HHSAA SADDENED BY PASSING OF U.S. REP. K. MARK TAKAI

The Hawai'i High School Athletic Association is deeply saddened by the passing of U.S. Rep. K. Mark Takai and would like to express its sympathy and support to Mark's family. As a championship swimmer at Pearl City High School, Mark was a model student-athlete who excelled in the pool, the classroom, student government and other extra-curricular activities and community service. In 1985, he became Pearl City's first inductee into the prestigious Hawai'i High School Hall of Honor and was a loyal supporter of the program ever since, including this past June when he wrote an inspiring and heartfelt message to the Class of 2016 inductees.

After high school, Mark continued to achieve great things in athletics, academics, student government and extra-curricular activities and community service at the University of Hawai'i, and then became a loyal and productive advocate for education and athletics throughout his career as a state legislator and U.S. Congressman. Throughout high school and beyond, Mark served as a positive role model for all Hawai'i student-athletes and will continue to do so through his legacy.

“Mark is the finest example of what high school athletics is all about,” said HHSAA Executive Director Chris Chun. “A standout athlete, public servant and friend – the HHSAA is forever grateful for Mark's contributions to Hawai'i, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Takai 'ohana during this difficult time.”

About the HHSAA

Founded in 1956, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) educational athletic organization exclusively dedicated to serving 96 public and independent member high schools statewide, as they work cooperatively to support and promote athletics as part of the high school education program. As the umbrella organization of high school athletics, the HHSAA operates 44 state championships in 18 different sports, establishing consistent standards and rules for competition, in addition to providing professional development opportunities for coaches and athletic administrators.

For more information on the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, go to www.sportshigh.com.

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