Author: hawaiisportshalloffame_tih3ud

CONTRIBUTOR – HONOLULU MARATHON CEO Jim Barahal Dr. James Barahal, has been the president of the Honolulu Marathon for 27 years. Since taking over the event in 1987, Barahal has developed the race into one of the world’s largest marathons and the biggest economic impact sporting event in Hawaii. It generates more than $100 million…

WORLD CHAMPION – SKEET SHOOTING James Austin James Austin began working as a trap boy and shooting a few rounds of skeet in 1946 at the Honolulu Skeet Club. Austin shot his first registered targets in 1957 and entered his first major competition at the 1962 Montreal National Championships. He won the Territorial and State…

PIONEER – SUMO WRESTLING Saleva’a “Konishiki” Atisanoe Salevaa Atisanoe, former sumotori Konishiki, was the first foreigner to reach the rank of ozeki (champion) in Japan’s national sport. He began his professional sumo career in 1982 and retired in 1997 at the 2nd highest rank in the sport. Atisanoe decided to pursue his future in sumo…

OLYMPIC MEDALIST – JUDO Kevin Asano Kevin Asano won the Silver Medal in Extra Lightweight Judo Competition at the 1988 Olympics. On his way to capturing the medal he beat Shinji Hosokawa who was the current World Champion and 1984 Gold Medalist. Asano came close to winning the Gold Medal, but lost it on a…

PIONEER – PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL Charles Teetai Ane Charles Teetai Ane graduated from Punahou School in 1947. He went on to Compton Junior College in 1949 and was named to the Junior College All-American First Team. He transferred to the University of Southern California in 1950 and was named to the All-Pacific Coast First Team. He…

OLYMPIC MEDALIST – SWIMMING Thelma Kalama Aiu Thelma Kalama Aiu shattered national swimming records at Kaimuki High School when she was 17 years old. She won a gold medal at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, England, winning in the 4 X 100-meter free-style team relay. BORN 1931

CONTRIBUTOR – sURFING Ben Aipa Ben Aipa didn’t start surfing until his early 20s, when an ankle injury sidelined the 5’8″, 240-lb. linebacker’s semi-pro football career. Shortly after taking up the sport, Aipa was competing at surfing’s highest levels: a finalist at the 1965 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Contest at Sunset Beach as well as finishing…

NATIONAL CHAMPION – VOLLEYBALL Tita Ahuna Tita Ahuna began her love for volleyball as a starting freshman on the Kamehameha Schools Girls Varsity team. Not only did she start as a freshman on the volleyball team, she also was on the basketball and softball teams. During her senior year she also had a chance to…

PIONEER – PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL Junior Ah You Junior Ah You was a high school, college and professional football star. He began his career as a standout player for Kahuku High School in both football and basketball, graduating with the Class of 1969. As a college player for Arizona State he participated in the Fiesta Bowl…