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Latest news

Young at heart: Reggie Torres serving students, keeping up with grandchildren

By Paul Honda on March 27, 2021

Growing up in Punaluu, Reginald Torres was a busy, active boy. “Reggie” knew everybody. Everybody knew Reggie. Above all, he grew up playing multiple sports with a love for learning that was matched by his love for competition. These days, he and wife Lita have a new love: 10 grandchildren. “I like to stay young at heart, to stay busy. I’m lucky enough that I can still move with my grandchildren, so I want to keep moving with them as […]

Move to Tier 3 could have impact on ILH decisions for spring and postponed sports

By Paul Honda on February 25, 2021

There are possibilities under Tier 3 that didn’t exactly exist in Tier 2 for Oahu’s youth and high school athletes. The executive order was officially approved by Gov. David Ige on Thursday morning, 12:01 a.m. The move into a more lenient and flexible tier — for the first time since the pandemic forced closure of schools last March — means organized youth and high school sports have a stronger chance of returning for spring season. That includes football and girls […]

Good news for prep sports: Mayor Rick Blangiardi announces Oahu’s move to Tier 3

By Paul Honda on February 23, 2021

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi has announced a move from Tier 2 to Tier 3, effective Thursday, which could have a significant impact on high school and youth organized sports on Oahu. His live press conference on Facebook Live referred to sports several times. Blangiardi: “Today, I want to announce effective Thursday morning, 12:01 a.m., we officially move to Tier 3, and with that comes a relaxation of the rules. We got there ahead of schedule thanks to all of you. […]


Andria Tupola: Mayor Blangiardi has amendments to tier system

By Paul Honda on February 12, 2021

The movement is gaining speed for Safe Sports Hawaii. Councilmember Andria Tupola revealed on Friday morning that Mayor Rick Blangiardi has made amendments to the existing tier system of restrictions regarding COVID-19. >> Gyms and fitness facilities will be allowed to open at 25-percent capacity. >> Indoor group physical activities are allowed with no more than five people. >> Outdoor group physical activities, a team, up to 10. The updated guide now includes those amendments and is viewable here. (Note: […]

National Federation of High Schools: No more tiers on COVID-19 restrictions

By Paul Honda on February 2, 2021

The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) has removed tiers from its recommended guidelines regarding COVID-19. The NFHS wrote: “Two of those factors are that prevailing community infection rates appear to be the strongest predictor for high school athletes being infected, and proven cases of direct COVID-19 transmission during athletics remain relatively rare. “The other recommended factors to consider are that participants in non-contact sports show lower rates of COVID-19 infection than those in contact sports, participants in outdoor sports show lower rates […]

Safe Sports Hawaii releases 44-page book of guidelines for all sports

By Paul Honda on January 29, 2021

On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council unanimously approved RES21-018 CD1, submitted by Councilmember Andria Tupola. On Friday evening, Safe Sports Hawaii released a 44-page guide examining its guidelines for protocols and safety, covering everything from ballroom dancing to wrestling. The foreword is provided by Tupola and former Hawaii and CFL football standout Chad Owens. The resolution and the guide are in the hands of new mayor Rick Blangiardi. Organized youth and high school sports are currently not permitted at City […]

City Council unanimously approves Safe Sports Hawaii resolution

By Paul Honda on January 27, 2021

It is official for the continuing mission to bring youth and high school sports back, at least on Oahu. The Honolulu City Council passed RES21-018 CD1, spearheaded by Councilmember Andria Tupola, on Wednesday at Honolulu Hale. The measure was drawn up by Safe Sports Hawaii and passed by a 9-0 vote. Now, it moves to Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s office for examination and adjusting. “COVID-19 has brought a new challenge to the world and this comes with a set of protocols […]

Spring Sports Coaches Poll: Optimism for most outdoor sports, doubt about football

By Paul Honda on December 30, 2020

Confidence in high school sports is fairly high for air riflery, Cross country, baseball, esports, golf, softball, tennis and track and field — despite the ongoing challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaii Prep World polled dozens of coaches in spring and postponed fall sports. Twenty-two of them responded over the weekend — before the ILH made an announcement about cancellation of five winter sports. Coaches from the OIA, ILH, MIL and BIIF participated in the voting. Postponed fall sports […]