Wednesday, May 27, 1998

Skippa Diaz puts
politics on hold

He will return as the
head football coach
at Farrington

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Farrington High School head football coach Skippa Diaz won't run for political office this year.

Diaz, 54, who said earlier this year that he was considering running, said two factors led to his decision.

"I have some bonding with some kids who I know will go to college if I stay to help them," he said last night. "And second, I want to support Ben (Gov. Cayetano) and Mazie (Lt. Gov. Hirono)."

Asked if he was ruling out a political future, he said, "You can't say that. You never know what I'll be saying five years from now."

Diaz had considered moving to Kalihi, where he grew up, to run for city council or a seat in the state House.

Diaz supporters, such as state Sen. Rod Tam and City Council Chairman Mufi Hannemann, who urged Diaz to run, said they believed his chances of winning were solid.

But Diaz chortled at that.

"The only shoe-in is that we're all gonna die some day," he said. "All the rest is negotiable."

It had been suggested that Diaz could coach and hold part-time office simultaneously.

"But it would be hard to do politics and coach at the same time," Diaz said.

Diaz said he hopes speculation about his running pushes certain incumbents to do a better job.

"If it made them aware they have to work harder, then that's the impetus I wanted to provide," he said.

Diaz has been head football coach at the state's largest high school since 1982 and recorded his 100th coaching victory at the end of last season.

Diaz said he will continue to teach special motivation classes at Farrington. He also has taught history, English and science in Hawaii public schools.