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One Drop Da Hui’s Mahina Chillingworth Whenever Mahina Chillingworth would bodysurf Waimea Bay shorebreak as a teenager, her buddy Hailama Kaikuana, always wore his black shorts. Today she realizes that was her first encounter with Hui O He’e Nalu (aka: Da Hui). “I asked him why he wore the shorts and he told me why and what the Da Hui represented,” she recalls. “He suggested I join Da Hui, but back then, there weren’t many wahine members and actually, wahine weren’t really ‘allowed’ to wear the black shorts.” Later in the early 90’s, Mahina met up with one of the founders, Eddie Rothman. He suggested she go to the Hui meetings and she has been a member ever since. In 2004, Mahina became the event coordinator for DA HUI, Inc. (the clothing company) and VicePresident of HUI O’ HE’E NALU (overseeing events, affairs and membership). “Da Hui is a man’s world,” Mahina says, “so I had to be patient and eventually prove myself that a wahine can lead. I’m very fortunate and thankful that the Da Hui leaders and members believed in me and have my back.” Over the years, Mahina has coordinated and directed events that give back to the community through charitable proceeds while celebrating the life and passion of ocean enthusiasts. Such family events include the Pro Surfer Christmas hospital visit, Da Hui Surf Bash, Da Hui Waimea Slam (bodysurfing contest), Da Hui Backdoor Shootout (famed winter surf contest), Da Hui O He’e Nalu North Shore Beach Clean Up (largest beach cleanup in the state), and Da Hui O He’e Nalu July 4th Paddle Race. While the Da Hui stereotypes are well known as tough regulators from the rougher days on the North Shore, Mahina’s work has ushered in an era of community service and family-friendly events. “Many still think of Da Hui has a bunch of ‘bullies,’” she laughs. “We’ve done more community service projects than any other organizations. So if that’s being a ‘bully,’ so be it. Our motto is that we’re ocean guardians, so that’s how it will remain.”
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Mahina cites the Hui O He’e Nalu founders— Eddie Rothman, Bryan Amona, Squiddy Sanchez, Terry Ahue, Billy Blakenfeld and Uncle Kawika Stant—as some of her inspirations. “They went toe-to-toe, literally, with foreigners who came with intentions to dominate the North Shore and capitalize on professional surfing back in the 70’s,” she explains. “They made it known that Hawaiians should never be belittled or disrespected.” In remembering those days, Mahina urges the next generation to not fear controversy. “If you feel disrespect to our culture is being done, and have facts to back it up, then fight,” she encourages. “Be proactive in the community. Don’t be those who sit back and talk a good talk: Walk the walk. When you step forward with good intentions to protect the ocean, ‘aina or the community and do your best at it, it’s a good feeling.” An activity that Mahina is very active in at the moment is the ‘Save Haleiwa Beach Park’ efforts, which aim to protect public land across from Haleiwa Beach Park from being sold to developer Andy Anderson who wants to build a hotel. Currently, the Hui O He’e Nalu has signed on as co-park keepers with the City’s Adopt-a-Park program. Every Saturday, you’ll find members of Da Hui along with other community members donating time to beautify the area for all to enjoy. “We are waiting word on how Mayor Carlisle wants to proceed on this parcel,” Mahina explains. “We’re hoping he doesn’t sell out. But who knows, when part of his administration is in cahoots with Andy Anderson, anything could happen. But we will keep on keeping on and hope and pray the Mayor doesn’t sell Haleiwa Mauka parcel. We, the Da Hui, won’t back down. Never has, never will.” Kala Alexander describes Mahina as a go-getter, always putting others in her community before herself. “She’s always spreading the word about causes that deserve the community’s attention,” he says. “She never does it for attention or recognition. She does it because she cares.”
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