Na Koa 'O Anuenue Varsity Football Team "vs" Radford Rams

The Na Koa 'O Anuenue Varsity Football team from the Ke Kula Kaiapuni 'O Anuenue Hawaiian Immersion School located in upper Palolo valley, played against the Radford Rams at Radford High School on Saturday, August 17, 2013.

Prior to the game, I spoke with Anuenue Head Coach Tim Kealohamakua Wengler who related, "we really got a young team, young, green and inexperienced, but very coachable, good attitude, very cohesive and they have very good ethics and they are not afraid to go to battle with a few numbers."

This interview reminded me of the first time I was invited to cover the Anuenue football team was back on August 15, 2009 in Maui when they played Maui Kamehameha School.  The odds were against them with only 22 players versus 40 plus players on the Maui Kamehameha football team, but still Anuenue came out victorious, 26-20.

At today's game, Anuenue with only 17 players had their work cut out for them.  The Rams got on the board scoring the first TD to lead the game 7-0.  Anuenue fought hard, but with only 17 players playing both offense and defense, it no doubt affected their physical endurance.  Even though the game score was 54-0 in the 3rd quarter, Anuenue's "never give up" attitude helped them to finish the game.  I have never seen such discipline and determination.  The final score was Radford 67-0.  Congratulations to the Na Koa O' Anuenue football team for not giving up and standing tall against the Radford football team.  For photos of today's game, "click here."

2013 Pre-Season Football Game "Mililani Trojans and Moanalua Na Menehune."

It was a rough night for Moanalua's Varsity football team, against the Mililani Trojans who won 39-9 over the Na Menehunes in their 2013 Preseason Opener.

Early in the first game, the Na Menehune JV team took the lead 7-0 with 4:32 on the clock in the 1st quarter.  Into the 3rd quarter it was 13-0.  Mililani came back in the 3rd quarter making it 7-13.  Na Menehune scored with 9:44 into the 4th quarter, 21-7. Hold on to your pants, Mililani came firing back in the 4th, and a failed field goal attempt ended the game for Mililani JV, 21-20. Varsity photos, "click here." JV photos, "click here," and stats, "click here."

Micaela Bitanga "Class of 2013" Celebrates Her Graduation with Kumu Hula Simon "The Hula Halau 'O Titas"

Micaela Bitanga (photo below in pink) is the daughter of Simon and Lehua Bitanga, and sister of Keely Bitanga who attends Northern Arizona University. Micaela attended Henry J. Kaiser High School, “Class of 2013.” Tonight at the Aloha Stadium, it was a celebration for the graduate.  Kumu Hula Tita Simon Bitanga and his Halau, “The Hula Halau ‘O Titas performed for the guests, friends, uncles and aunties. So funny and hilarious. 

Tonight’s event started off with music by the Kevin Okimoto Trio with pupus by Papa Chans and Da Crew, Hawaiian food by Kanack Attack, sushi by Superb Sushi, Filipino food by Jesse’s Restaurant (papa b’s favorite) and ono desserts by Aunty Sheila Chun-Ming.

During dinner, the Lion dance by Gee Yung Int’l Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Assn. performed, followed by the “awesome” Hula Halau ‘O Titas led by Kumu Hulu Tita himself, Simon Bitanga and closing by Micaela Bitanga thanking everyone for joining in her celebration and music by Manao Company. Video, "click here." Photos, "click here."

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 860 Annual Retirement Dinner

The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 860 held their annual Retirement Dinner at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Saturday, July 20, 2013.  The following retired members were present, (photo above bottom l/r) Germaine Miyasato, Downtown Station with 16 years, Bruce McDowell, Waikiki Station with 33 years, Brad Blanck, Waikiki Station with 23 years, Larry (Baba) Fife, Downtown Station with 24 years, Douglas Yamada, Downtown Station with 41 years and George Nakamichi, Downtown Station with 44 years for a total of 181 years.

Howard Komine, NALC President, Branch 860 along with Executive VP Alvin Matsumura presented the Sam Hipa Award to Alvin Yoshikawa who has been the Health Benefit Officer for years and took over the Director of Retirees and have been planning and coordinating Branch 860 Retirement Dinners, and recently stepped down due to medical complications.  The Shop Steward of the Year Award was presented to Opal Piimoku (photo above, back row top right), Kapalama Station.

Honored guests tonight were Ron Watson, Director of Retired Members from National in Washington DC (top photo back row 2nd from left), Bryant Almario, Business Agent from California (top photo back middle), Terry Kaolulo, Hawaii State Association of Letter Carriers, Kevin Nakaoka, Officer in Charge, Manager of Post Office Operations (OIC MPOO), Chuck Lum, NAPS President and guest Laurie Ramelb and Mrs. Jackie Hipa, wife of the late Sam Hipa and guest, daughter Toni Walker.  "Click here" to see the event candid photos. "Click here" to view the video.

2013 Summer Games are coming to an end and college bound for many students

While the 2013 Summer games will be coming to an end shortly, some of these students have been enjoying the summer games such as softball, baseball, soccer etc.  Today, the Kamehameha Kapalama boys soccer team enjoyed a game against Moanalua Na Menehune at Moanalua Football field.

I spoke with Na Menehune Boys Head Coach Spencer Machado (photo left) who has been coaching for the past 25 years.  He said "these summer games were organized by Frank Baumholtz who actually coached the girls soccer team at Pearl City High School; and he formed this thing from way back to coincide with AYSO.  It's a summer league where the kids from high school got something to do after the school season ends and it lets the upcoming eight graders get use to playing with the high school players."

This high school summer soccer league consists of only juniors, sophomores, freshman and upcoming eight graders.  To join this program, each student pays the AYSO registration fees to play.  There is no real practice, just play and getting the kids to work together, and mostly have fun.  Some of the kids played during their earlier years with other soccer clubs and for this season his kids have won some and lost some, but the main thing is they play well with each other and develop the concept of team work.  For game photos "click here."

East China, University of Political Science and Law (ECUPSL) Girls Softball Team

Tonight at the Central Oahu Regional Park (CORP), the softball team from East China, University of Political Science and Law (ECUPSL) (older girls), combined with the Shanghai Sports School (younger girls) to form this team coached by Sun Jie who has been coaching for the past 20 years.  Shanghai Sports School is a highly-respected institution and home to some of China's best athletes.

Chinese Interpreter, Marlin Lee further related that they are here to play 4 games in Hawaii and move on to Los Angeles to play another 5 games, then return back to China.  They would like to thank the Altima Girls Softball team headed by Head Coach John Uekawa for the opportunity to play and gain the experience for their girls, who will be returning to China to play in their September National games which will be held in Liaoning Province More information "click here.".  Present at this event were (l/r, photo left) Head Coach Sun Jie, Team Manager Yang Yi, Head of Delegations Shen Mao and Interpreter Marlin Lee. For photos of this event, please "click here."

Koa Kai 2013 Laulima Regatta Honoring John Matejko and Jack Evans

It was a great day at Ke'ehi Lagoon for the Na 'Ohana O Na Hui Wa'a 7th Annual Regatta Race and the Koa Kai Canoe Club for hosting their Laulima Regatta today.  It was a special event honoring two of their own, John Matejko and Jack Evans for their support and commitment to the canoe club.  When the club needed help and were asking around for volunteer officials, John Matejko (photo bottom right) didn't hesitate and stepped in to lend a helping hand at the Officials Stand.

Jack Evans (photo left) was part of the Koa Kai men's 50 crew, but was unable to continue paddling, so he also volunteered to assist on the Officials' Stand.  This is his first year being on the Officials' Stand, but his motivation has been learning about what it takes to run a regatta race.  Both paddlers have spent many hours volunteering their time on Sundays as representatives on the Officials' Stand.  Congratulations to both.  I'm sure the club appreciates your hard work and dedication.  Today's race results "click here."  Photos and video of today's race "click here."