Hui Kanaka Pōwāwae to Launch Talent ID & Development Program
WAILUKU, MAUI – Today, Hui Kanaka Pōwāwae announced plans to launch Mākaukau Kanaka – a Talent ID & Development Program – this November. The primary purpose of the program is to identify, develop, and expose top talent to the demands of international standards of play, starting with monthly Ke Kikowaena Lauaki – talent training centers – on the main Hawaiian Islands. From there, top performers – boys and girls who are 12-U and older – will be selected to compete in domestic and international programs and events.
“Exposing top footballers to challenging environments is a vital step towards maximizing their full potential. We have a long road ahead of us, but we [Kanaka Pōwāwae] are ready; Hawaiʻi is ready.”
As stated by Kanaka Pōwāwae’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Vernon Kapua‘ala, “creating these ‘Centers of Talent’ – where players continually compete for positions on a roster – is critical in developing excellence. Such conditions, for the most part, do not exist in Hawai‘i’s footballing culture. Top players don’t show up to training, worried about losing their spot on the team. Mākaukau Kanaka will provide that, and so much more.”
“We are not just training athletes”, said Kahu, Kanaka Pōwāwae, Dr. Kekoa Harman. “We will ho‘omākaukau – help to prepare them for their bright futures as responsible and contributing adults to the community and hopefully to the world.”
Technical Director, Ian Mork, added, “it’s an extensive, far-reaching program that will take time to develop. Exposing top footballers to challenging environments is a vital step toward maximizing their full potential. We have a long road ahead of us, but we [Kanaka Pōwāwae] are ready; Hawai‘i is ready.”