Kruse Receives First Kaua‘i-Issued PVS Specialty Plate

An original member of the Hōkūleʻa was the first to receive a specialty license plate now offered at the Kaua‘i Department of Motor Vehicles that honors the organization behind the Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe.

John Kruse was the recipient of the first Kaua‘i-issued Polynesian Voyaging Society specialty license plate Monday, the first day the plates were available on the island.

Kruse helped in the construction of Hōkūleʻa and was a crewmember on her maiden voyage in 1976. He also co-founded Nā Kālai Waʻa o Kauaʻi (The Canoe Builders of Kaua‘i) in 1996, along with Dennis Chun and the late Dr. Patrick Aiu. The nonprofit began construction of Nāmāhoe – Kaua‘i’s first traditional voyaging canoe – in the late 1990s, which eventually launched from the waters of Nāwiliwili in September 2016.

As a long-standing member of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, it was only fitting to present Kruse with the first Kaua‘i-issued PVS license plate, said the county.

The Kaua‘i DMV on Monday issued a total of 92 PVS specialty license plates during its first day of sales. A portion of the costs will be donated to the society to support the organization.

According to its website, the Polynesian Voyaging Society “seeks to perpetuate the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging and the spirit of exploration through experiential educational programs that inspire students and their communities to respect and care for themselves, each other and their natural and cultural environments.”

The specialty plates cost $36, of which $20 will be donated to PVS. The remaining costs include $10 toward the purchase of the plate, $1 for a new emblem and $5 for processing.

The DMV is open 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays, to all customers. Kupuna Hour is from 8-8:45 a.m.

To book an appointment for a Polynesian Voyaging Society specialty license plate, click click here and then click on “Book Your DMV Appointment.” Select “Motor Vehicles” and then “MVR All Others.”

Follow the instructions and don’t forget to confirm your appointment by clicking on “FINISH.”

Walk-ins and e-tickets will be served as time permits.