Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame Announces Induction Banquet

Honolulu, HI (May 21, 2025) – The Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame proudly announces its annual Induction Banquet to be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025. This prestigious event celebrates the outstanding achievements of Hawaii’s finest sports figures. The evening promises to be a memorable occasion filled with honor, camaraderie, and the spirit of Aloha.

This year’s distinguished inductees include:

• Chad Owens
  Chad Owens, a proud graduate of Roosevelt High School and the University of Hawai‘i, made his name as an explosive football player with unmatched versatility. Nicknamed “Mighty Mouse,” Owens starred as a wide receiver and return specialist for the UH Warriors before being drafted into the NFL by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2005. After his NFL journey, Owens found success in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he recently achieved a milestone by being inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame class of 2024. Known for his record-breaking return yards and heart on the field, Owens continues to inspire and develop Hawai‘i’s next generation of athletes through training and community outreach initiatives.
• Mike Rothwell
  Mike Rothwell is a talented sailor who represented the United States with pride on the international stage. Born in Honolulu, Rothwell etched his name into Olympic history by winning a silver medal in the Tornado class sailing event at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. His success brought attention to Hawai‘i’s strong sailing culture and helped inspire future generations of watermen and women across the islands. Rothwell’s legacy remains anchored in excellence, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for the ocean.
• David McFaull
  David McFaull was an accomplished sailor and Olympic medalist from Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Alongside teammate Mike Rothwell, McFaull earned a silver medal in the Tornado class sailing event at the 1976 Summer Olympics. His skill and dedication on the water exemplified the spirit of Hawaiian seafaring tradition. A true competitor and ambassador for the sport, McFaull helped elevate sailing in the islands to international recognition and remains a respected figure in Hawai‘i’s rich athletic history.
• 2005 Ewa Beach Little League World Series Team
  The 2005 Ewa Beach Little League World Series Team made history by becoming the first team from Hawai‘i to win the prestigious Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Coached by Layton Aliviado, the team captured national attention with their heart, hustle, and dramatic walk-off home run in the championship game against Curaçao. Their victory united communities across the islands and inspired a new wave of youth baseball talent in Hawai‘i. The team’s triumph continues to be celebrated as one of the most iconic sports moments in local history.
• Tony Leiato
  Originally from American Samoa and raised in Hawai‘i, Tony Leiato is celebrated for his remarkable strength and athleticism both on the football field and in powerlifting. A standout linebacker at the University of Oregon, Leiato earned a reputation for his physical dominance and relentless drive. Beyond football, he became a force in the sport of powerlifting, where his incredible strength and discipline led to multiple accolades and recognition. His induction honors his excellence in powerlifting and his broader legacy as a resilient and inspiring figure in Hawai‘i’s athletic community.

Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these Hawaii’s sports legends.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025
• Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  (formal program and dinner will commence at 6:15 p.m.).
• Location: Honolulu Country Club
• Attire: Aloha attire is recommended to celebrate in true Hawaiian spirit.

Ticket Information:

• Cost per Ticket: $200.00
• Registration: Purchase tickets on the link above

2024 INDUCTION BANQUET

The Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame held its annual Induction Banquet on Thursday, August 8, 2024, celebrating the outstanding achievements of Hawaii’s finest sports figures. This year’s distinguished inductees included:

• James Leahey (Contributor)
  James “Jim” Leahey was a legendary sportscaster in Hawaii, renowned for his work spanning nearly six decades. Known as the primary voice for the University of Hawaii sports on television and radio from 1973 until his retirement in 2018, he provided play-by-play commentary for football, basketball, baseball, and many other sports. During his career, he was known for his meticulous preparation and his ability to capture the emotional essence of the games, often becoming the soundtrack to many memorable moments in Hawaii sports history.
• Christopher Woo (Swimming)
  As a former competition swimmer and world record-holder, Christopher Woo represented the United States at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Quebec. Woo competed in the final of the men’s 100-meter breaststroke and finished eighth in a time of 1:05.13. He also swam for the gold medal-winning U.S. team in the preliminary heats of the men’s 4×100-meter medley relay.

---

2024 INDUCTION BANQUET