THERE'S a nice little power struggle brewing in Hawaii high school sports. It should be interesting to see how this one turns out. HHSAA has
great chance to
make changesThere's a story on the other side of this page about how the Oahu Prep Bowl might not be played this year.
You can read the details of the matter there, so I won't drag them out in this space, but what it boils down to is this: The Interscholastic League of Honolulu wants to play by its own rules in football, and everything else, it seems.
That league contends that the Prep Bowl is not a true state championship and, therefore, its member schools shouldn't be required to tighten the eligibility standards of their student-athletes.
The ILH is right on one point. The Prep Bowl is only the mythical state championship. But anyone who believes that the St. Louis Crusaders haven't been the best football team in the state the past few years is delusional.
That the conflict between the Oahu Interscholastic Association and the ILH comes this year, when Kahuku of the OIA might actually be a contender to win the Prep Bowl, is only part of the intrigue in this matter.
This affair presents the Hawaii High School Athletic Association with an opportunity to change prep sports in this state forever -- and for the better.
Here's how:
First, either compromise with the ILH on the five-years-to-play-four statute or tell the ILH to stick it in its ear.
Then go set up a state football playoff system without it.
If the ILH doesn't want to share in the wealth, fine. That league's refusal to allow the Prep Bowl and other events to be televised has cost schools in this state enough money and exposure already. Let them play their little double round-robin and call it good.
I'm sure the other teams in the state won't mind not having their pants kicked by St. Louis one more time.
The leagues will all crown their own champions, already. If the HHSAA wants to do it, I'm sure the winners of the OIA, the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, the Maui Interscholastic League and the Kauai Interscholastic Federation would jump at the chance to play in a "Final Four." The semifinals could be played at two sites on one Friday night and the winners could play at Aloha Stadium or War Memorial Stadium the following week.
The HHSAA could sell the television and radio rights to the highest bidder and no doubt make a nice profit on the deal.
I'll bet the HHSAA could sell corporate sponsorships to the game as well. How does the Aloha Airlines Prep Bowl grab you? Or the Outrigger Hotels Prep Bowl? Or the First Hawaiian Bank Prep Bowl?
The ILH maintains an air of idealism, but I guarantee when the money starts to pile up, it'll come around.
Second, the HHSAA should take the regional concept to the other sports as well.
The schools in the state could be divided into four "regions" that go beyond island boundaries.
Regional tournaments could be established and played on the various islands. People on the Big Island, I'm sure, would love to hold a regional basketball tournament, for instance. Imagine the excitement in Hilo if the Vikings got to play Punahou or Kalaheo at home or at Afook-Chinen Auditorium. The place would be packed to the rafters.
The same would go for matchups at the Maui Civic Center or at the Cannon Activities Center. Kahuku against Iolani in Laie? C'mon! The joint would be jumpin'.
Regional champions could meet for a Final Four in whichever facility's governing body bid the most money.
It's time to generate some renewed interest in high school sports and increase the revenue streams for member schools. Here's hoping the HHSAA seizes the day.