Joined OCC: 1923
Elected to Winged “O”: February 3, 1969
Johnny or J. J. as John Hollinger was known was a true friend of the youth of the Outrigger Canoe Club, and his award of the Winged “O” came as a tribute to a man who spent most of his life on the beach.
He was always lending (for free) his time, talents and equipment to the youngsters who were eager to learn to surf, swim, paddle or steer a canoe. He was also the coach and steersman of many of the Outrigger women’s canoe teams.
Although J. J. worked at the Navy Yard, his free time was spent at the Club, mostly helping kids to fix their boards or helping them with some other problem. A “diamond in the rough” type, J. J. was looked up to by those who needed help—and it was always freely given.
Born in the Kapahulu district of Honolulu on July 25, 1894, the son of a blacksmith (horses were the main method of transportation in those days), J. J. learned to work with his hands. He was strong and erect, handsome and well built from surfing, canoeing and hard work. Along with his brother Bill, Jack MacKenzie and the old Outrigger bunch, many happy days (and nights) were spent surfing, canoeing and singing the songs of old Hawaii.
J. J. passed away on April 6, 1969 after 74 years of a happy Hawaiian style life. He was loyal to the OCC which he joined in 1923, and over the years did all he could to help the youngsters.
These are the reasons the Winged “O” was awarded to J. J. for without men like Duke, Dad and J. J., the Outrigger would not be what it is today. May their spirits always be with us in the youth of the Outrigger Canoe Club.