FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Primary contact: Hoku Haliniak haliniak@hhsaa.org Secondary contact: Natalie Iwamoto iwamoto@hhsaa.org

Two dozen lava-impacted student athletes participating at Kea‘au High School

PAHOA, Hawaii – While the leading edge of the Pahoa lava flow has temporarily stalled, winter sports seasons for Big Island high school athletic programs are going full speed ahead.

HHSAA Executive Chris Chun stated, “Being that this situation has been declared a national disaster, it is my recommendation that you vote to adopt this proposal as drafted and approved by the BIIF for immediate implementation.”

In November, the HHSAA Board unanimously approved if students-athletes reside in lavaimpacted area (as of 10/31/14) and transfer to any school you get instant eligibility for the remainder of the 2014-15 school year.

The latest report to the Hawaii High School Athletic Association has two dozen lava-displaced student athletes from Pahoa High School participating with neighboring Kea‘au High School.

Kea‘au High School Athletic Director Iris McGuire reported that some of these student-athletes have moved into the district, while others were affected because of new boundaries drawn in anticipation of lava impact.

Currently, 180 students remain at Pahoa High School, including 50 student-athletes. “I will not close our athletic programs,” said Principal Darlene Bee. “Athletics is a huge part of Pahoa and is the spirit that helps keep Pahoa going. Our booster club is a great help and we are hoping to continue what we have now.”