Two things you’re probably aware of here are that we are a proud state and we take great pride in the many unique facets of our island home- including our aloha spirit and big-time celebrating of locals who accomplish big things.
Many here are uplifted when a local person or entity shines on a bigger stage- nationally or even worldwide. Part of this has to do with our historical sense of often being the underdogs, our relative isolation from any nearby land forms or people, and our expected sense of humility, a much-prized trait locally.
I recently relished two items that simply made me smile. First was the Kahuku High School football team beating 2022 national champion, St. John Bosco, 30-23, in Laie on September 16. And two days later, I felt a sense of pride at the continuing and amazing saga of Iam Tongi, who will be singing locally in concert at (undoubtedly sold out) shows in December.
Kahuku has been an entrenched football powerhouse for many years, alongside St. Louis High, but on September 18, Kahuku made its first-ever appearance in the MaxPreps Top 10 rankings due to its exciting defeat of previously #3-ranked Bosco (from Bellflower, CA.). A last-minute quarterback draw did the trick as the Red Raiders stunned the Braves, who lost their first out-of-state game in six years. Even more impressive, Kahuku was trounced by #1-ranked Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA.), 55-8, just one week earlier. We witnessed resiliency, teamwork, pride, overcoming adversity and all of those other life lessons learned very quickly by this never-say-die Kahuku squad!
As for Mr. Tongi…a son of Kahuku who six months ago told a worldwide audience on TV’s “American Idol” that he’d left Hawai`i because he and his family had been priced out of “paradise”, as he called it. This homecoming is yet one more triumphant acknowledgment of how he’s overcome onerous odds while maintaining personal dreams, as this teen’s career plans are falling into place through perseverance, honesty, warmth, and those dulcet tones.
Perhaps Tongi will join the list of local musical artists who’ve expanded their fan bases far beyond our shores- like Don Ho, Bette Midler, Bruddah Iz, Jack Johnson, Jake Shimabukuro, and Bruno Mars, to name a few.
Ka huku means “the projection” and the Kahuku’s fabulous footballers and Iam Tongi are certainly projecting positive vibes from their North Shore roots this fall!
Think about it…