Kahuku Women Basketball JV "vs" Kaimuki Bulldogs (55-14) Final.

This afternoon at Kaimuki High School Gym, the Kahuku Red Raider's women JV basketball team matched up against the Kaimuki Bulldogs in a one sided game. Kahuku pounded the Kaimuki bulldogs from the start. At the end of the 2nd period, the score was 8-28. The Kahuku team not only dominated, but executed their plays to perfection and just outplayed the bulldogs one on one with their speed and size. The game ended with Kahuku winning 55-14 over the bulldogs. Congratulations to Kahuku players, #5 Pati Anae (13 points top photo), #23 Jaelynn Kaio (9 points photo right), and to Coach Folafolaga Avei and JV Coach Johnny Tapusoa, and all the players this afternoon. Click here for more photos.

"Gate Ball In Hawaii" "Say What?"

"Gate Ball?"... Who would ever think this was a sport. I too wondered myself, until I had the opportunity to observe the sport at Ala Moana Beach Park this morning. I met with Mr. Stanley Kitamura (photo below), President of the Hawaii Aloha Gate Ball Association and who is also the Hawaii Ground Golf Association Director. Mr. Kitamura related they have been playing this sport for the past 6 years and all of his players are retirees, ages ranging from 70-89 years old. They play every Sunday and Thursday between the hours of 7:30am to 11:00am just Koko Head (east) of the Ala Moana tennis courts.

This is what I learned about the game. Gate Ball is a mallet sport similar to croquette. It is a non-contact, fast-paced, highly-skilled team game, which can be played by anyone regardless of age or gender. It originated in Japan (1947) and is now played by more than 8 million people in over 15 countries worldwide.

Gate Ball is played on a rectangular court 20-25 meters long and 15-20 meters wide. Courts are generally grass, but can also be clay, gravel or concrete. Each court has three gates and a goal pole. The game is played by two teams (red and white) which consist of five players each. Each player has a numbered ball corresponding to their playing order. The odd-numbered balls are red and the even-numbered balls are white. Teams score one point for each ball hit through a gate and two points for hitting the goal pole. A game of Gate Ball lasts for 30 minutes. The winner is the team that has the most points at the end of the game.

The above members are left to right, #1 Stanley Sato, #2 Stanley Kitamura, #3 Kenneth Hosaka, #4 Dorothy Sato, #5 Kay Terao, #6 Masako Kozuma, #7 Margaret Fox, and #8 Yoshikane Shizuo. I would like to thank Mr. Stanley Kitamura and his members for their time, and for sharing the sport of Gate Ball with me. Much Mahalo! More photos click here

"Hawaii Ninth Island" Ski & Snowboarding" Las Vegas Style

Hawaii residents love heading to Las Vegas, which has become our ninth island as some say and many wish for that one opportunity to become a millionaire. Hawaii residents who moved to Las Vegas have found many other activities besides gambling. One activity that has been very popular during the winter months is skiing and snowboarding on Mount Charleston which is located at 6725 Lee Canyon Road. It is about an hour drive from the strip and averages 120 inches of snow annually. I had the opportunity to experience what 21 degrees (low) and 39 degrees (high) feels like. "Wow" it's cold! It's so cold that you can walk around all day and your ice cream won't melt, even though the sun is out. I had layers of clothing, gloves, snow boots and head gear and still felt cold. Some Hawaii locals who have gotten use to the cold were walking around with less clothing that I had on. In fact they said I looked overdressed. It wasn't just cold, it was "freezing".... no laugh! I was so glad there was a Big Horn Cafe that serves food and hot beverages (hot cocoa) and a Bristecone Bar.

Transportation to Mount Charleston on Monday, December 14, 2009, was awesome because Las Vegas Ski & Snowboarding started their first day of transportation pick-up from your hotel (Centennial Transportation). They transfer you to two other locations where a tour bus (Triple Tours Coach) will take you up to Mount Charleston. I was picked up at 6:30am and got to the top of Mount Charleston around 8:00am. The bus left there at 4:00 pm and I arrived back at my hotel around 6:30pm. The cost was very reasonable. For more information, email them at ridenski@lvssr.com or call them at (702) 645-2754 - www.skilasvegas.com.

"Special Thanks" to the staff at Las Vegas Ski & Snowboarding Resort, Base Operations Manager Craig Baldwin, Curt Sheffield, Accounting Manager, Host Chris Dehner who was my blocker when I was taking photos of our local Hawaii residents skiing and snowboarding. Thanks also to the Big Horn Cafe for that hot cocoa. Again, much mahalo to all. To see photos, "click here."

"DOG PULLING" Weight Pull Competitions

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, I was invited by Alan and Stacie Mahoe of Nanakuli to watch a demonstration of "Dog Pulling." Yes, dog pulling! I know you are all wondering what it is, and I too had the same question, so I just had to see what this was all about. I was told that each dog pulls a wheeled cart or a sled with weights on it and the dog must pull the wheeled cart or sled 16 feet in 60 seconds and they are judged by who can pull the most weight. The owners can not touch the dog prior to them crossing the finish line, and if they do they will be disqualified from that event. Prior to a tournament, I was told that each dog is put into a different weight class.

As for the dogs feeling pain, I can't speak for them, but I understand that dogs who have done this "enjoy" the workout and those that don't will not move an inch. As for the ages of the dogs that participate, they usually fall between one year and 12 years old. Tournaments are usually held in Hawaii around March to September and are also held on the U.S. mainland, but it depends on the sponsors. The dogs with the best times earn points, and at the end of the year these points are added up. Those with the best three pulls earn a medal placement of Gold, Silver or Bronze. So, if you're driving around the islands and see a sign "dog pulling," you'll know what it's all about. Thank you to Alan and Stacie Mahoe for the invite and information. Check Out My Photos

"2009 HHSAA Division I Championship" Kamehameha 34-21 Over the Kahuku Raiders

I've been to college, high school and Jr. pee wee football games, but never sat in any section of a HHSAA Division I championship game at Aloha Stadium. All I can tell you is, it was very "exciting." With all the "chanting," "shouting" and "stomping," I could feel the section I was sitting in, shake so much that at times it was difficult to shoot any pictures. I was hoping the Aloha Stadium, built in 1975 would hold up its steel structure. And talking about "steal," Kamehameha dominated the first, second and the fourth quarters with a display of defensive precision. At the start of the second half, Kahuku came "storming" back but that storm didn't last. Kamehameha's T.C. Campbell passed for three touchdowns, and Ryan Ho rushed for 121 yards sealing the game over the Kahuku Red Raiders for a final score of 34-21. The Warriors won their last First Hawaiian Bank HHSAA Division I Championship title back in 2004.

As for the earlier game at Aloha Stadium, Iolani and Kaua'i battled it out back and forth especially with a lot of fumbles and interceptions. In the end, Iolani prevailed just passing by Kaua'i 24-17, making it Iolani's third First Hawaiian Bank HHSAA Division II Championship title. Congratulations to all of these teams. Check Out My Photos

"WINTER SWELLS at WAIMEA BAY"

Today, 9:30am at Waimea Bay Beach Park the waves were running as high as 25 feet. As predicted, it will be getting bigger and the life guards were warning beach goers to stay farther up on the beach with only experienced surfers entering the waters. Today, only one person was rescued and there were no serious injuries. More photos see "Alan Kang Hawaii Sports Photos".

The Aiea (Steel Hornets) "vs" The Mililani (Flaming Hot Cheetos) AYSO U12 Boys Soccer Team

On Saturday, 11-14-09, It was a cloudy day and rain was expected, but it turned out to be a nice day. I was invited to the Waipio Soccer Complex in Waipahu by Kalani and Marylyn Kaahanui to take photos of the Aiea Steel Hornets (top photo) who where playing the Mililani Flaming Hot Cheetos (bottom photo). It was a very exciting and close game which ended in a 2-2 tie, and went into a "shootout." Mililani went on to win the shootout, putting them in third place with their own Dorian Lanco #5 kicking the winning goal, and Brandon Goto #9 stopping Aiea from scoring. Aiea Steel Hornets took fourth place over all in the AYSO U12 Soccer tournament for 2009. Special recognition goes to the Aiea team, Trey Curent (#32) and Nalu Rios (#40), and another player that was all over the field and in many of my photos, Ikaika Kaahanui (#50). Both teams played their hearts out and I've never seen more energy among players in their age group.

"Congratulations" to both teams and thank you to the Kaahanuis for inviting me. Thanks also to coach Greg Ishikawa of the Aiea team and coach Mel Yoshimitsu of the Mililani team. I would also like to mention that Laie played West Oahu in this tournament and took first place and second place respectively. For today's game photos, under my photo to your right, see more photos "click" Alan Kang Hawaii Sports Photos.

"Ewa Saints "vs" Hawaii Young Warriors"

This was a busy week of OIA football for me. And the UH Warriors finally broke their losing streak over Utah State, 49-36. Today seemed like a nice day to just sit back and relax, but I was invited by Mr. Terry Kumaewa, to another football game at the Aloha Stadium, Jr. Pee Wee football Ewa Saints "vs" Hawaii Young Warriors. I was surprised to see such a huge crowd and participation from the families, cheerleaders, yelling and cheering and just hanging out. It was great to see such "Aloha" and "Ohana" on this game day.

At 2:00 pm the game started with Ewa Saints "vs" Hawaii Young Warriors. The Hawaii Warriors scored the first touchdown 8-0, but the Ewa Saints came back to tie the score 8-8. Watching Jr. Pee Wee football was a great way to spend my Sunday, it was more exciting than regular football. Anyway, both teams played their hearts out and were "awesome." All I can say is, we've got some talented kids out there. In the end, the Ewa Saints won the game, 22-14 over the Hawaii Young Warriors. I have to give credit to the Ewa Saints #2, Jaykob Cabunoc (photo above) who saved a touchdown (stripped the ball) and caused a fumble on the 3 yard line, and later on another play ran from the 20 yard in for a touchdown. Credit also goes to #5 Nai Noa Perez and #20 Kila Kapihe of the Ewa Saints who also scored touchdowns. I'd like to congratulate both teams for a well played game, and congratulations to Ewa Saints Coach, Sean Richardson. Thanks also to Mr. Terry Kumaewa for inviting me (see more photos click under my photo).

"Moanalua Na Menehune" Takes The OIA White Title 21-7 over Aiea Na Ali'i

It has been a lot of team work and many hours of practice for the Moanalua Na Menehune this year. I've never seen a team coached with more dedication and "heart" than this Moanalua Varsity team under Coach Arnold Martinez and his assistant coaches.

The discipline among these players are beyond words that I can describe. I've covered the Na Menehune at several games and I now understand the meaning of "We Believe." As coach Martinez says, "all things are possible for those who believe" and yes, they achieved that goal at the Aloha Stadium for the OIA White Division Championship against the Aiea Na Ali'i and took their first OIA Championship Title.

"Congratulations" to Coach Martinez, his staff and all the football players at Moanalua High School, including Tahje Canyon #23 who rushed for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Special thanks to Mr. Joel Kawachi, Athletic Director and Principal Darrel Galera for giving me the opportunity to do the photos for Moanalua High School.

"All Things Are Possible For Those Who Believe"

Moanalua High School Varsity Football team took on Kalaheo High School on Friday, October 23, 2009 and what a game it was. Moanalua was the first to score, with Kalaheo taking the lead at half time 14-7. In the second half,
neither team would score until 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter, when Moanalua quarterback Adam Francisco, #7 threw a pass to receiver Essaye Villaver, #10 for a touchdown to tie the game 14-14 with 2:32 left on the clock. It was "chicken skin" all the way. Then with 52 seconds remaining on the clock, Moanalua held Kalaheo back as the game went into overtime. In overtime, Moanalua was the first to score bringing them to 21-14, and then it was Kalaheo's turn to try and score. Kalaheo ran in for a touchdown, but their kick for the extra point was blocked, because the entire Moanalua defensive line put up a wall. Congratulations to Moanalua, final score 21-20. The Moanalua Varsity team ended their season, 8-0 in the OIA White Division putting them in the playoffs. With this win, they advance to the Championship on November 6, 2009 at the Aloha Stadium. As Coach Martinez (photo above w/Jordan Tanioka) quoted, "all things are possible for those who believe."

"Manoa Paniolo "vs" Kapahulu Raiders"

On October 17, 2009, I was invited to Crane Park next to Kaimuki High school to witness two Jr. Pee Wee Football teams take on a task to defeat the other. The age group I was told, was between 8-10 years old and the teams playing were, the "Kapahulu Raiders" coached by Nui Uahinui and the "Manoa Paniolo" coached by Phillip Buchanan. The Kapuhulu Raiders showed a lot of spirit and their pass plays were on target, but unfortunately at the end of the game, the Manoa Paniolo ran off with a win for a final score of 26-7 over the Kapahulu Raiders. "Congratulations" to both team for an "awesome" show of sportsmanship (see more photos - right).

"Nalea Trujillo" The Winning Field Goal

Nalea Trujillo who is a freshman on the JV Moanalua Football team was also on the Ka'oi Rampage Soccer Team who represented Hawaii at the the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals in Las Vegas ( Hawaii State Cup GU12 Championship) and made it to the semifinals.

She also competed in the San Diego Surf Cup, "The Champion of Champions tournament", and tonight, October 16, 2009, Nalea Trujillo is Moanalua JV Freshman Football "Champion of Champs." With 3 seconds left on the clock and Aiea JV football team calling two times out to put the pressure on Nalea, it didn't hold up. Nalea stated, "yes she had butterflies" and was breathing too fast, but her teammates told her to calm down, takeout her mouth piece and breath. When it was time to kick the ball she just did what she had to do, and the ball went right between the goal up rights. For a second she couldn't recall what happened, but when she looked down and saw the Aiea JV Football players on the ground at her feet, she realized that she made the final winning field goal. The final score over Aiea JV Football team, 17-14. "Congratulations" to Nalea Trujillo and the Moanalua JV Football team (more photos - select see more photos at right).

"Island Warriors Las Vegas Style"

I had the opportunity to meet with the Mr. Nua Agatonu (left-center back photo), Offensive Coordinator for Liberty High School and President of the Island Warriors in Henderson, Nevada.

Mr. Nua related how the name Island Warriors came about.

Nua moved to Las Vegas in 1999 and played arena football in Las Vegas and got together with other Polynesians and with the permission of the arena commissioners created their own Polynesians team and called themselves "Island Warriors".

Then in 2003, they formed the kids division youth tackle football with only 32 players and ended up with their first championship game that first year and gave them the name "Island Warriors" which consist of kids in grades 7-9. In 2004 they ended up with 4 teams, 2005, 6 teams to cover all 6 divisions. They got so big that they had to switch to the NYFL, Nevada Youth Foothball League, because this way the local kids age and weight could serve them better. In 2006 they ended up with 8 teams and over 200 kids and had to break away from the NYFL and move from the middle of the city to Henderson, Nevada and a feeder program into Liberty High School which has become a "local school" as they call it and created 3 teams,

(1) is their Prep Division 2,3 and 4th graders coached by Conrad Waialae (2) is their Elementry Division 5 and 6th graders coached by Samson Nacua and (3) is their Middle School 7 and 8th graders coached by Robert Kaaihui and 3 top 8th graders in the nation were selected to play First All-American Bowl that is made up of the top 8th graders from around the country and they were, Albert Tai, Niko Kapeli and Anu Soloman of the Island Warriors. In 2008, Liberty Middle School football team is the leader in the Southern Nevada Youth season (more photos - select "see more photos - listed under "Events").

2009 Hawaiian Island Martial Arts Tournament

On Sunday, October 11, 2009, I was invited by Alfred Dela Cruz to their 2009 Hawaiian Island Martial Arts Tournament held at Pearl City High School Gym located at 2100 Hookiekie Street, Pearl City, Hawaii 96782. The following sponsers were, Alfred Dela Cruz, Al Dacascoc, Ed Louis, Rick Alemany, "Grand Master" and Lee Manibog.

The age groups were from 5 years and under, and 18 years and over and the Black Belt Grand Champion Kata went to Todd Dunphy (photo right with Grand Master, Rick Alemany). Congratulations to all who participated and especially to Todd Dunphy (more photos, select "see more photos").

"Heart Break Ridge LVSSA Softball Championship Tournament 2009"

Every year in October, they hold their SSA Softball AA Championship Tournament in Las Vegas and this year it was scheduled on October 2,3,4, 2009. It was an invitation for me to cover the story and take photos of the Family Stones softball team coached by Mr. Ben Naki (photo below). This year, there were seven teams participating including the Family Stones, Hawaiians, Hawaiians-Lanakila, Maui, Guam, Team 808, and one mainland team, Oklahoma. Just to summarize the entire event this year, the AA Division 50 and over went to the Hawaiians team (24) over the Maui team (10) for the AA Division LVSAA Softball Championship Tournament. The MVP went

to the Hawaiians team Pitcher, Bobby Brown. The weather was beautiful on the first day of play with clear skies, and a full moon that evening. The next day brought a chill and wind storm that left the Family Stones softball team out in the cold and very disappointed during the playoffs on Saturday. I was told this was their "worst" year that they have ever played. If it wasn't for the loss on Saturday against the Hawaiians-Lanakila team who won (6-19), they would have advanced to the finals on Sunday . I want to say "Congratulations" to all who participated, especially to the Family Stones who invited me this year! See more photos, "click here." Select "SOFTBALL."

Island Warriors & Family Stone LVSSA World Championship, Las Vegas 2009

Aloha,

I'll be off Island covering and reporting on Nua Agatonu who is the Offensive Coordinator (along with the other coaches, Chad Kapanui, Randy Asinsin, Joe Charles, Tala Toalei, Chad Kalilimoku, and brother Brad, and Alapa Clark) at Liberty High School in Henderson, Las Vegas and who is also the President of the Island Warriors (see more photos under "events"). I'll also be covering the Family Stones LVSSA World Championship Slow Pitch in Las Vegas, October 2,3,4, 2009 under Benjamin K. Naki Jr., who established the Family Stones back in 1981, and now hosts one of the largest softball tournaments in the State of Hawaii. Check back as I try to update these stories this weekend, and go to my photo gallery to see more photos.

Jill Remiticado (center photo), 1996 Wrestling on Iolani Boys Team

At the 2009 Aloha State Games held at King Intermediate in Kaneohe, I caught up with Jill Remiticado, who graduated from Iolani School in 1999 and from Pacific University in Oregon. She caught everyone's attention back in 1996 and 1997 when she was the first female to be on the Iolani boys wrestling team. Jill won the first state championship in the 114 pound wrestling class and she also holds the state weightlifting record in the 127 pound weight class. According to Jill, she loves to compete in sports which are mainly dominated by men. She keeps in shape by lifting weights and is involved in coaching wrestling. Jill stands at 5'1" and is from Aiea, Hawaii.

The West Oahu Baseball Organization Youth Tournament

The West Oahu Baseball Organization Youth Tournament was started to accommodate the mainland teams who were traveling to Hawaii. There are 6 mainland teams involved in this years tournament, 1 with the youth and 5 with the 18 and under division.

It gives many of our local teams the opportunity to play teams from other states without leaving Hawaii. Mr. Jim Koishigawa, this year's tournament organizer related that the organizer from the mainland may possibly bring 20 plus teams to play in Hawaii next year.

There is also an organization based out of San Diego that wants to bring teams to play in Hawaii next year. If this happens, the West Oahu Baseball Organization will be hosting a lot of teams next summer. If you have any questions, you may email Jim at batterbox808@hotmail.com.

The West Oahu Baseball Tournament 2009 Championship

During the week of July 27, 2009 and August 1, 2009, there have been 2 groups in the youth division, 10 and under and 12 and under. Under the 10 and under are: (1) Shockers (2) Mililani Gold (3) Kolohe Chibi Abunai (4) Kolohe Midgets (5) Go Nutz and (6) Windward Giants. Under the 12 and under are: (1) C-Dawgs (2) Mahiko Park Rats (3) Manoa Dirt Bags (4) Crusaders (5) Windward and (6) Texas, the only mainland team. The Championship playoff was between the Mililani Gold and the Windward Giants, 10 and under and the C-Dawgs and Manoa Dirt Bags, 12 and under.

The final game went to the Windward Giants who scored 11-9 over the Mililani Gold. Due to errors, Mililani Gold fell short at the end and the Windward Giants took the 10 and under Championship. As for the 12 and under, the Manoa Dirt Bags ran away with the Championship with the final score 17-3 over the C-Dawgs. "Congratulations" to all the teams who made it to the finals.

Oli Aloha No Palolo

On August 15, 2009, the "Na Koa o Anuenue" Football Team from Honolulu, Hawai'i, took on the Kamehameha-Maui Football team and came out Victorious with only 45 seconds left in the fourth quarter to score a 26-20 in the final. It was a chilling and chicken skin experience from the start to the end of the game. Bottom line, you had to be there and for myself, it was "awesome" to see what I have never witness in a football game.

The game started out by a chant called "Oli Aloha No Palolo" which describes the area where Anuenue is situated. The alaka'i or team captains went forward to present the lomi sticks and a pu'olo (ti leaf bundle) to the Kamehameha Football Team. Talk about chills and chicken skin, "wow", that was "awesome" to watch and again, I have to say that you had to be there to feel like you were back in history.

After the presentation, the team did the dance, Ku'i Moloka'i a true Hawaiian male dance. "Congratulation" to the Anuenue Football Team, Coach Timothy Kealohamakua Wengler, his staff and players!

Tricia Yoshimura 2008 Libero of the Year All-Pac West Volleyball Team

Tricia Yoshimura was awarded the Libero of the Year award in the 2008 All-Pac West Volleyball Team in the Pacific West Conference. She leads the conference with 551 digs. When she graduated from the Hawai'i Baptist Academy in 2006, she was uncertain about playing on the West Coast. Tricia made a last minute decision to continue playing volleyball and headed to Oregan State. She was offered a position on the team as a walk-on. Tricia started a few games, then decided she wanted to come home to Hawai'i. Coach Daryl Kapis of HPU in Honolulu spoke to her OSU coach and that is how she began playing for HPU. As coach Kapis commented, Tricia is one of the best all-around players as of 2008. Last year, Tricia led the conference in digs and averaged 5.2 digs per game. Tricia's teammates added that she is all over the court and are amazed at how she gets all of the balls. Tricia feels this team shares a bond and connection which is good.

COACH TIMOTHY KEALOHAMAKUA WENGLER

Coach Wengler related his experience started at the youth level as an assistant and head coach for small pop-warner teams namely, the Kaimuki Eagles, Kalani Faclcons, and the Palolo Vikings. As the
head coach at Palolo Vikings, he coached many of the immersion students and competed against many others. As they
matured into the high school, it was they who asked him to make their dream come to life and for Anuenue to have a team of our own rather than having to play for the
neighboring Roosevelt High School team. The following 2005-06 we wrote for a
grant through OHA and began the first Hawaiian immersion High School
Football team which we named “Na Koa o Anuenue”

Na Koa o Anuenue Football Team 2009

Coaches, Timothy Kealohamakua Wengler - HC, Reid Kawano DC, Neil Ane LB,Gary Loo OL, Louis Oana OL, Laiana Wong LB, Sam Wahilani DB/QB, Robert Cullen RB, La'akea Suganuma Cultural/Spiritual, Mina Tsukihara Athletic Trainer, Garrett Tam Equip./Mgr., Noah Wengler Team Mgr., (no photo) Wondalee Rios Team Mother and Vaiola Soma. Team, Aki Keli’ikoa, Nahale-A,‘Opunui, Lau, Kilauea, Cullen, Mahuka, Cullen, Kaipo, Fernandez, Kekai, Armitage, Kanani, Vigil-Ako, Manuela, ano’i-Hide, La’akea,Mokiao, Keali’i, Keama, ‘Imaikalani, Gante, Ikaika, Pua’oi, Kalani, Fernandez, Makana, Otani-Wengler, Makamae, Kaleopa’a, ‘Olino, Soma, Pele, Kahiapo, Kamea, Ka’awa, Wili’oho, Kamai, La’amaikahiki, Waiwai’ole, ‘Lokepa, Lee, Kakela,Yam-Lum, Hemakana.