some of Hawaii's outstanding young swimmers. Recipients of the Na Po'okela Award will be honored at a banquet in December. Amfac ine., is the sponsor for Na Po'okela.