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 HAWAIIAN FOOTBALL
Founded in 1975, Hawaiian Football stands as a Maui-based nonprofit organization with a steadfast commitment to unfurling the Hawaiian national banner across the global football stage. The beating heart of Hawaiian Football lies within its National Teams, designed to play a pivotal role in the restoration and rebuilding of Hawaiian national identity.
By intertwining education, national pride, and international sport, Hawaiian Football’s National Teams embody the unifying and humanitarian aspects intrinsic to global football. Hawaiian Football strives to be a vessel that not only represents, but also expresses the national character and culture of the Hawaiian Islands, through the aloha spirit and the beautiful game.
KU‘I KA LONO
HAWAIIAN FOOTBALL NEWS
