WCC Bios for 2018 Calendar Year:
Cliff Gilley-
Aloha
My wife and I moved to The Big Island Hawaii in February of 2017, fulfilling a dream of many years. On previous trips to Hawaii, with great enthusiasm I watched canoe clubs, specifically Waikoloa Canoe Club, load canoes into the water and paddle. I told my wife then that if we were blessed to move here, I was going to join WCC and give canoe paddling a shot.
Little did I realize the blessing that WCC would be to me personally. I love Hawaiian culture, history and tradition, especially as it relates to canoe paddling. WCC accepted and encouraged me immediately and thus have learned about paddling and made many friends in the process. I look to serve on the WCC BOD as a means to give back to the members and club that mean so much to me.
Most of my life I lived in Knoxville, Tennessee. My wife and I have 3 kids in college. I have been a podiatrist for 16 years. I enjoy hiking, camping, fishing and most any sport outside, including 5 marathons until I injured my knee.
During medical school, I was president of my class for all 4 years. I have served as a member of boards in church, community and most recently a non-profit called A Hand Up for Women in Knoxville.
If given the opportunity, I will serve WCC as a member of the board of directors to uphold the Vision Statement and represent all members of the club fairly.
Mahalo Nui
Kalani Kaili-
Aloha
My name is Kalani Kaili, I am a Waikoloa Canoe Club member and volunteer. I’ve enjoyed 2 wonderful years with this club and now I seek a position on the Board Of Directors. I bring my experience in SURFING, SAILING & CANOEING; as well as Team Leadership and Team Building Skills. My Canoeing experiences started back as a KEIKI in 1974 paddling with Uncle Billy Kailimai of Keaukaha CC, Uncle Arnold Nathaniel of KAMEHAMEHA CC, with Waiakea Middle School & High School and then with my mother Momi Mauhili of Hilo Bay CC. I’ve also done numerous Long Distances and Business Men Races.
I’ve been in the Civil Construction Field for many years as a FOREMAN, PROJECTS SUPERVISOR & SAFETY COORDINATOR. This experience has given me Quality Decision Making, Equal Balance and a whole lot of Common Sense.
I like the fact that this Club offers Ohana & Recreational paddling for Community & Visitors by sharing a part of our Hawaiian Culture. I also Agree with the Waikoloa Canoe Clubs “BY LAWS” and stand STRONG by our Club’s “PURPOSES” in ARTICLE 1. Section 1.02 which says, TO ENCOURAGE, MAINTAIN, & PERPETUATE AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN CANOE RACING.
MAHALO NUI LOA,
Kalani Kaili
Chuck Pfaff-
In short…
4 years in the Navy. Responsible for Main Propulsion, and Auxiliary Machinery. Had responsibility for 3-6 people at any one time.
I am retired from Hewlett-Packard after 18 years working between New England, Puerto Rico and California as a systems analyst/project manager.
Cindy & I bought our first property in 1999 in Mauna Lani where I was on the Board of Directors for 3 years.
We moved permanently to Hawaii in 2016 and joined WCC during the Feb. 2017 membership drive. Since then I’ve been active in both Racing and Recreational Paddling.
Following shoulder surgery in March 2017, acted as beach director for the Kailua-Kona Regattas.
I can be found ALMOST every Tuesday and Thursday morning and afternoon along with Sunday mornings at the club paddling a 6 man canoe.
Presently learning how to steer an outrigger canoe.
Thanks,
Chuck
Aron Risley-
Waikoloa Canoe Club has always been my club since 2011, and it is more than just a recreational activity, it has become a part of my ohana. Some may already know me, as I have been very active during racing season, and for others, I may be a stranger or an acquaintance that you met one day. So allow me to introduce myself, but perhaps my name has already proceeded me.
My name is Aron Risley and I am 22 years old. I joined the club as a keiki but never had a group of guys committed to paddling to form a crew. So at the age of 17, Coach Jeb allowed me to practice and race with the adults, marking that year as the completion of my first Liliuokalani race. Once I got a taste of the pure enjoyment of paddling and the bonds I had made, I was back for more over the next several years. Two years ago, my father became the head coach, and last year, I took the stage as the keiki coach.
With most of my time invested in racing, I had little time for the ohana morning sessions. This is mostly because I’m currently a full time student at UH Hilo and work was always conflicting. On the occasions I did make it out, you may have seen me on my one-man or steering a canoe. If I had all the time in the world, I would be on the water nonstop.
Perhaps now I’m not so much of a stranger, but a distant cousin. I wish to push our club forward by expanding everyone’s knowledge on the sport of racing, the heritage of the Hawaiian canoe, and the experiences that will last a lifetime that can only be found when paddling. The concepts of teamwork, competition, and Hawaiian culture that are found in our club can be applied to everyday life and this aspect here is the reason why I stay.