Hawaiian Football Expresses Profound Aloha for Transformative Support
WAILUKU, MAUI – In a heartfelt expression, Hawaiian Football President and Chief Executive Officer, Vernon Kapua‘ala extends profound aloha and gratitude to distinct American youth soccer and Native Hawaiian community leaders, with special recognition to Māori Football Aotearoa, the Mena Foundation, Hawai‘i Petroleum, Minit Stop, Ohana Fuels, Young Brothers, and Aloha Air Cargo, for their outstanding collective impact across the Islands, with a particular emphasis on Maui.
The commitment and generosity displayed by these esteemed individuals and organizations towards Hawaiian Football transcends mere time and financial support. It ignited hope by laying the foundation for a promising future for Native Hawaiians through national and international sport — a powerful catalyst for positive intergenerational change.
In the landmark year of 2023, the National Teams of Hawaiian Football achieved a significant milestone by proudly representing the Hawaiian national banner on the global football stage. In a remarkable display of cultural exchange, sporting achievement, and international respect, U16 and U18 Native Hawaiian football talents from across the Islands and within the diaspora secured notable victories during intense friendly matches against youth teams in Hawai‘i, Northern California, and Aotearoa, New Zealand.
In the landmark year of 2023, the National Teams of Hawaiian Football achieved a significant milestone by proudly representing the Hawaiian national banner on the global football stage. In a remarkable display of cultural exchange, sporting achievement, and international respect, U16 and U18 Native Hawaiian football talents from across the
Islands and within the diaspora secured notable victories during intense friendly matches against youth teams in Hawai‘i, Northern California, and Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Auckland City FC reported on this thrilling encounter, highlighting the skill and determination exhibited by the Hawaiian U18 men’s team during their 2023 Aotearoa tour. This on-field success is part of a larger narrative explored by global football journalist, Samindra Kunti, as published by Forbes in July 2023. The article delves into Hawai‘i's unique soccer voyage, revealing how Hawaiian Football is leveraging the beautiful game to reclaim national character and identity.
Founded in 1975 and based on Maui, Hawaiian Football evolved over the years to impact over 7,000 youth club soccer players across Hawai‘i annually. In 2020, Hawaiian Football critically shifted, redirecting its focus to prioritize Native Hawaiians, the most vulnerable and marginalized within their own homeland.
Hawaiian Football’s National Teams integrates historical and cultural education with national and international sport. The collective expression of aloha ‘āina (love of land) and aloha kanaka (love for mankind) is purposed to harness the humanitarian values intrinsic to global football and Hawaiian nationals.
VERNON KAPUA‘ALA | PRESIDENT & CEO
I am deeply honored and humbled to extend great aloha and profound gratitude to all of our players, coaches, volunteers, educators, cultural practitioners, and donors, especially to the folks at Māori Football Aotearoa, the Mena Foundation, Hawai‘i Petroleum, Minit Stop, Young Brothers, and Aloha Air Cargo. Their trust, generosity, and steadfast belief in stewardship for the Native Hawaiian community are crucial elements in the ongoing creation of a new narrative of hope, resilience, and transformation of Hawaiian society through sport.
ABOUT THE FEDERATION
Founded in 1975, Hawaiian Football (Hui Kanaka Pōwāwae) is a Maui-based nonprofit organization committed to representing Hawaiians on the global football stage. Guided by the values of pono (righteousness), aloha ‘āina (love of country), and aloha kānaka (love for humanity), the Federation’s mission is to strengthen the overall well-being and resilience of Native Hawaiians for generations through the global platform of football. Its vision is to cultivate a strong sporting nation rooted in Hawaiian national character and identity, with its teams serving as modern symbols of culture, unity, and pride.
Hawaiian Football’s National Teams—Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i—provide a powerful platform for Hawaiian athletes to showcase their talents and represent the Hawaiian State with distinction. Through its programs, the Federation integrates Hawaiian language, history, and cultural education, using football as a vehicle for global engagement and the collective expression of national identity.
KU‘I KA LONO
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