Kawaihau squads start state bids this weekend

KAPA‘A — The Kawaihau Community Little League Minor All-Stars will take the first step toward a state title when they open at the District Tournament, Friday.

“We’ll be matching up against the Kanehohe Nationals,” said head coach Abe Kuhaulua. “Every year, it seems like we open against that team.”

The Kawaihau Minors All-Stars is one of six teams playing for the right to advance to the state tournament.

“In the Minors, the highest level you can go is to the state title,” said Kuhaulua. “In the Majors, you advance beyond the state tournament to the Regionals and upwards until you reach the World Series.”

Last year, the Waipio Little League started its bid for the World Series title by playing at the District tournament hosted by the Kawaihau Community Little League.

In addition to Kawaihau, other teams playing in the Minors District Tournament include the Kaneohe Americans, Kailua A, Kailua B, Kahalu‘u and Kainalu.

Starting June 19, the Kawaihau Community Little League will be putting up a 10-11 All-Star squad into the state tournament for the first time.

“We’re all 11s,” said coach Ken Nagahisa. “The Majors are 12-heavy, so we decided we would put a team together in the 10-11 age group.”

Nagahisa said the state has always had this division, but this will be the first time Kawaihau will be having a team compete at this level.

The Kawaihau Majors Yankees earned the title of that division, Tuesday afternoon with a 5-1 win over the Marlins.

With the completion of the league play, Tuesday, leaders of the Kawaihau Community Little League will meet to decide on the Majors All-Stars that will be participating in the District Tournament later this summer.

Age groups are 9-10 years old for the Minors and 11-12 years old for the Majors.

The Kawaihau 10-11 All-Star team leaves for its state tournament on June 18.