Readers Write

Friday, June 28, 1996

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Although Mr. Eddie Hayashi, general manager at Aloha Stadium, and I have been very close friends for the past 30 years, at no time was our relationship a factor in removing the HHSAA's office from the Aloha Stadium complex.

Because of HHSAA's independent status from the Department of Education effective July 1, 1996, Mr. Hayashi verbally indicated to me that HHSAA will need to vacate and seek another office outside the confines of Aloha Stadium. During the following eight to nine months, Mr. Hayashi did defer and attempted to seek ways to alleviate and resolve HHSAA's office space problems for us in spite of HHSAA's non-affiliation with the state agency.

I am disturbed that rather than thanking Mr. Hayashi and the Aloha Stadium Authority Board for allowing HHSAA to utilize the Aloha Stadium facilities for the past five years, the HHSAA President and the incoming executive director should accept the fact that HHSAA is no longer a state entity and that the decision rendered by Mr. Hayashi was certainly an appropriate one.

Even prior to my knowledge regarding the change in HHSAA executive director, I accepted the notion that HHSAA will need to locate its office to another venue. The outgoing executive staff was aware that HHSAA will be incurring additional rental cost for the ensuing years and was therefore seeking ways to compensate for the encumbered rental expenses. The HHSAA executive board and the newly appointed executive director must be responsible in seeking alternative ways to provide for the funding.

I am personally taking this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the Stadium Authority Board, Mr. Hayashi, Mr. Mike Hirohata and the entire Aloha Stadium staff for their assistance and support of the state athletics program.

Also, please be assured that Mr. Hayashi and his staff have always assisted HHSAA by taking into account the student-athletes' welfare and educational experiences as being extremely important and foremost.

ED KIYUNA
HHSAA Executive Director

It should be pointed out that this team was sponsored by their teacher, Deb Shoff, a new recruit from the East Coast. In just one short year, this wonderful young woman became not only their teacher but their friend. It was she that took it upon herself to do all the entry paperwork, and with her own funds bought their T-shirts.

The team played a total of five games and was treated with dignity and respect throughout the tournament. Except for the last game, not one of their opponents was under 18 (and a great deal were much older than that). A special mahalo to Bobbie Perry who consistently encouraged them and took the time to come over and talk with them before the final game.

Finally, a special thanks to Wayne Gillea (a teen-age brother of one of the players), who came forward on a moment's notice to help coach.

Hawaii, keep watching these young men, most of whom will be going on to Aiea High School in the fall. There are some very good future volleyball players. Mike Wilton, are you listening?

SHARON GINOZA

Sports letters to the Editor
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
P.O. Box 3080
Honolulu, Hawaii 96802

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