HHSAA to honor Takai

K. Mark Takai was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 1985.
K. Mark Takai was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 1985.

The HHSAA is renaming its swimming and diving championships after late congressman K. Mark Takai.

The 1985 Hall of Honor inductee won the gold medal in the 100 freestyle in 1984 and was just the second boy to crack 48 seconds with his 47.9 clocking. He also won the 100 breaststroke that year with a time of 57.72 and defended his title the next year with a 59.98 effort.

He was the first swimmer inducted into the Hall of Honor, leading the way for 19 others in the select club including Aukai Lilekis of Punahou and Kamehameha’s Kaeo Kruse last year. He is still the only OIA swimmer to have been inducted.


The HHSAA will have a dedication ceremony on the first day of states on Feb. 10 at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex during the first day of competition.

The short program will begin at 2 p.m. with events starting at 2:30.


The former U.S. representative died in July after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 49 years old.


The event has been named the OC16 Swimming and Diving Championships since 2012.

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