PuroClean of The Big Island 
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, Hilo Bay became the backdrop for a moment of epic proportions as rowing duo Tim Crockett, a former UK Special Forces veteran, and his 18-year-old son Harrison completed their jaw-dropping 2,400-nautical-mile journey across the Pacific. Originally expected to land around 10:30 a.m., unpredictable ocean conditions kept the community on edge all day. But just before the sun dipped below the horizon, their vessel, The Kraken, glided into the bay—greeted by roaring cheers, tearful embraces, and a wave of aloha.
At the heart of the celebration, PuroClean of The Big Island proudly welcomed the heroes home, draping them with leis and heartfelt mahalo. Their arrival marked the triumphant end of a 47-day, 14-hour, 53-minute ocean crossing from San Francisco, driven by purpose, perseverance, and a powerful cause.
The mission? To raise awareness and funds for veteran mental health, under the inspiring campaign “Tame the Kraken,” tied to their broader initiative, “Row to Recovery.” The Crocketts aimed to raise $220,000 for the SHARE Military Initiative and BlazeSports America, illuminating the darkness of PTSD, TBI, and veteran mental health struggles. The Kraken—far from a sea monster—became a symbol of resilience and inner strength.
🌺 A Ceremony Brimming with Aloha Spirit & PuroClean Pride
The scene at Hilo’s historic landing ceremony was cinematic. As The Kraken eased into the dock at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, PuroClean of The Big Island’s staff and managers lined the pier, ready to greet the duo with open arms and drape them with vibrant leis.
Olga Lehua, PuroClean of The Big Island’s Administrative Services Specialist and Miss Hawaii Island’s Teen 2025, in front of a crowd of veterans and spectators, set the tone with a moving performance of the National Anthem, her voice rising above the breeze, sending goosebumps across the bay.
Then, in a beautifully traditional moment, Khazely, the niece of our Lead Tech, Shawn Nobriga, swept in with an enchanting hula, a true celebration of Hawaiian culture and heritage.
And just when the day couldn’t get more legendary, PuroClean of The Big Island’s VP of Operations, Gregory Arianoff, was pulled into a moment straight out of a movie. Mike, co-founder of Four Branches Bourbon, leaned in, pressed a gleaming commemorative coin into Greg’s hand, and whispered with a grin, “You’re one of us now… welcome to the tribe.” The coin, etched with their battle-born motto—“Sip to Remember, Serve Honorably”—was more than a keepsake; it was a badge of brotherhood, sealed with aloha and a splash of bourbon-fueled badassery.
🚣 The Journey: Waves, Wills, and Warrior Hearts
Picture this: two men on a 24‑foot rowboat, rowing 12+ hours a day, alternating in shifts across the vast, unpredictable Pacific. Battling blisters, salt sores, sleep deprivation, and fierce weather—from overcast chills to relentless sun—that was their daily rhythm. Near‑ship whales and curious sharks kept them company; massive 30–40‑foot waves tested their grit.
The physical feat was breathtaking, but the mental challenge—staring down isolation and fear—was the true monster. As Tim explained, the ocean forced them to “control what you can—your breath, your attitude, your next stroke”(Big Island Now). For Tim, the expedition was deeply personal—rekindling memories of a fallen comrade, adding urgency to their mission for awareness and change (Yahoo).
Harrison smashed records and made waves—becoming the youngest person ever, and part of the first father-son duo, to conquer the mid-Pacific route in a rowboat—a legendary feat now awaiting official validation from the Ocean Rowing Society.
🥃 Four Branches Bourbon: Fueling Courage
Every extraordinary mission needs solid backing—and Four Branches Bourbon delivered as a key expedition sponsor.
When it comes to bold flavor and even bolder purpose, Four Branches Bourbon doesn’t just raise a glass—they raise the bar. Founded by four U.S. Special Operations veterans, this premium bourbon brand is built on a backbone of honor, grit, and service. Their motto, “Sip to Remember,” isn’t just a tagline—it’s a mission. Every bottle supports veteran-focused causes, blending smooth Kentucky craftsmanship with unwavering commitment to those who’ve worn the uniform. Whether on the front lines or front porch, Four Branches Bourbon is for warriors, past and present.
🏠 PuroClean: The Big Island’s Restoration Authority
At PuroClean of The Big Island, we pride ourselves on being Hawaii’s go-to experts in property restoration—handling water, fire, smoke, mold, fentanyl, and biohazard recovery across the island. Our certified professionals stand ready 24/7, blending technical excellence with compassion. But our mission goes beyond restoration of walls and structures—we’re dedicated to restoring lives, especially those of our veterans. Supporting the Crocketts’ Tame the Kraken expedition aligns directly with our values: service, strength, aloha, and aloha ‘āina. We’re honored to sail alongside true heroes.
🎉 Aloha Forever: Ceremony Highlights
- Dates & Time: June 3–July 20, 2025; arrival after a 48‑day sojourn
- Cause: Raising funds and awareness for veteran mental health through “Row to Recovery” ($220,000 goal)
- Ceremony Moments:
- Olga Lehua singing the National Anthem
- Khazely performing a traditional hula
- Leis & aloha from PuroClean of The Big Island team members
- Gregory Arianoff receiving coin from Four Branches Bourbon’s co-founder Mike Trott
🧭 A Final Mahalo
As the Kraken found shore and the Bay erupted in aloha, we at PuroClean of The Big Island stood proud and humble.
To the Crocketts: your journey inspired more than you’ll ever know. From all of us at PuroClean of The Big Island, mahalo for your strength, your service, and your heart. Your fight for veteran mental health is one we proudly stand behind.
Here’s to taming the Kraken—both on the water and within ourselves. To our veterans: we see you; we support you; and we always stand beside you.
#purocleanofthebigisland #merica #purocleancares
PuroClean of The Big Island 