The "Warriors (Makua Ali'i)" at the 2017 LVSSA/SSUSA Southwest Championship Las Vegas, Naveda

Donald Meinel

We started this Warriors team and kind of inherited players from other teams. We were actually part of the Makua Ali'i League which had 60 and 65 team, so we started playing senior softball on the 60's team. As we progressed through the years we decided to make our own team. Most of us are Kamehameha alumni and we have been together for about 3 years. We merged from the 60 to 65 team and then when we hit the 65 division, we decided to go to the Warriors and started the Warriors Club. We inherited a team called "Da Hui" and then put our guys together and went on to play Winter World in 2014 and took our first Championship. From there, in 2015 we stayed with Da Hui for this South West Tournament and took our second championship here in Las Vegas.

Lyle Mattson (Bucky)

I stepped up to the plate to coach the 60's because nobody wanted to coach the Makua Ali'i and we had a lot of great teams that played. William Andrade (Bully) and Donald Meinel both played on the 60's team, and when Donald played on the Warriors team, he brought the 60's on to join the Warriors. Then we finally won our first tournament in Reno as the 60's Warriors in 2016. This all started with Donald Meinel's 65 Warriors, 60's, 70's and 75's.

William Andrade (Bully)

We were 64 at the time and could play 65 and 64 and that's how we went to the Phoenix Winter World Champiomship. Donald's whole idea was to get all those who were born in 1950, the class of 1968 to make a team so we could keep moving on from 65 and 70 and that's how we created the Warriors team after team Da Hui. Bucky wanted to be a part of our Warrior team, but he was younger than us so he couldn't play with us at the time. He eventually turned 65 so we brought him up to the 65's and he brought his Makua Ali'i 60's team and now they are the Makua Ali'i Warriors and we are the Warriors. Without people like Donald, Bucky and even myself, we wouldn't be able to continue this tradition of playing softball into our 70's or even 80's. We want to continue to progress up the ladder and keep playing softball because it's  passion of ours. As you can see, we enjoy the fellowship and enjoy the game.  

The Warriors vs LVSSA Video  Photo's  The Warriors vs Classics Video Photo's

2016 Central Hawaiian Activities 3 (C.H.A.3) Kenpo Seminar in Las Vegas

Central Hawaiian Activities 3 Kenpo Brotherhood Seminar in Las Vegas

The purpose of the Central Hawaiian Activities 3 Kenpo Brotherhood Seminar on July 23-24, 2016 at the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas is for the preservation of the training and ideas created by our founder Professor Marino Tiwanak.  We also wish to accomplish through these seminars the building of camaraderie or "brotherhood," among our Black Belt and Chief Instructors.

The Las Vegas seminar was started in 2007 to bring all instructors to one venue for training and review instead of Professor Mike Tiwanak (photo left) traveling to each dojo from state to state separately. Professor Mike Tiwanak stated that he wished he had thought of starting the seminars while the founder of the system, Professor Marino Tiwanak, was still alive.

The instructors who attend the seminar will be versed in the History, By-Laws, Training, etc., as our founder would have wanted it passed on to their students.  Professor Tiwanak always stated that we are not just a martial art school.  That we are a family, and that he wanted these traits of "Ohana," to be passed to our mainland instructors, and to also let them know that they all play an important part in our organization no matter how far they are located from the "mother school."

Through our seminar we can insure that all Instructors teaching in Hawaii and abroad are all on the same page as far as our training and teaching techniques. Through the seminar we can set the goal that any student can attend any C.H.A.3 certified school and receive the same quality training.  Any student who transfer to another branch school can feel comfortable that the training they learned will fit right in at their new dojo.

The main goal is to insure our founder, Professor Marino Tiwanak, will live forever through his history, his ideals, his training, and the goals that he had set for his organization.

After the passing of the founders son, Professor Mike Tiwanak, the weight of the Central Hawaiian Activities 3 Kenpo Brotherhood Association, will be passed to the founders youngest grandson, Bronson K. Tiwanak, who is currently a certified black belt in C.H.A.3 Kenpo.

Presentations by Professor MikeTiwanak, 10th Degree Chiefs: Paketo Caluyo, Fred Buescher, Larry Carson, Richard Baker and Rudy Montane. 9th Degree Chiefs: Nicholas Silva, and Chrisanto Adaoag. 8th Degree: Annette Almeida, Micahel Potes, Ray Hubbard, Jeff Pascua and Ellis Heggen.

Besides instructors flying to Las Vegas from Hawaii, there will also be instructors traveling from California, Oregon, Montana, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Nebraska, North Carolina, Florida, and Guam(photo above).

2014 AAU West Coast "CHAMPIONS" The Eastsidaz Girls Basketball Team

Asked how this all got started, basketball Head Coach Simon Bitanga from Kaiser High School recalls it all started back in 2000 with only 10 girls along with his eldest daughter Keely Bitanga. "It went on for about two years and a whole bunch of siblings and little girls from Hawaii-Kai watched us play for the championship semi-finals and the championship, both vs. Texas in the MJB Tournament and we beat both of them.  After the game the girls were interested in playing and I told them come show up on Monday and the rest is history and now I have over two hundred girls from ages 5-18 and keeps growing."

In 2007 Bitanga recalls taking National Champs girls 12 and under with his youngest daughter Micaela Bitanga, Kiana Naki, Klien Masutani, Lia Galderia, Dawnyelle Awa from Kona, Celeste Tsutahara, Taryn Achong, Megan Kinoshita, and Ciera Pacheco.  "It was a great accomplishment for us just to win a National Championship from Hawaii and won a total of 12 in different age groups that same year."

As for this year, Coach Bitanga's expectation is always to win.  "But we'll always be out sized, out matched, but our girls never give up. We pressure about the whole game and that's our bread and butter and if we can do that and be successful with that, then we always got a shot and today in Las Vegas, his 8th Graders pulled through even though they were behind by 15 points (chicken skin to the max), but with the "soft spoken" coach Simon, his encouragement must have made a difference by taking the 2014 AAU West Coast National "Champions," followed by his JV 2nd Place, Varsity 4th Place, 5th and 7th Consolation Champs.  As for the JOI Las Vegas Classic, Varsity took the Championship, followed by 10th 2nd Place, 8th 3rd Place and 5th 3rd Place.

 I'll be adding more information from Las Vegas. They now head into their 2nd tournament in Las Vegas, "Jam On It Grand Finale," July 22-24.   To check out the game video "click here" and game photos, "click here".

2016 National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 860 Retirement Banquet

This year the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 860 Annual Retirement Banquet was held at the Manoa Grand Ballroom 5th Floor, 2454 South Beretania Street on Saturday, July 9, 2016.  The following retirees were Asaela "Ace" Neufeldt Hawaii Kai Station with 16 years of service, Blayne Uto, Waikiki Station with 30 years, Charlene Kamanu, Waikiki Station with 27 years, Cynthia "Cindy" Shizuma, Kailua Post Office with 30 years, Debra "Debi" Gatrell, Downtown Station with 22 years, Elson Ramos, Kapalama Station with 18 years, Frances "Fran" Maialoha, Sand Island Station, with 26 years, Gary Rezentes, Kailua Post Office with 35 years, John Leroux, Waikiki Station with 31 years, Kathy Park, Makiki Station with 26 years, Paul Cuccinotto, Waikiki Station with 28 years, Terry Suero, Kapalama Station with 43 years, for a total of 332 years.


Executive Vice President Alvin Matsumura presented the 2016 "Steward of the Year" award to Lydia Ichiyama.  Howard Komine, NALC President Branch 860, presented the 2016 "Samuel V.K. Hipa award to Terry Kaolulo.

Guest speakers (photo left) were Chris Jackson, National Business Agent-1, serving letter carriers in California, Hawaii, Nevada and the territory of Guam and Lew Drass, Vice President of the NALC, Washington DC.

The EMCEE was Rodney Villanueva, one of the bessest funniest local comedians around. Karaoke provided by S&L Karaoke, background music by the Kumuhau and Jonathan Cabagbag. Photos and Video by Hawaii Local News - AlanKSportsHawaii and a big "Mahalo" to Cynthia Ishizaki, NALC Branch 860, Political Liaison and Event Coordinator for this event.

Fat Katz Legends Softball Team vs Aikanes at Patsy T Mink Central Oahu Regional Park, Honolulu, HI

Today at The Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park (CORP) every Wednesday our Senior Mens participate in their softball games and most are preparing to head to the 2016 LVSSA/SSUSA World Masters Championship held in Las Vegas. I had a chance to meet Head Coach Paul Mauricio of the "Fat Katz that were playing today against the Aikanes. Coach Mauricio related, most are retired and senior citizens and the spirit of gathering together and every Wednesday at CORP's is to have fun, meet people and whomever wins, win. Read more of the 2016 LVSSA/SSUSA "Click here."  Photo Gallery "Click Here."

Exalted Ruler and President of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Honolulu Lodge #616

Andrew K. Watson 

On Sunday, March 20, 2016, Andrew K. Watson was sworn in as the new Exalted Ruler and President of the Benevolent Protective Order Elks Honolulu Lodge #616 by Hawaii DDGER Thomas M. Bentkowski (photo left). Hiram K. Keli’ipio  Former Exalted Ruler and Mrs., Audrey Watson also present for the pinning event. https://youtu.be/On4GNj-XHag

                                OUR MISSION

To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.

2016 Oahu Interscholastic Association Swimming Relay Championship

Aimee Iwamoto Senior Moanalua High School

Moanalua Na Menehune Boys and Girls Swim Team participated in the 2016 OIA Swimming Relay Championship that was held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Central Oahu Regional Park - Veterans Memorial Aquatics Center here on Oahu, Hawaii.

Aimee Iwamoto (photo above) has been a stand out swimmer over the years at Moanalua High School and 2 times Finalist @ 2013-2014 Hawaii State Championships and 2 times Finalist @ 2014-2015 Hawaii State Championships and Committed to the University of Idaho.

As for the race results, in the Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay, Roosevelt High School took 1st Place with a time 2:01.08, Leilehua High School 2:03.94 and Kaiser High School 2:06.54.  Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay, Mililani High School took 1st Place with a time 1:50.58, Pearl City High School 1:58.74, Kaiser High School 2:00.94.

Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 1:43.88, Mililani High School 1:52.62, James Campbell High School 1:59.04.  Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay, Roosevelt High School took 1st Place with a time 1:33.19, James Campbell High School 1:40.91, Waialua High School 1:44.23.

Girls 200 Yard Breaststroke Relay, Moanalua High School took 1st Place with a time 2:22.29, Roosevelt High School 2:24.94, Kalani High School 2:33.48.  Boys 200 Yard Breaststroke Relay,  Mililani High School took 1st Place with a time 2:01.47, Moanalua High School 2:06.86, Kalani High School 2:08.95.

Girls 200 Yard Backstroke Relay, Roosevelt High School took 1st Place with a time 2:05.07, Kalani High School 2:07.68, Moanalua High School 2:15.94.  Boys 200 Yard Backstroke Relay, Roosevelt High School took 1st Place with a time 1:49.39, Mililani High School 2:10.68, Kalani High School 2:15.95.

Girls 800 Yard Freestyle Relay, Kaiser High School took 1st Place with a time 7:58.14, Moanalua High school 8:47.45, Mililani High School 8:56.18.  Boys 800 Yard Freestyle Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 7:38.92, Mililani High School 8:04.58, Kaiser High School 8:23.27.

Girls 200 Yard Butterfly Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 1:51.83, Mililani High School 1:58.90, Kapolei High School 2:10.01.  Boys 200 Yard Butterfly Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 1:41.10, Moanalua High School 1:49.49, Roosevelt High School 1:54.54.

Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 4:06.82, Kaiser High School 4:17.18, Mililani High School 4:21.77.  Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay, Roosevelt High School took 1st Place with a time 3:22.47, Kahuku High School 3:54.24, Kapolei High School 4:04.13.

Girls 400 Yard Medley Relay, Kaiser High School took 1st Place with a time 4:24.84, Mililani High School 4:31.13, Moanalua High School 4:33.77.  Boys 400 Yard Medley Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 3:42.06, Mililani High School 3:55.40, Moanalua High School 4:05.63.

Mixed 200 Yard Freestyle Australian Relay, Kalani High School took 1st Place with a time 1:39.31, Waialua High School 1:50.30, Mililani High School 1:52.49.  Women and Mens Team Ranking "click here" More photos "Click here"

2016 Na 'Opio Canoe Racing Association - Host "Keola O Ke Kai Canoe Club"

Today at Ke'ehi Lagoon on Oahu, President Jen Romano Na 'Opio Canoe Racing Association is helping celebrate a special ceremony for Host club Keola O Ke Kai Canoe Club in their 15th year in Na 'Opio Canoe Racing Association and a big Mahalo for all you do in the community and for the youth of Hawaii.

Keola O Ke Kai Canoe Club was founded in 2001 by Gino Dayton & Jen Romano Head Coaches for Radford High School Paddling. There club is located at Ke'ehi Lagoon (off Lagoon Drive) and at the end of the culdesac.  "OIA Paddling is no longer just a dream."

Today there will be a total of 18 canoe clubs participating, Alapa Hoe, Ewa Puuloa, Ilau Hoe, Imua One Blade, Kai Heo, Kalihi Kai, Ka Mamalahoe, Keahiakaho, Keola O Ke Kai, Koa Kamalii, Kumuloka HI Elks, Leeward Kai, Makalei, Maunalua Bay, Mauliola, Na Alakai Hoe, Na Holokai, and Pulama Hoe.  Photo gallery "click here." Slideshow "click here." Video of this event "click here."

Deputy Chief Dave M. Kajihiro Aloha Retirement Luncheon Dole Cannery, Hokulei Ballroom

Today, I had the pleasure of attending Deputy Chief Dave Kajihiro's Retirement Aloha Luncheon at the Dole Cannery.  There were over 200 attendees including his family, friends, staff, colleagues and special guests from various agencies that Dave worked with throughout his career.  Many had mixed feelings as Dave is someone who will be hard to replace after 31 years of service.  He will surely be missed

The following is a brief history of Dave's career in the police department.  He started in 1984 as a Recruit Officer; 1985 - Metropolitan Police Officer; 1990 - Metropolitan Detective CID; 1996 - Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Records and Identification; 2000 - Metropolitan Police Captain HRD; 2002 - Metropolitan Police Major HRD; 2010 - Assistant Chief of Police Support Services Bureau; and in 2011 he was appointed Deputy Chief, Administrative Operations.

The Master of Ceremony for today's luncheon was officer Don Faumuina.  U.S. Attorney Florence Nakakuni (photo above) was one of the special guest speakers who presented Dave with a Certificate of Appreciation.  Other guest speakers were FBI Asst. Special Agent in Charge, Tuan Nguyen; Deputy Managing Director, Georgette Deemer; Honolulu Police Commissioner Max Sword; HFD Chief Manuel Neves; Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry; Police Chiefs of Hawaii Assn.; SHOPO President, Tenari Ma'afala; and finally Honolulu Police Chief, Louis Kealoha.

Deputy Managing Director Georgette Deemer presented Chief Dave a Proclamation on behalf of Mayor Kirk Caldwell of the City and County of Honolulu, proclaiming September 30th as Deputy Chief Dave M. Kajihiro Day.  Police Chief Louis Kealoha related that it's a happy day, and yet a sad day because of Chief Kajihiro's retirement.  He will be hard to replace with all his expertise in handling the administrative side for the department. Click to: See Video   Photo Slide-Show "click here."

2015 National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 860 Annual Retirement Banquet

This year the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 860 Annual Retirement Banquet was held at the Harbor View Center at Honolulu Harbor's Pier 38 Waterfront on Saturday, July 25, 2015.  The following retirees were present (L/R), Ernest Bernal, from Downtown Station, with 29 years of service, Crystal Morita, from Downtown Station, with 30 years of service and Mark Andreyka, from Kailua Post Office, with 35 years of service. A total of 94 years.


Executive VP Alvin Matsumura presented the "2015 Steward of the Year" award to Michelle Luke who attended the leadership Academy in Washington D.C., and graduated 18 Class, December 2014.  Howard Komine, NALC President, (bottom middle photo) Branch 860 presented the 2015 "Samuel V. K. Hipa" award to Jason Shapiro.

Guest speakers were Chris Jackson, (bottom left photo) National Business Agent-Region 1, serving letter carriers in California, Hawaii, Nevada and the territory of Guam; Manny Peralta, (bottom right photo) NALC's Director of Safety and Health; and Cynthia Ishizaki speaking on behalf of Mike Kajiwara, Hawaii Foodbank's Director of Product Donations.

Special guests were Chuck Lum, NAPS President and Safety Manager and guest; Laurie Ramelb, Postmaster at Waipahu Station; Meni Ortiz, APWU Local President and guest; APWU Local Vice President, Gena Moeava; Mike Kajiwara, Hawaii Foodbank's Director of Product Donations and wife, Sonia Kajiwara; Mrs. Jackie Hipa, wife of the late Sam Hipa and daughter, Toni Walker; and Mike McGinn from the District Safety Team and his wife, Suzy McGinn.

The Emcee was Kaui Lelepali.  Karaoke provided by S&L Karaoke, and background music by Jonathan Cabagbag.  Photos and Video by Hawaii Local News - AlanKSportsHawaii and special thanks to Harbor View Center's Shane Rivera for the accommodations for my camera crew.  For Video "click here" and Photo Slideshow "click here".  Photo order web link "click here".

2015 Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Race Association Championship at Ke'ehi Lagoon, Oahu, HI

The 2015 OHCRA Championship was held on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Ke'ehi Lagoon Park located on Oahu, Hawaii.  It was a beautiful day for all that attended.  AAA Division Hui Nalu Canoe Club captured their third OHCRA Championship with 170 points, followed by Lanikai with 161 points, Outrigger 158 points and Kailua with 141 points. "Congratulations" to The Hui Nalu Canoe Club.

For the candid video of the 2015 OHCRA Championship "click here." For the candid photo slideshow "click here." For the over all final results "click here."

HAWAIIAN ISLAND TWISTERS GYMNASTICS

Joe Rapp - Founder and Executive Director and Head Coach

Today, I stopped by at Ranch 99 looking for a great deal on a plate lunch and instead ran into the Hawaiian Island Twisters Gymnastics.  It was an awesome treat meeting up with Joe Rapp (photo above), Founder and Executive Director and Head Coach.  It was amazing to watch his elite students going through their practice and I forgot all about my plate lunch.  Joe related that "HIT" started back in Kaneohe in 2006.  They since moved to Mapunapuna  Ranch 99 Market and have been here for the past 10 years.  "Our goal here is to educate kids not only in the sport of gymnastics, but in life and to get them in Collegiate Gymnastics and full right scholarship.  Since I started "HIT" we have had 34 full right scholarships and 22 partial scholarships."

Hawaiian Island Twisters (HIT) is a nonprofit gymnastics program dedicated to enriching the lives of boys and girls of all ages.  What started as a team of twenty girls has grown to a program that serves over a thousand athletes.  From toddler to high school, from recreational to competitive our gym continues to push boundaries and more important, our gymnasts have not lost sight of the primary goal, which is to have fun in a healthy, supportive environment.  Information provided by Hawaiian Island Twisters Gymnastics.  Accomplishment Highlights of: Josh Yee and Logan Agcaoili  Video and Hawaiian Island Twisters Gymnastics Facebook "HIT."

35th Anniversary "The Witness Pacific Island Praise "

Tonight I was invited to the 35th Celebrating Anniversary, "The Witness Pacific Island Praise" held at the Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church located in upper Nu'uanu by Music Director of the Samoan Gospel Heralds, Keith Autele (photo below).  The entire show along with the Samoan Gospel Heralds performance was unbelievable. "Wow" I was lost for words and you had to be here to feel and appreciate the performance.

The Witness "Pacific Island Praise" unforgettable passion play as the cast celebrates 35 years of telling the story of Jesus!  Kalani Po'omaihealani returns to the role of Peter, and you will hear again your favorite soloists and cast members from past productions as they reunite to mark the 35th Anniversary tonight at the Honolulu Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church located at 2313 Nu'uanu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii. To see this performance "click here."

2015 "Stew" Joseph Kalama Sr. Annual Memorial Canoe Race at Ke'ehi Lagoon.

Today at Ke'ehi Lagoon, OHCRA, O'ahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association held their first 2015 Pre-Season Race. This race was a special event honoring "Stew" Joseph Kalama Sr., Annual Memorial Canoe Race, sponsored by Kai Oni Canoe Club. It was an honor covering this event.  The information below was shared to me by Kalani Kaanaana, Coordinator, Native Hawaiian Clinical Health & Community Programs at The Queen's Medical Center.

Kai Oni Canoe & Athletic Club was founded in 1952 by Joseph "Stew" Kalama and Max Kamaiopili and their friends who were interested in canoe paddling. On August 18, 1953 the club was formally chartered and organized as a 501 (c) 3 non profit. That same year, it was formally accepted into the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association.

Kai Oni received its first koa canoe from South Kona. The manuiwa was born by the hands of master canoe carver and uncle of Stew, Charles Mokuohai.  Along with Manuiwa, Uncle Charles, would gift the club two koa four man canoes the Popoia and Mokulua which were used as practice canoes.

As Kai Oni grew, we began competing in baseball, basketball, volleyball and other community events. Over the years the club garnered many wins and trophies but most important were the memories made and relationships formed. Although the trophies have become rusted and tarnished, the memories are clear as day and the relationships remain unchanged and stronger than ever.

Throughout our history we have seen the highs and the lows, as any organization of our age has, but we remain resolute in ensuring that the Manuiwa soars high and the Kanaiaumoana continues to conquer. Video "click here" Photos "click here."

Hawaii Law Enforcement/Fire 27th Annual Canoe Regatta Oahu, Hawaii

In 1988-1989, Gilbert Gaspar Jr., an officer with the Hawaii Police Department used to paddle canoe. Since SHOPO holds their annual softball and basketball tournaments every year, he thought it would be a good idea to have a canoe regatta involving law enforcement personnel.  Gilbert got it started and hosted it for the first five years.  He then decided to expand the regatta to include the outer islands.

These races have been very special with a team (Team Glen) named after police officer Gilbert Gasper's brother Glenn who was fatally shot on March 4, 2003 while attempting to arrest a suspect at Kapolei Baskin-Robbins on Oahu.  Gilbert has since decided to pass on the torch so others can get involved, and this is how the Annual President's Day Law Enforcement Regatta got started in Hawaii.

All monies raised are donated to different charity organizations including the March of Dimes, American Heart Association and Special Olympics Hawaii.  The host island decides which charity organization they will donate their proceeds to and this year they raised over $7,500 it will go to Special Olympics Hawaii.  Melissa Blake (photo left) is the Director of Torch Run Development for Special Olympics Hawaii.

  This year, the Hawaii Law Enforcement/Fire 27th Annual Canoe Regatta is being held at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Special recognition goes out to Colonel Eric Schaefer (Base Commanding Officer), Douglas Wadsworth (Base Chief of Staff), Major Tito Jones (Provost Marshall Office Photo left), Paul "Otis" Anslow (MCAS Director of Safety), retired HPD Lt. Vernon Kong who is the Lt. Assistance Services Officer MCB Hawaii is to be commended as to coordinating this regatta at the MCB Hawaii along with Honolulu Police Det. Lance Anderson, Cpl Kahai Canario, Lieutenant Jojo White and Sergeant Nathan Palakiki-Fletche of the Halawa Correctional Facility and OHCRA Officials Lapule Schultz and crew.

Official boats for today's regatta , Ivan Shigaki, Kenneth Kimitsuka, and Nalu Kukea (HFD Fire Capt.) laying lanes for the event for free.  Today's event was kicked off with a blessing by Mary Ann and a Pule (Chant) by Ama Keama of "Team Halawa." Special guest speakers were Honolulu Police Chief,  Louis Kealoha and Major Tito Jones (Provost Marshall Office) MCB Hawaii.

The following canoe team participates; Team Halawa, Team Glenn, Team Maui PD, Maui Community Correction Center, Na Koa Lani, Provost Marshall Office, Military Appreciation (Military Chief), Kehaulani and Chief Kealoha. LD Race Video "click here"  Mixed Race Video "click here" Awards Banquet Video "click here" Candid & Awards Photos "click here"

2014-2015 OIA Varsity Paddling Championship at Ke'ehi Lagoon, Oahu.

Today at Ke'ehi Lagoon on Oahu, Hawaii, The OIA held their 2014-2015 Varsity High School Paddling Championship.  In the Girls Overall (photo below in white shirts), Castle High School placed 1st with a time of 4-25.50.  In the Boys (photo below in blue shirts) Overall, Kaiser High School placed 1st with a time of 3-43.85, and in the Mixed Overall, Kaiser High School placed 1st with a time of 4-12.50.  For the 2014-2015 Tesoro Hawaii Cup which is awarded to the combined High School Boys and Girls Crews for Outstanding Performance in the OIA Annual Championship Outrigger Canoe Regatta, went to Wai'anae High School (photo above).

The six schools that will be moving on to the HHSAA are Castle, Kalani, Leilehua, Moanalua, Kaiser and Kalaheo.  "Congratulations" to all the participants in this years High School Paddling.  Video "click here."

2015 OIA Junior Varsity Swimming & Diving Championship - 24 Events

The 2015 OIA Junior Varsity Swimming Championship was held at Kalani High School Pool.  In the Mens 50 Yard Free, Roosevelt Sophomore Jun Yeub Yoon (center photo above) broke Scott Coleman 1984 record of 22.69 by a new record today 22.51 and in the Mens 500 Yard Free, Kalani Freshman Dong Hyeon Hwang clocked at 5:01.08 almost broke his brother Donh Jin Hwang 2014 record of 4:48.19. 

As for the combined Team Ranking through event 24. Women team points; Roosevelt 91, Kalani 75, Kaiser 72, Mililani 72, Leilehua 61, Kahuku 54, Moanalua 37, Campbell 28, Kalaheo 10, Waialua 10. Total for the women's 510.00. 

As for the Mens team points; Mililani 118, Roosevelt 91, Kaiser 81, Leilehua 45, Kalani 30, Waialua 24, Kahuku 22, Kalaheo 20, Pearl City 13, Campbell 9, Moanalua 6, Kapolei 5 and Castle 4. Total for the men's 468.00  "Click here" to view todays video. "Click here" to view some photos

Finally After 2 Years of Delays Moanalua High School Football Field Is a "Reality."

Finally after a two year delay, the Moanalua High School Football Field here on Oahu came to a "reality" this past week as you can see from the photo above.  I spoke to Senator Glenn Wakai (photo below) of the 15th Senatorial District which covers Kalihi, Mapunapuna, Airport, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, and Pearl Harbor as to the delays.  He related, the Lawmakers got the money into the budget in 2011 and the project were supposed to begin in 2012.  

Due to the DOE not getting the proper health permits, that caused the delays.  The sodding of the field is $1.3 million and the track is another $2.3 million. "We are finally back on TRACK." Our students will have a beautiful track and field for the next school year. More information "click here."  I have to say on behalf of all Na Menehunes, "thank you" Senator Glenn Wakai for your kokua on this project and what you have done in your 15th Senatorial District over the years, it shows.

OIA 2014-2015 High School Long Distance Race at Ke'ehi Lagoon

Today at Ke'ehi Lagoon, it was the start of the 2014-2015 OIA High School Paddling and Long Distance Race.  It was a beautiful day here on Oahu after heavy winds and rain this past week.  There was some minor bumping today among some of the canoe clubs and a collision that overturned a canoe (photo above), but luckily no one was seriously injured.  Next Saturday, December 27, 2014 they will be another High School Long Distance race at Ke'ehi Lagoon.

Participating in today's race in the Eastern Division; Anuenue, Castle, Farrington, Kahuku, Kailua, Kaimuki, Kaiser, Kalaheo, Kalani, McKinley, Moanalua, Roosevelt.  Western Division; Aiea, Campbell, Kapolei, Leilehua, Mililani, Nanakuli, Pearl City, Radford, Waialua, Waianae, Waipahu.  For the race results go to: http://www.oiasports.com/sports/paddling.  More Photos: "Click here." For the video: "Click here."

Alyson Rod and Her Fight Against Cancer "Spike For A Cause Moanalua vs Iolani"

Alyson Rod who teaches at Moanalua High School grades 9-12, was diagnosed with stomach cancer this past summer. She said they found a tumor and had her stomach removed, and just started chemotherapy a month ago.

"This isn't the first time, when I was 11 years old in elementary school, I had bone cancer in my knees, but that was completely a different type of cancer and went through a lot of chemotherapy and surgery. The one on my knee was called Osteosarcoma, that was in 2002 and it hasn't come back. This stomach cancer is a new one and an unrelated cancer."

I asked Alyson how she's dealing with this. She replied, "I'm just taking this one day at a time. I'm not trying to think too hard about it. I have a lot of support from my family and supporters so that's kinda helping me deal with it."

"As for our Moanalua girls volleyball and their support, the one surprising thing is knowing how so many people want to help and show that they're there for you. I guess the girls volleyball team is doing this as a way to help support and show that they're there for me."

"In closing, I'm so moved that they want to do this for me and it's really overwhelming that these people I know and strangers are out there wanting to help out."

On Thursday, September 25, 2014, there will be a special event for Alyson Rod at the Moanalua High School Gym, "Spike For A Cause" rallying together to beat cancer.  Moanalua vs Iolani at 5:00 PM. Entrance Fee $5.00 Shirts $10.00. C'mon down and help support a great cause.  Video "click here."