HOUSE HONORS LAHAINALUNA FOOTBALL TEAM FOR DIVISION II TITLE WIN

Representatives McKelvey, Hashimoto congratulate Coach Richard, team captains for great season, recognize value of athletic participation

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Maui Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey (West Maui, Mā‘alaea, North Kīhei) and Troy N. Hashimoto (Kahakuloa, Waihe‘e, Waiehu, Pu‘uohala, Wailuku, Waikapū) offered a Resolution honoring the accomplishments of the Lahainaluna High School Football team's 2019 Division II title win and spoke on the House floor March 5 about the team and what their accomplishment means to the entire community.

Representative Angus L.K. McKelvey:

Lahainaluna High School has been a cornerstone of the Lahaina community since its founding in 1831. Over the course of 189 years Lahainaluna has continued to be a beacon of education and learning. Having the honor of educating some of Hawai‘i's foremost leaders Lahainaluna continues to excel at bringing out the very best from their students.

Balancing the rigors of classwork and athletics is an incredibly challenging feat, and yet the Lahainaluna football program continues to excel at both. Participation in athletic competition fosters perseverance, encourages fellowship, and instills good sportsmanship into the character of our children. Cultivating these characteristics in the future leaders of Hawai‘i is one of our most important tasks.

The Luna's played this season with the precision and skill that only comes from hard work and dedication. With a winning record of 11-1 the Luna's showed the State again that they are a force to be reckoned with. The success of the Luna's is due to the hard work and dedication of the players on the field, the coaching staff, school, families, and community who support them along the way.

Representative Troy N. Hashimoto:

Coach Rickard, who is also Maui County Police Department's Deputy Chief of Police, has been a fixture on the side lines of Lahainaluna football for many years, and this year stepped-up to the head coach position continuing the Luna legacy of excellence. We would like to thank Coach Rickard for the time and energy he has invested in the youth of Hawai‘i. Coaching has a remarkable impact on students as it promotes the development of lifelong skills such as teamwork, determination, good sportsmanship, a sense of accomplishment, and pride. Bringing your team to its 4^th consecutive Division 2 title is impressive, however outshined by your ability to cultivate the physical and mental skills needed to be true champion student athletes.

For years, Joshua Tihada has been a standout player for Lahainaluna Football and exemplifies the humility, respect, and dedication it takes to be a team captain. He has established himself as a valued player during his high school career and has scored over 60 touchdowns for the Lunas.

William Bookland is another example of the quality of players the Lunas continue to produce. Not only does William have the physical and mental abilities needed on the football field to win, he is also a stellar student academically, taking advanced placement classes and maintaining a 3.8 GPA. William gives back to the community by sharing his knowledge of football with a new generation of Lahaina children while helping to coach flag-football. 

Rep. McKelvey:

Coach Rickard and these young men are true champions not only on the football field, but in leadership, good sportsmanship, and teamwork. It is with great pleasure and honor that I introduce the representatives of the Hawaii High School Athletics Association's 2019 Division II Champions from Lahainaluna High School: Head Coach Dean Rickard, and Team Captains Joshua Tihada and William Bookland, please stand and be recognized by your House of Representatives.