 2011 to 2013
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The history of MMA
Our founder, Kurt Furomoto
Kurt Furomoto was tired of always getting chased away from wherever he was riding. But he had a dirt bike and wanted to ride. And there was no place legal. After getting a warning letter from the president of Wailuku Ag, Kurt decided he needed to do something. Avery Chumbley, the president at that time of Wailuku Ag, suggested to Kurt that he form an organization and find someplace to ride. . . easier said than done. How do you form a club and find a place that will allow motocross races?
Kurt liked to ride at Sand Bowls and Mud Flats. He and his friends would hold “Outlaw Races”. As the word spread, more riders started to show up. These races turned into “Fun Days”. The location moved to Pu’unene where there was really nothing but flat dirt. But hey - it was something. It was out in the boonies but at least there was no one chasing them away! With the help from friends and fellow riders, the Pu’unene riding area was cleaned up and eventually turned into a riding area. In 1997 HMA came and hosted an event. There was a great turnout of riders as well as spectators. It was evident that there was a need for a track on Maui. This is how MMA was born.
After much convincing, Kurt’s wife, Misti, finally decided to be a part of forming the Maui Motocross Association. Both Kurt and Misti knew that it was not going to be an easy task and would consume a lot of their time. But, realizing the need, they decided it was time. The process took about a year to get the club up and running. Forming a non-profit organization of this type was a full time job! The process included finding members, get advice and perform research. Fortunately the right people were in the right place at the right time. With the help from Martha Ferris, Larry Ford, Geri Ferge and Mel Hoomanuuanui, Kurt and Misti were able to get the club Incorporated, By-Laws and Rules and Regulations in place, liability insurance purchased, the location secured and the rest, as they say, is HISTORY!
MMA’s first membership meeting was held in September 1999. 60 riders signed up at that first meeting. By the end of the first year, the club had 200 members. MMA participated in the Maui County Fair Parade, had bikes on display at the shopping center and even did a televised interview. Thanks to Sue Bell, Neil Snarr and Akaku Programming, all of the races were televised. By the second year, riders from all across the islands couldn’t wait to come to Maui to race! Maui was quickly becoming known for holding the best, most organized events, statewide. By 2001, there were over 500 members that were enjoying the long overdue benefits of Maui’s only legal motocross facility.
To date, there have been over 1000 people that have been members of MMA at one time or another. Not to mention the hundreds of spectators who continue to support the monthly events. MMA is thankful to Kurt, Misti and the rest of the Ohana that have sacrificed much for the sport that we all love!
Kurt liked to ride at Sand Bowls and Mud Flats. He and his friends would hold “Outlaw Races”. As the word spread, more riders started to show up. These races turned into “Fun Days”. The location moved to Pu’unene where there was really nothing but flat dirt. But hey - it was something. It was out in the boonies but at least there was no one chasing them away! With the help from friends and fellow riders, the Pu’unene riding area was cleaned up and eventually turned into a riding area. In 1997 HMA came and hosted an event. There was a great turnout of riders as well as spectators. It was evident that there was a need for a track on Maui. This is how MMA was born.
After much convincing, Kurt’s wife, Misti, finally decided to be a part of forming the Maui Motocross Association. Both Kurt and Misti knew that it was not going to be an easy task and would consume a lot of their time. But, realizing the need, they decided it was time. The process took about a year to get the club up and running. Forming a non-profit organization of this type was a full time job! The process included finding members, get advice and perform research. Fortunately the right people were in the right place at the right time. With the help from Martha Ferris, Larry Ford, Geri Ferge and Mel Hoomanuuanui, Kurt and Misti were able to get the club Incorporated, By-Laws and Rules and Regulations in place, liability insurance purchased, the location secured and the rest, as they say, is HISTORY!
MMA’s first membership meeting was held in September 1999. 60 riders signed up at that first meeting. By the end of the first year, the club had 200 members. MMA participated in the Maui County Fair Parade, had bikes on display at the shopping center and even did a televised interview. Thanks to Sue Bell, Neil Snarr and Akaku Programming, all of the races were televised. By the second year, riders from all across the islands couldn’t wait to come to Maui to race! Maui was quickly becoming known for holding the best, most organized events, statewide. By 2001, there were over 500 members that were enjoying the long overdue benefits of Maui’s only legal motocross facility.
To date, there have been over 1000 people that have been members of MMA at one time or another. Not to mention the hundreds of spectators who continue to support the monthly events. MMA is thankful to Kurt, Misti and the rest of the Ohana that have sacrificed much for the sport that we all love!
