HONOLULU — A 17-year-old boy and his parents sued on Wednesday seeking damages against three canoe paddlers and other responsible parties after the canoe struck the boy, which caused life-threatening injuries, according to a news release.
On July 10, 2021, Kai Keuning was surfing at Tonggs surf break, which is between Diamond Head and the Outrigger Canoe Club, while a canoe was also riding the waves. As Keuning was paddling away from the canoe, it struck his head, breaking his skull in multiple places.
The complaint names Christopher Flaherty, Kali Watson and Christopher Kuaiwa as defendants, saying they were paddling the Outrigger Canoe Club canoe when the incident happened.
According to our news partner, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, it was a four-man canoe. Other paddlers or responsible parties may be named through discovery.
Just last week, Gov. Josh Green nominated Watson to lead the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Watson and Flaherty work together at Ikenakea Development, a company that develops affordable housing in Hawaii.
“We were devastated by this accident and are truly happy that Kai is back in school. Given that this is a lawsuit, we cannot comment further,” said Watson in a statement sent to Spectrum News Hawaii.
“I never thought I would ever sue anyone, but now I understand why. Money damages can’t replace what I have lost, but they can help me to rebuild my life,” said Keuning in a news release.
After the canoe struck Keuning, he lost consciousness and was under water. His surfing companion, Ethan Won, pulled him onto his surfboard and attempted CPR, according to the complaint.
Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services picked up Keuning with a jet ski, bringing him to shore. Keuning had no pulse as Ocean Safety personnel started to perform CPR, achieving the return of spontaneous circulation.
While in an ambulance on his way to Queen’s Medical Center, EMS personnel intubated Keuning after he returned to an unresponsive state. He was admitted to the hospital in critical condition.
“Keuning suffered severe injuries and damages, including but not limited to significant physical injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, lost earnings and lost earning capacity, and a considerable amount of medical and rehabilitative expenses,” the complaint said.
Keuning is still being evaluated for a blood clot in his brain. He postponed attending college for a year and still struggles to concentrate because of his brain injury. So far, medical costs amount to over $548,000, according to the news release.
“If no-one holds them accountable, this is going to happen to someone else, and I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t do something to prevent that,” said Manami Keuning, Kai’s mother, in a news release. “A lawsuit brings accountability and responsibility. Canoe riders will think twice about riding through surf breaks on a weekend when surfers are riding the same waves.”
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated with a statement from Kali Watson. (March 2, 2023)